The Houston Rockets have emerged as an attractive free agent possibility for Dwight Howard, according to sources.

Howard became familiar with the area after spending part of two summers ago working with Hakeem Olajuwon.

Howard is also intrigued by the possibility of playing with James Harden.

Howard will engage in the free agency process and is expected to hear pitches from the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks and the Rockets.

The Houston Rockets will not pick up the team option on Francisco Garcia's contract for next season, according to sources.

Garcia will be an unrestricted free agent in July.

Garcia's deal for next season was worth $6.4 million.

After coming to the Rockets in a trade from the Sacramento Kings, Garcia became a critical reserve and was one of Houston's primary defenders on Kevin Durant in the first round of the playoffs.

The Philadelphia 76ers have hired Sam Hinkie as their new general manager.

Hinkie replaces Tony DiLeo and will have complete control over basketball operations.

Hinkie had been the Houston Rockets' vice president of basketball operations since 2010.

Hinkie brought an analytics background to his position with the Rockets.

Josh Harris and his ownership group had previously stated that they wanted a GM with an analytics background.

Kevin McHale wants the Houston Rockets to add more size in their starting lineup.

"I think we've got to play bigger," McHale said. "We played small especially after trading Patrick Patterson. A couple of guys stepped up and tried to play the four spot. We're going to have to play bigger, but one of the young bigs we have, I think one of those guys will definitely emerge, maybe a couple of them."

The Rockets tried several options at the power forward position, including Donatas Motiejunas and Greg Smith, with Thomas Robinson and Terrence Jones getting time as well.

In the playoffs against Oklahoma City, McHale elected to go with a smaller starting lineup that didn't feature a traditional power forward.

"Now, we need a summer of growth," McHale said. "I think Terrence Jones, Thomas Robinson, Donatas Motiejunas, one of those guys, or maybe a couple of them will have to step up and play well."

James Harden plans to be an active member of the Houston Rockets' recruiting efforts this summer.

"Hell, yeah," Harden said. "There's a lot of good options out there."

Asked specifically about Dwight Howard, Harden broke into a smile and added: "Maybe. Possibly."

The Rockets will have max-level cap space to utilize this summer.

Carlos Delfino is out for the remainder of the playoffs with a fractured right foot.

“Carlos has played a large role in our success so far this season and we are disappointed for him that he will not be able to finish out this playoff run,” said Daryl Morey. “Carlos would love nothing more than to be out there with his teammates as they prepare for tonight’s Game 6, but this is the type of injury that requires a surgical repair. We expect he will be fully recovered in time for the start of next season.”

Delfino posted averages of 9.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists in five playoff appearances this postseason.

The Charlotte Bobcats have requested permission from the Houston Rockets to interview Kelvin Sampson for their head coaching vacancy.

Sampson has been an assistant coach with the Rockets since 2011.

Sampson was a head coach at Washington, Oklahoma and Indiana. After stepping down at Indiana amid scandal, Sampson has become a well respected assistant in the NBA.