[Houston Chronicle] Rockets hope Ratliff might help fill middle http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6521648.html The Rockets have directed at least some of their efforts to fill their void in the middle on veteran NBA center Theo Ratliff, a person with knowledge of their free agent talks said Thursday. The Rockets and Ratliff's agent have exchanged contract proposals this week, the individual familiar with the discussions said. Ratliff, a 6-10 center/forward, has played with six teams in 14 seasons, including two stints with Detroit and Philadelphia, where he played last season. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said Wednesday that he hoped to sign a free agent in the next week or two, using a portion of the mid-level exception he saved by signing Trevor Ariza to the disabled player exception the Rockets received because of Yao Ming's injury. Ratliff, 36, has averaged 7.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots in 26.1 minutes per game, making 49.8 percent of his shots. Morey said on Wednesday that he is seeking to find a starter at the position while Yao is out through a trade, considering a potential free agent acquisition a player to provide depth at the position. According to the person knowledgeable about the talks between Ratliff and the Rockets, Ratliff's interest has been in a role on a competitive team, rather than for the largest contract available, but is seeking a two-year deal.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6521648.html The Rockets have directed at least some of their efforts to fill their void in the middle on veteran NBA center Theo Ratliff, a person with knowledge of their free agent talks said Thursday. The Rockets and Ratliff's agent have exchanged contract proposals this week, the individual familiar with the discussions said. Ratliff, a 6-10 center/forward, has played with six teams in 14 seasons, including two stints with Detroit and Philadelphia, where he played last season. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said Wednesday that he hoped to sign a free agent in the next week or two, using a portion of the mid-level exception he saved by signing Trevor Ariza to the disabled player exception the Rockets received because of Yao Ming's injury. Ratliff, 36, has averaged 7.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots in 26.1 minutes per game, making 49.8 percent of his shots. Morey said on Wednesday that he is seeking to find a starter at the position while Yao is out through a trade, considering a potential free agent acquisition a player to provide depth at the position. According to the person knowledgeable about the talks between Ratliff and the Rockets, Ratliff's interest has been in a role on a competitive team, rather than for the largest contract available, but is seeking a two-year deal.
Theo Ratliff a Possibility... http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6521648.html Lock if posted already...
