Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reports that the Rockets are trying to deal Thomas Robinson in an effort to clear more cap room for a run at Dwight Howard. The former Kings lottery pick is on the books for about $3.52MM next season, and Houston has made it clear to several teams that they'll accept the best offer. Should the team's effort to deal Robinson be successful, Wojnarowski writes that the Rockets will be able to pitch a max contract offer to Howard starting at nearly $20.5MM per season.
In addition to targeting teams with cap space, Wojnarowski adds that Houston is seeking a trade package that could include assets in the form of a trade exception, draft pick, or non-guaranteed contracts that could be unloaded. With the Mavericks and Warriors expected to be in the race for Dwight once free agency starts, acquiring more cap room for the sake of making a bigger offer can only enhance the Rockets' chances of landing the seven-time All-Star, who one source said is intrigued at the prospect of playing alongside a supporting cast that includes James Harden and Chandler Parsons.