NBA: Guard Not Ruling Out Rockets Switch, GM Leaves Door Open

The Houston Rockets hold the rights to Spanish point guard/shooting guard Sergio Llull but have failed in trying to bring him to the NBA. They acquired his rights during the 2009 NBA Draft and reportedly almost brought him to the NBA in 2015 but Llull opted to stay in his homeland with Liga ACB and Euroleague outfit Real Madrid.

Llull is considered among the best international players not plying his trade in the NBA but the guard has not ruled out a move in the future despite resisting for so many years. He is currently preparing to lead the Spanish national team at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The 30-year-old praised the Rockets for their offer to bring him to the NBA while he is also grateful the NBA franchise that holds his rights have not forced him to make the switch. He is currently focused on the national team but a future role with the NBA franchise has not been ruled out completely.

“I am not closing the door,” Llull said, as quoted on USA Today Rockets Wire. “I actually appreciate [the] Houston Rockets’ interest every year and also the fact they respect my decision, because they have never pressured me. They are always nice to me, accepting my wishes. Right now, I am focused on the national team.”

The Rockets backcourt is pretty solid this season with James Harden and Russell Westbrook holding down the starting positions while they also have Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers to provide backup of the bench, leaving no room for Llull even if he decides to make the switch. The Spaniard’s current contract with Real Madrid expires in 2021 but according to Rockets Wire, the buyout amount is not very significant.

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has made it clear that the franchise are waiting with open arms whenever Llull wants to make the switch. He also pointed out that there have been number of international players that have made an impact in the NBA despite arriving later in their respective careers.

"A lot of the great international players came over at Sergio’s age or later. We’re here with open arms when he wants to do it. He’s got a lot to accomplish there and here, so we’ll see,” Morey said, via Chris A. White.