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NBA Free Agency 2011: Houston Rockets Dropping Out Of Nene Sweepstakes

With David Stern vetoing the potential three-way trade that would have Pau Gasol in Houston, the Rockets front office is still actively looking for another big man, but it appears that they've scratched Denver Nugget free agent Nene off the list:

 Chris Mannix 
Nets reported four-year, $60-$65 million contract offer to Nene knocks Houston out of the bidding, source says. Too rich.

With Tyson Chandler headed to New York, and Marc Gasol and DeAndre Jordan restricted free-agents, Nene is the last elite center available on the free agent market.

In nine seasons with Denver, the 6'11 260 center has averaged 12.3 rebounds and 6.9 rebounds on 56% shooting.

However, the Rockets have reportedly decided that they are not willing to pay Nene near-maximum money like the Nets are.

While Nene is a solid two-way center, giving him such a huge salary would cost Houston much of its salary cap room.

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