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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Houston Rockets: Latest Trade Rumors, Free-Agent News, Draft Buzz - Bleacher Report

The Houston Rockets missed the playoffs by just two games, and have since been forced to watch the action from home and ponder how they'll make sure they don't miss out next year. Rockets management has now had more than a month to shake off the dust from the 2011-12 season, but things seem even less clear.

With free-agent possibilities, a key player thinking about leaving Houston and the results from the draft lottery, the Rockets have much to sort out now. Following is a run-through of some of the hottest Rockets draft news, trade rumors and general buzz.

Rockets Receive 14th Pick in Draft Lottery

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Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

The Houston Rockets stayed right where they were projected at No. 14 after everything was announced during the draft lottery on Wednesday, per ESPN.

As with any other team, the draft lottery results set off a flurry of speculation about who the Rockets would pick. DraftExpress.com projected the Rockets to take Tyler Zeller of North Carolina with the No. 14 pick, and then Terrence Ross from Washington with the No. 16 pick.

Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle laid out the Rockets' options with a breakdown of 13 players the Rockets could consider with their first-round picks.

The Rockets will have plenty of time to evaluate players to draft in the first round. They'll have several players to keep their eyes on, since the middle of the first round is more wide open than the first five picks.

Kyle Lowry Wants out of Houston

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Elsa/Getty Images

The Houston Rockets might have thought they had security at point guard with the emergence of Kyle Lowry. Now, Lowry looks like he's about the shake the ground underneath Daryl Morey's feet.

Lowry told the Houston Chronicle that he might have issues with Kevin McHale as head coach, saying, "If things aren't changed coaching-wise, I guess I have to be moved."

Possibilities are already emerging in case Lowry goes hard demanding a trade. The Houston Chronicle floated the possibility that he'd be interested in the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers are an interesting possibility since they might be looking for a new point guard if Ramon Sessions doesn't exercise his player option.

The Toronto Sun noted that the Toronto Raptors are interested in Lowry. Raptors coach Dwane Casey praised Lowry, saying, "He's a hell of a competitor. He's the heart and soul and the spirit of the team and I love the way he plays."

The Raptors might not be Lowry's favorite destination, considering their record, but if the Raptors push hard and make a good presentation to the Rockets, it could happen. This might force competition with Jose Calderon if Lowry goes to Toronto, although the Raptors would probably be just as happy to have competition with one more talented player.

The next couple months might reveal whether anything materializes on the trade front with Lowry.

Rockets Scout Suspended

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Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

The Rockets ran into a bit of front office trouble due to business done during the lockout. Rockets personnel scout David Patrick was suspended by the NBA for improper contact with players during the lockout, as Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports! tweeted (per Houston Chronicle).

The Rockets weren't fined for the exchanges.

The NBA said that the contact was personal, not of a business nature.

2011-12 was Patrick's second year in Houston.

Pau Gasol Still a Possibility

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Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

The Rockets could still get Pau Gasol in a trade. The Houston Chronicle broke down persistent rumors that Gasol could go to the Rockets.

This is terrific news for Rockets fans, who watched Luis Scola slide through a down year, with decreased scoring and rebounding and more fouls.

We'll have to see if the rumors turn into real action for the Rockets.

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