Houston Rockets Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline

As the NBA trade deadline draws closer, the Houston Rockets' cauldron boils a little bit more.  Power forward Luis Scola (pictured) was nearly dealt to New Orleans at the start of the season in the initial Chris Paul trade, and now there's the possibility of him being dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers for Pau Gasol.

At the same time, there's word of dynamic point guard Kyle Lowry being sent along with him. 

Pulling off such a move would be a peculiar one for Houston, who currently sits as the No. 7 team in the extremely competitive Western Conference.  Were they to go on a big run, they could easily move into the upper tier of teams.

That said, let's analyze some of the buzz that has surrounded the team over the past week or so.

UPDATE: Rockets Trade for C Marcus Camby

Update 3/15: Yahoo Sports is reporting the Rockets have traded Jonny Flynn and Hasheem Thabeet to the Blazers for C Marcus Camby.

The Rockets now have the center they were looking for. After Dwight Howard was taken off the market, they looked for the next available center. They got their man for a low price.

Dumping Dead Weight in Terrence Williams?

Former Louisville star Terrence Williams was taken 11th overall in the 2009 draft, and since then, he has developed a reputation as a showboater with a lazy attitude.  He has appeared in just 12 games this year, averaging 15.1 minutes and 4.5 points per contest.

In a report by Alex Raskin of HOOPSWORLD, Williams has stated that he would not be upset if he were dealt.  Seeing as how his contract expires at the end of the season and that the Rockets are set at shooting guard with Kevin Martin and Courtney Lee, it's basically just a matter of finding a buyer.

Still, a reputation as someone with an attitude problem is something that's hard to shake.  Thus, trading Williams is easier said than done.  Even if he is dealt, chances are the Rockets won't get much in return.

Pau Gasol to Houston?

As was mentioned earlier, rumors have been rampant about the Rockets making a deal for Pau Gasol.  Ken Berger of CBS Sports reports that both Houston and the Lakers are discussing a deal, but nothing is imminent yet.

At the same time, ESPN's John Hollinger proposes a deal that would essentially have both teams giving each other a king's ransom in a trade that involves Gasol, Luis Scola, Chase Budinger and many more.

No matter how things pan out, this is a deal to keep our eyes on over the next week.

Kyle Lowry to the Lakers?

The Lakers need an upgrade at point guard and are interested in Lowry, but Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated tweets that the former Villanova Wildcat is not part of any deal involving Pau Gasol. 

Lowry has really come into his own since becoming the leader at the point in Houston.  This season alone, he is averaging 15.9 points, 7.2 assists and even 5.3 rebounds.

He may not be involved in any trade talks involving Gasol now, but a move to the West Coast should not be completely ruled out.  The Rockets have had their eye on Gasol all season, and if they can get a legitimate point guard in return, like rookie Darius Morris, GM Daryl Morey could easily change his tune.

Dwight Howard Rental?

The Rockets currently have Samuel Dalembert at center, and he hasn't done a bad job.  In 41 games, he has averaged 7.9 points and 7.6 rebounds.

Still, if you have the opportunity to rent Dwight Howard for a late-season playoff push, you do all you can to jump at it, and the Rockets could easily do this.  

However, as is the case with all A-list players, there's a catch.

According to Brian K. Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel, any deal involving the Rockets and Howard would need to include Kyle Lowry, and seeing as how the deal would just be a rental, it's doubtful that the Magic would involve suitable compensation.

Kaman to the Rockets?

The Hornets have been listening to offers for Chris Kaman and his expiring contract all year long, and a bevy of teams are interested.  The former lottery pick has done a decent job of staying healthy this year and is averaging 12.5 points to go with 7.9 rebounds.

Sam Anick of SI.com reports the Rockets as being one of five teams interested in acquiring Kaman, yet they are hesitant to make a deal for a couple of reasons.  First, the NBA-owned Hornets are looking to get young players and draft picks in return for any player they trade, and that's honestly a bit much for an expiring contract.  Second, the Rockets and other teams are awaiting the word on Dwight Howard's situation.

Still, Kaman would be a great fit in Houston.  As good a defender as Samuel Dalembert is, Kaman is a better offensive threat at the 5-spot and is a defensive pest in his own right.  If the right deal can be made, Morey should pull the trigger.