National Basketball Association

Report: Rockets plan to pursue Bosh if they fail to lure 'Melo

Published Jul. 5, 2014 8:22 a.m. ET

foxsports

With everyone focused on LeBron James' next move, the Houston Rockets might be taking aim at another member of the Big 3.

The Rockets plan to pursue free-agent forward Chris Bosh if their efforts to lure Carmelo Anthony prove unsuccessful, ESPN reports.

Houston met with Anthony earlier this week, selling him on teaming up with All-Stars James Harden and Dwight Howard. But it appears as though Anthony will return to the New York Knicks, who are reportedly willing to offer Anthony a maximum five-year, $129 milllion contract. Yahoo! Sports/FOX Sports 1 NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Anthony left his meeting with Knicks officials with an increased confidence in the franchise's direction.

The Rockets also were one of five teams hand-picked by James' agent to make their pitch for the superstar free agent. But Houston reportedly isn't considered a favorite to land the four-time MVP.

Bosh, who opted out of his deal with the Heat, reportedly is looking for a five-year, $90 million deal. Couple that with James' desire for a maximum contract, and the Heat, who also still need to re-sign Dwyane Wade, would have very little room to improve the roster.

The Rockets have already cleared cap space after trading center Omer Asik to the New Orleans Pelicans and can add more cap flexibility by dealing point guard Jeremy Lin. Bosh, a Dallas native, would fit well in Houston's high-powered offense, giving the Rockets a power forward with 3-point range.