Morey says Rockets landing Love or Aldridge 'unlikely'

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey calls power forwards Kevin Love and Texas native LaMarcus Aldridge - both unrestricted free agents - potential targets but says the odds of landing one of this summer's big catches are not great, according to the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen.

(There are) possible opportunities we have to explore that are bigger," Morey is quoted saying. "But I think they're unlikely."

On Thursday, a report indicated that the Rockets would be aggressive in pursuing one of the players - potentially dealing incumbent power forward Terrence Jones to facilitate a deal. In fact, Houston was shopping Jones at Thursday's NBA Draft according to ESPN's Marc Stein.

With no move happening on draft night, it's possible that Morey has moved on from the idea, given that the Rockets don't have much flexibility this summer. The GM told Feigen that the team's intent is to keep unrestricted free agents Josh Smith, Corey Brewer, and Jason Terry, as well as restricted free agents Patrick Beverley and K.J. McDaniels.

Brewer, for one, is reportedly seeking a multi-year deal.

Keeping those players would put the Western Conference finalists over the salary cap, and only give them the $5.5 million mid-level exception to spend. If that holds true, Feigen reports that Spanish point guard Sergio Llull, for whom the Rockets hold rights, would be unlikely to move to the NBA next year.

Related: NBA Free Agents List

Houston has been a major player in free agency the past few summers - in 2013, they landed Dwight Howard, and last year they courted Carmelo Anthony and came close to signing Chris Bosh.