After failing to net a big-name free agent, the Houston Rockets reportedly are turning their attention to making a trade with the Boston Celtics for guard Rajon Rondo. Newly acquired Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons, meanwhile, admitted he felt "offended" by the way Houston's front office handled him.
Houston failed to sign LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh in free agency and passed on re-signing Parsons. Although free agency hasn't gone as planned by the Rockets, who cleared a chunk of cap space to sign a major free agent, the team reportedly is now focused on acquiring Rondo.
"So look for Rockets to re-enter trade game for longtime Houston target Rajon Rondo as well as try to work their way into (the) mix for Kevin Love," ESPN's Marc Stein tweeted Monday.
Houston, though, is short on assets valuable enough to entice Boston to part with their four-time NBA All-Star. Although the Celtics appear willing to at least entertain offers for Rondo, the Boston Herald reports the Rondo-to-Rockets rumors have no legs to stand on.
Celtics president Danny Ainge is unlikely to move Rondo for anything less than an amazing offer, and the Celtics appear more determined to trade for Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love, whom they hope to pair with Rondo.
While Houston continues to look for their third star, Parsons admitted he felt offended with the way the team handled his restricted free agency.
"Honestly, I was offended by the whole process," Parsons told Yahoo Sports on Monday, via ESPN. "They publicly said that they were going out looking for a third star when I thought they had one right in front of them. I guess that's just how they viewed me as a player. I don't think I've scratched the surface of where I can be as a player and I think I'm ready for that role."
The Rockets ultimately declined to match the Mavericks' $46 million offer sheet to Parsons.
