Rockets want in on Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge sweepstakes, per report

The Houston Rockets are looking to clear cap space to chase Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge in free agency and could trade power forward Terrence Jones and the No. 18 pick to try to achieve that, reports ESPN's Marc Stein. However, the asking price for both is high, Stein later clarified.

There have been rumors about Aldridge leaving the Trail Blazers to return to his native Texas, but the Spurs and Mavericks have been identified as targets, not the Rockets. Houston was not projected to have enough cap room to offer a max contract, which made them a bad fit for the All-Star power forward. By moving Jones, along with another low salary player and Kostas Papanikolaouo's non-guaranteed contract, they could get closer to that goal. They currently have around $60 million in committed salary and the cap is expected to come in around $67-70 million.

Aldridge would make a good on-court fit in Houston, as he can space the floor next to Dwight Howard while also being able to create for himself in the half court. The Rockets would have to move many players on their roster and renounce free agents to make a serious push to get Aldridge, which would leave them without much depth. It's still a worthy pursuit, as it would secure for them one of the strongest cores in the league.

Kevin Love is also in their sights. Love recently opted out of his contract in Cleveland and is expected to re-sign there, but with chemistry issues characterizing his sole season as a Cavalier, it wouldn't be surprising to see him explore his options. His role would be similar on the Rockets, as James Harden is the first option on offense. But if Love is seriously looking for a change of scenery, joining a contender like the Rockets would make a lot of sense.