Le Basketbawl

After the trading of veteran guard Steve Francis by the Houston Rockets to the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this week there has been rampant speculation that the move was made with the hopes of signing former Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo within the next few days. The “Houston Chronicle” quoted Houston General Manager Daryl Morey, on the reasoning of the decision to cut ties with Francis. Morey told reporters “ We did this deal really for two reasons. First, to get flexibility with the salary cap to sign players and also for Steve to have a chance to get playing time, which had become very difficult here. This gives us what we wanted, which was the flexibility for trades and the ability to take back a little more salary in a trade. When we signed Landry this summer, it put us over, and this will get us enough under so that we can sign a player.”

Mutombo seems to be the player that the Rockets would like to bring into the fold. The 42 year old “Ancient Warrior” stepped into the void last season, when Houston lost starting center Yao Ming for the campaign after he suffered a stress fracture of the foot. Mutombo, who has played 17 seasons in the Association, has also been mentioned in connection with reigning NBA Champs the Boston Celtics, and the San Antonio Spurs. Mutombo has stated that he would like to have his contract status  settled by December 28.