Rockets amnesty Scola, may be eying Howard

Jul 13, 2012 - 10:25 PM Houston, TX (Sports Network) - The Houston Rockets waived Luis Scola, making the forward their amnesty player Friday amid reports they are looking to trade for Dwight Howard.

Scola has played all five of his NBA seasons for the Rockets, averaging 14.5 points and 7.7 rebounds in 386 games.

"Decisions like this are never easy, especially when it involves a player with the character and work ethic of Luis Scola," Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said in a statement.

"Luis is a special player whose winning qualities embodied what it means to be a Houston Rocket. His accomplishments in a Rockets uniform speak for themselves and we wish him all the best in the future."

Losing Scola via the amnesty provision cleared cap space the Rockets could use to absorb contracts, which is what ESPN.com said the Rockets were doing in an attempt to land Howard, the disgruntled Orlando Magic center who has been the topic of trade rumors for a while.

The website said the Rockets could take on the contracts of Glen Davis, Jason Richardson and Chris Duhon in a trade, letting the Magic clear their payroll to rebuild.