The Houston Rockets are expected to make another big splash during free agency this year and they’ve already planned their first step towards doing so.

According to Yahoo Sports:

The Houston Rockets plan to decline the fourth-year option on forward Chandler Parsons’ contract, freeing him to become a restricted free agent this summer, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Houston is determined to clear the necessary salary cap space this summer to chase a third maximum contract free agent to join Dwight Howard and James Harden, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.

Houston plans to pursue the major stars who could be available upon opting out of deals, including Miami’s LeBron James and Chris Bosh, and New York’s Carmelo Anthony, league sources said. Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki is expected to be a target too.

The Rockets are also reportedly interested in Kevin Love although the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are rumored to be in the lead to sign the star.  The Rockets could still re-sign Parsons although at a steeper price and are expected to try and trade Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin.  ProBasketballTalk goes into further details on the Rockets options.

– Shaina Auxilly (@Shay_Marie)