The Evening News: Rockets receive “hopeful signals” from Howard; Sacramento’s play for Ellis

Hello and welcome to the Evening News.

As the playoffs continue, we’ll keep you updated every evening. What’s happening today?

Here’s the latest from around the league:

Rockets gaining confidence in their pursuit of Dwight Howard

Marc Stein of ESPN reports that the Rockets have received “hopeful signals” that Dwight Howard is contemplating a move to Houston when he becomes a free agent, according to sources. 

Howard has reportedly already conveyed his interest in joining the Rockets to James Harden.

Howard plans to make recruiting visits to both Houston and Dallas upon becoming a free agent on July 1. The Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors have also been mentioned in the conversation of teams that the seven-time all star would consider signing with.

Houston would need to clear approximately three million dollars from their payroll in order to have enough room to offer Howard a max contract. In pursuit of clearing space, the Rockets have reportedly already started fielding offers for Thomas Robinson, the fifth overall pick from last year’s draft.

While the Lakers can offer Howard approximately $30 million more than the Rockets in free agency, the lack of a state income tax in Texas lessens the gap between the two offers considerably. Moreover, with the Lakers looking at a possible rebuilding effort, Howard’s interest in re-signing longterm with the team appears to be diminishing.

For our take on what Dwight Howard should do, read here.

Ellis’ interest in Sacramento has increased

According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports, the hiring of Mike Malone should enhance Sacramento’s chances of signing Monta Ellis in free agency this summer. Ellis has a player option for $11 million to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks next season. However, he is expected to turn down the option and become an unrestricted free agent.

Sacramento’s new owner, Vivek Ranadive, used to own a minority share with the Warriors and grew impressed with Ellis’ scoring abilities when he played for Golden State. Ellis averaged over twenty points in his last three seasons with the Warriors before getting traded to the Bucks at the deadline in 2012.

Ellis developed an appreciation and respect for Malone’s basketball IQ and ability to relate with players when Malone coached Ellis as an assistant on Mark Jackson’s staff in 2011-2012.

Ellis averaged 19.2 points and 6.0 assists last season, his first full season with the Bucks.

On Wednesday, we discussed reports that the Bucks would rather keep Ellis than Brandon Jennings. Ellis’ level of interest in returning to Milwaukee on a longer contract has yet to be determined.