Dwight Howard Rumors: Houston Rockets Like Howard, but Pursuing Other Options Too

The Houston Rockets made another trade on Wednesday, sending Samuel Dalembert and the 14th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft to the Milwaukee Bucks for Jon Brockman, John Leuer, Shaun Livingston, and the 12th pick. That move comes on top of Tuesday's trade of Chase Budinger and the rights to Lior Eliyahu to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 18th pick. With the 12th, 16th, and 18th picks in Thursday's Draft, Houston seems primed to make the Orlando Magic a whopper of a trade offer for All-NBA center Dwight Howard, despite assurances from Howard's camp that he would not stay a Rocket for more than one season.

But Howard isn't the only asset the Rockets covet, and if new Magic GM Rob Hennigan doesn't bite on whatever offer Houston makes, it'll go in a different direction. Ken Berger of CBSSports.com reports the Rockets have abandoned their pursuit of Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol, but have their eyes on other targets, namely "at least one premier pick or 'significant' veterans," says Berger, quoting "a person familiar with the team's plan."

In a Wednesday press conference, Hennigan said he had spoken to Howard while the eight-year veteran rehabilitates his back in Los Angeles, but declined to specify the nature of the talks. "They've been conversations," he said.

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