http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/1964222 The Rockets took the first step toward keeping free-agent forward James Posey by extending a qualifying offer of $2.445 million, general manager Carroll Dawson said Monday. The move allows the Rockets to match other offers Posey could receive from other teams as a free agent next month. Posey averaged 9.3 points in 58 games with the Rockets after he was acquired from Denver. "There is an interest in re-signing him," Dawson said. "The qualifying offer allows us to have the right of first refusal." Posey could accept that offer, but agent Mark Bartlestein would not say what sort of contract would be necessary to sign Posey. "He likes Houston very much," Bartlestein said. "It's where he makes home, and he enjoyed playing for the Rockets. He enjoyed playing for Rudy (Tomjanovich) and is really excited about playing for Jeff (Van Gundy). Obviously, I don't know financially where they're going to be, what the Rockets are thinking." Center Jason Collier and guard Juaquin Hawkins are also free agents. The Rockets have until Monday to pick up their option to extend the contracts of guard Tito Maddox and forward Terence Morris for another season but have not yet made a move to lock up either. Teams may begin negotiations with free agents next Tuesday. Free agents can sign with teams beginning July 16.
