ORLANDO - With center Yao Ming out for the coming season, the Houston Rockets are desperate for a big-man replacement - but not desperate enough to want 76ers big man Samuel Dalembert.
After all, Dalembert comes with a price tag of $23.6 million over two years, a $3.8 million trade kicker, and a knack for picking up two early fouls. According to an NBA source, Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski contacted the Rockets to see if they had any interest in acquiring Dalembert.
The Rockets did not.
Despite rumors circulating that this deal would have involved Houston's injured forward, Tracy McGrady, who has one year and $23.2 million left on his contract, the same source said Stefanski did not inquire with any specific deal in mind, only to see if there would be interest in Dalembert.
The Sixers have been trying to trade Dalembert - per his request - since before last season's trading deadline. But his salary, and that 15 percent trade kicker, make his contract one of the NBA's hardest to get rid of.
Last season, Dalembert averaged 6.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game during the regular season and 5.8 points and 7.8 rebounds in the playoffs.
Ivey update. Guard Royal Ivey, who opted out of his contract with the Sixers earlier this summer, has heard from a number of teams but not the Sixers , according to a source close to Ivey. The same source said Ivey would be open to negotiating a new contract with the Sixers .
Contact staff writer Kate Fagan at 856-779-3844 or kfagan@phillynews.com.
