James Harden played a critical role in recruiting Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets this offseason.

Paul decided not to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers and agreed to an opt-in and trade to the Rockets.

“I just knew that in the summertime obviously (Paul) was a free agent, and I wanted to see where his head was,” Harden said of Paul. “He didn’t seem happy, so after that we just took it from there.

“Obviously Golden State has been in the Finals and won two out of three, so that’s what everybody is trying to build up against. But we’re right there. We’re right there. Obviously, we have a lot of work to do, but it definitely puts us in a better chance.”

Dan Friedkin is interested in purchasing the Houston Rockets.

Friedkin's wealth primarily comes from owning Gulf States Toyota Distributors. Toyota already has the naming rights to the Rockets' arena.

“Over the years we have enjoyed a close partnership with the Rockets and Les(lie Alexander) through Toyota’s naming rights of the arena,” Friedkin told Fox 26 through a statement. “As a Rockets fan and Houstonian it would be exciting and a privilege to build on the storied legacy of NBA basketball in this city.”

Friedkin is worth approximately $8.4 billion.

Friedkin becomes the second billionaire to enter the race, after Houston native Tilman Fertitta announced his interest. 

In July, Les Alexander announced he intended to sell the Rockets.

Daryl Morey was asked about how James Harden factored into the recruitment of Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets acquired Paul in an opt-in-and-trade deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.

"There's no coaching there. He's not naturally an extroverted guy," said Morey. "He's a worker, a quiet guy who just wants to win. His first job if he wasn't doing this wouldn't be like the lead sales guy somewhere. He'd probably be the strategic guy because he's so smart.

"With that said, one-on-one he's so good with people. Obviously the great guys are all together. Whether it be USA Basketball or weddings or whatever it is. They get together and they talk. And one-on-one I can say James is an unbelievable recruiter because he's smart. He understands the plan. He wants to execute for the team he's leading. It makes my job easy, frankly, to have him."

The New York Knicks and Houston Rockets have returned to the negotiation table on a deal centered upon Carmelo Anthony. The two teams are seeking a third party to help facilitate a trade.

Anthony will only waive his no-trade clause for the Rockets and refuses to expand his list.

The Rockets are looking to send out Ryan Anderson in a trade but his $60 million owed over three years has been a stumbling block.

The Knicks are willing to begin training camp with Anthony still on the roster.

The Portland Trail Blazers remain interested in trading for Anthony as well.

Donatas Motiejunas has agreed upon a $3 million deal with the Shandong Golden Stars of China.

Motiejunas spent last season with the New Orleans Pelicans after his extended restricted free agency with the Houston Rockets.

Motiejunas hired Octagon Sports as his agent following the free agency issues.

Carmelo Anthony said he is now "at peace" with his future amid continuing trade talks between the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.

“You know I can’t comment about all that,” Anthony said about his desire to be traded to the Rockets.

With Scott Perry becoming general manager of the Knicks, he wants to revisit his wish list of teams he'd accept a trade to.

“I’ve talked to him,’’ Anthony said. “We’ve communicated. I’ve known Scott for maybe 10 years. I’ve known him for a while back to his Detroit days, the draft, 2003, all that. I’ve reminded him of [bypassing me].’’

Anthony also commented on Phil Jackson's dismissal from the Knicks.

“I thought it was a business decision,’’ Anthony said. “[James] Dolan’s got to run his organization.”

Anthony also said the past 12 months have featured highs and lows.

“An emotional roller coaster, an emotional roller coaster,’’ Anthony said. “But I had to find peace. I had to come to peace with myself and come to peace with kind of the situation I’m in and kind of try to find happiness. I kind of lost that a little bit, but I’m finding it now and it feels good.”

Carmelo Anthony has zeroed in on the Houston Rockets as the only team he has interest in being traded to.

Anthony has a full no-trade clause and he won't waive it for the Cleveland Cavaliers. With Kyrie Irving requesting a trade and LeBron James one season away from free agency, the Cavaliers are no longer attractive to Anthony.

The Knicks are waiting for the Rockets to improve their offer for Anthony. Houston is offering a package centered on Ryan Anderson.

Phil Jackson began a public campaign last season to compel Anthony to waive his no-trade clause.