LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets and Chris Paul #3 of the LA Clippers look on during the second half of a game at Staples Center on April 10, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Chris Paul Rumors: Rockets Trying to Clear Cap Space to Pursue PG in Free Agency

Alec NathanJun 24, 2017

Chris Paul reportedly informed the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday that he will opt out of his player option and become an unrestricted free agent, according to the Los Angeles Times' Brad Turner, and speculation is already swirling about where he could land next.

Appearing on a Saturday edition of SportsCenter, ESPN's Chris Haynes (h/t Ben DuBose of the Locked On Rockets podcast) said the Houston Rockets have a "serious chance of luring Chris Paul away" from the Clippers, and noted the Rockets plan to "aggressively" pursue the veteran.

In fact, Haynes said the Rockets are so interested in pursuing Paul that they are "trying to clear enough cap space" so he can join James Harden in Houston.

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That news comes two days after ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported the Rockets plan to go "hard" after Paul.

But as Haynes noted, the Rockets will need to open up some cash flow in order to afford a player of Paul's caliber.

According to Stein, the Rockets have already made Lou Williams (due $7 million for 2017-18 season), Ryan Anderson ($19.6 million) and Patrick Beverley ($5.5 million) available on the trade block.

Stein also reported that in addition to Paul, the Rockets have Paul Millsap, Kyle Lowry and Blake Griffin "in their summer sights" with the start of free agency fast approaching July 1.

Contract information courtesy of Spotrac.com.