April 21, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Luis Scola (4) lays a shot in over Golden State Warriors small forward Richard Jefferson (44) during the first quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE
The Argentinian power forward has three years and $21 million left on his deal with Houston, but will reportedly be let go as the Rockets continue to pursue a trade for Dwight Howard.
The Houston Rockets will amnesty power forward Luis Scola, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. Scola still has three years and $21 million left on his deal with the Rockets, but Wojnarowski reports that the team will inform the NBA on Friday that they are using the amnesty provision in the league's collective bargaining agreement to rid themselves of the Argentinian's contract.
Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey is reportedly using the provision on Scola to clear further cap space as an asset in the team's continued pursuit of a trade with the Orlando Magic that would net them coveted center Dwight Howard. With Scola off the books, the Rockets will be able to take on additional hefty contracts that the Magic would love to unload with Howard:
Scola has three years and $21 million left on his contract. The Rockets are clearing space in pursuit of a Dwight Howard deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 12, 2012
Removing Scola's contract from the books would also give Houston room to provide Howard with another top-flight running buddy, as Wojnarowski notes:
Once Houston amnesties Scola, Rockets will be able to absorb 2nd max deal next summer in addition to Howard now. Gives them chance for CP3.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 12, 2012
It's yet another aggressive play by Morey, as Scola is one of the most productive players to be amnestied since the provision became available in the new CBA crafted during last year's lockout. Wojnarowski expects the Dallas Mavericks -- who expressed immediate interest in Elton Brand after it was reported last week that he would be amnestied by the Philadelphia 76ers -- will make a strong push for Scola:
The Mavericks will be aggressive bidders for Scola on the amnesty wire, league sources said. Dallas is serious about Elton Brand too.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 12, 2012
For more on the Houston Rockets and their pursuit of Dwight Howard, visit The Dream Shake and SB Nation Houston.
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