They already traded him once in the failed Pau Gasol deal, so it doesn't appear that Luis Scola is untouchable in Houston. Especially because the Rockets are trying to trade him again.
Having added two power forwards to the roster on draft night it's pretty clear Scola is expendable. According to ESPN.com, the Rockets are actively shopping their veteran forward.
The Houston Rockets are actively looking to trade veteran power forward Luis Scola, according to league sources briefed on Houston's plans.
Although a specific trade partner for Houston has not yet emerged, sources told ESPN.com that the Rockets -- stocked with big forwards after coming away with Royce White and Terrence Jones in the NBA draft earlier this week -- are working to find a new home for Scola as they rebuild their roster.
Veteran guards Kyle Lowry and Kevin Martin have also been made available in various trade scenarios by the Rockets as they continue to stockpile young assets as part of their well-chronicled intent to pursue Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard or another franchise player in trade scenarios.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Rockets are trying to move pieces after the way draft night went down for them. They acquired three first round picks in what appeared to be an effort to position to move into the high lottery or make a run at a star player. Obviously, that didn't work. The Rockets took three players and now can look to package those three in a deal, or just begin a rebuild around them.
Jeremy Lamb was taken 12th and with veteran Kevin Martin playing in front of him, it's pretty clear one of the two needs to go. Same goes for Scola and the two new forwards drafted.
Scola, 32, averaged 15.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in 2011-12, his lowest averages since the 2008-09 season. What his market value is will be determined, but the Rockets are probably the most active team on the phone right now.
General manager Daryl Morey has been positioning for years to land a marquee star player, but has been unsuccessful. Dwight Howard has reportedly made it clear he isn't interested in Houston, but that doesn't seem to be stopping the Rockets from trying.
