Report: Rockets Under Pressure to Make Deals

Per the Houston Chronicle, Rockets GM Daryl Morey is being “extremely active” prior to the trade deadline, with the main goal being to land a big man: “The retooling of the Rockets is on hold, with trade conversations around the NBA in limbo while waiting for the major domino in Denver to fall. But according to several individuals familiar with the Rockets’ involvement in talks, the Rockets expect either big changes to the roster or a small change involving the addition of a big man. ‘They will be extremely active,’ one person involved in talks said. ‘Daryl (Morey, the Rockets’ general manager) is talking to a lot of teams. He feels a lot of pressure to make some changes.’ With the NBA trade deadline two weeks away, Morey has stepped up his pursuit of a center, several individuals said. Everything from the Rockets’ expiring contracts, including the remaining months of Yao Ming’s deal largely paid by insurance, to the Rockets’ younger talent have been a part of talks. Though Morey’s primary goal is to land a centerpiece star, he would be happy to come away from the Feb. 24 trade deadline with a starting center.”