Houston offers two-year deal to Dampier
With Yao Ming’s status still in doubt, the Houston Rockets offered a two-year, $4 million contract, to veteran centre Erick Dampier to beef up their frontline for the upcoming NBA season.
According to reports, the Rockets met with Dampier on Wednesday to discuss a possible deal, which will be a valuable move for the Rockets, who are looking to improve this season after missing
this year’s play-offs.
The Rockets, which dealt Trevor Ariza to the Hornets last month, are also interested in Utah Jazz center Kyrylo Fesenko, but Utah is expected to match any contract that will be offered to
their 23-year old restricted free agent, who averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds in 8.3 minutes per game in his third NBA season.
General manager Daryl Morey declined to confirm the reports, but he said that team owner Leslie Alexander gave them a go signal on signing any available player who can help them in their
campaign next season.
“We’re happy with our group, but we’re constantly looking at good players if they become available,” Morey said. “There are some bigs that might be available, and Mr. Alexander has approved
spending money, but anything happening would be a long shot.”
On the other hand, the 14-year veteran is also expected to receive an offer from the star-studded Miami Heat. The Heat has quality players in the centre position like Zydrunas Ilgauskas,
Joel Anthony, Jamaal Magloire, and rookie Dexter Pittman, but Heat president Pat Riley is still looking for an established starting centre.
The 6ft 11in former Mississippi State standout also expressed his intentions of joining a contender, and reports said that Miami will be on top of Dampier’s list once he’s released by the
Bobcats. Memphis Grizzlies are also expected to make on their own pitch for the free agent centre.
Dampier, who was waived by the Charlotte Bobcats to avoid being over the luxury tax, tallied six points, and 7.3 rebounds last season with the Dallas Mavericks, before being traded to Charlotte
along with Eduardo Najera and Matt Carroll in exchange for Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca.
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