James Harden Chris Paul Rockets
James Harden #13 and Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets (R) talk on the bench in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on November 26, 2018 in Washington, DC. Rob Carr/Getty Images

After being ousted in the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors for the fourth time in five years, the Houston Rockets are searching for ways to improve the roster. As the team looks to finally get over the hump and reach the NBA Finals, general manager Darryl Morey is reportedly open to making major changes for the 2019-2020 season.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets are being aggressive in speaking with other front offices, making “all picks and players available in talks.” Wojnarowski noted that James Harden is likely the only player that wouldn’t be traded, indicating Chris Paul could be moved in the right deal.

The New York Times’ Marc Stein responded to the report by saying Houston has gauged the market on Clint Capela in recent days.

Wojnarowski called a potential James Harden deal “almost impossible” on “SportsCenter” Wednesday afternoon.

There has been speculation since Houston’s season ended that Paul might have a real chance to be traded this offseason. The Athletic reported that Harden and Paul had tense moments in Game 6 against Golden State that spilled into the locker room after the loss.

It doesn’t come as a shock to hear the Rockets are willing to trade Paul. He’s owed $124 million over the next three years and might no longer be an All-Star caliber playing going forward. Houston could have a real hard time finding a taker for the 34-year-old and his lucrative contract.

Capela is a much more valuable trade asset. The big man is just 25 years old with $74.4 million left on his four-year contract. He could be used to get an impactful player in return for Houston.

Capela averaged 16.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in the regular season. He wasn’t nearly as valuable in the playoffs, where his averages dropped to 9.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Capela had a hard time staying on the floor in crunch time against Golden State.

Next season might actually become Houston’s best chance to win a title, considering Kevin Durant is expected to leave Golden State, making the Warriors much more beatable.

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