NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets Work On Kyle Lowry Contract; James Harden, Eric Gordon Eye Raptors Star

Feb 28, 2017 08:47 PM EST

The Houston Rockets are turning themselves into formidable challengers of the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference this NBA season. With the James Harden numbers standing out to rival the Russell Westbrook stats, the Eric Gordon team is anticipated to become legitimate contenders for the Finals. To ensure their steady success, the Houston Rockets are said to be looking into signing a Kyle Lowry contract soon.

The Toronto Raptors are slowly sliding in the Eastern Conference where they lag behind the Boston Celtics and are in danger of getting overtaken by the Washington Wizards. With the Kyle Lowry injury news update recently released, their chances of getting the second seed to once again challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs Finals appear to be decreasing. Concerns that a lone DeMar DeRozan could be hard pressed to lead the Toronto Raptors. However, there appears to be a flip side to the situation.

Rumors are rife that the Toronto Raptors are getting tempted to give out the Kyle Lowry contract elsewhere. Among the basketball squads reportedly interested are the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Sacramento Kings. However, the Houston Rockets are said to be the frontrunners in signing a Kyle Lowry contract.

The Houston Rockets only truly pursued one player in free agency: Kevin Durant. Since KD opted to join the Golden State Warriors instead of reuniting with his former OKC teammate James Harden, the Eric Gordon squad is said to have enough cap space to accommodate another All-Star. Speculations indicate that the Houston Rockets could be gunning for a Kyle Lowry contract. This move could exponentially increase their chances of beating the Dub Nation. For his part, the Toronto Raptors star would be joining a notable basketball team - one that has even the opposing groups praising their system.

"When you look back and you look at the addition of (Eric) Gordon, Ryan Anderson, Lou Williams, it fits their system well. What you can't overlook is how they embrace their roles, too," shared Tom Thibodeau of the Houston Rockets.

The Minnesota Timberwolves head coach added, "When you look at (Clint) Capela, you look at Nene and (Montrezl) Harrell, those guys, the way they roll to the basket and put pressure on the rim, it may appear to be a small thing, but it's not. It's a big thing. That's what really opens up the 3-point guard. And of course (James) Harden is such a special and unique player. And guys like (Pat) Beverley and (Trevor) Ariza, they're unsung heroes, but they are incredibly valuable."