LaMarcus Aldridge is not taking another meeting with the Houston Rockets and while early reports say their first meeting went well, the team looks to be losing the race for the power forward. The Rockets are looking to add another star to the team in order to help get over the hump of the Western Conference. With Aldridge not an option, general manager Daryl Morey will set his focus on bringing back the team's current free agents including Patrick Beverley.
The Rockets are in danger of being in the hole at the point guard position. While Houston made it work when Patrick Beverley got injured in the playoffs, the team cannot repeat the success twice. According to the New York Post, Beverley is gaining interest from both the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks while looking for a nice pay raise. Beverley told the Houston Chronicle that he has loyalty to the Rockets, but he also likes the numbers being put out in his favor. The point guard is a restricted free agent so the Rockets can match any number placed on Beverley.
"I have put myself in a position to be set for life and that's something that I never thought was possible growing up," Beverley said, via the Chronicle. "This is the only team in the league - I am very loyal - only team in the league that really took a chance on me. At the end of the day, I understand it's a business. I am hearing numbers I have never heard in my life. It's a blessing. I have worked my (butt) off to get where I am today."
If the Rockets fail to retain Beverley, could they still make a move for Rajon Rondo? According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Rondo is looking for a short-term contract, but at a high price. The Sacramento Kings are pushing hard to acquire Rondo. They have requested a meeting after clearing a large amount of salary cap space. The question is whether or not Rondo wants money or to win. His friendship with Josh Smith could factor into interest in Houston, but the team would have to make key trades in order to afford him.
Morey told the Chronicle that he wants to re-sign both Smith and Corey Brewer in free agency. Interest on Smith has been quiet, but Brewer is gaining looks from several teams. The Rockets cannot afford to wait around for Aldridge. It could cost them other players.