The Rockets are motivated to either make a big change to the roster, or a small trade for a center, according to multiple sources. But Houston is waiting for the Carmelo Anthony situation to be resolved before moving forward.

"They will be extremely active," one person involved in talks said. "Daryl (Morey, the Rockets' general manager) is talking to a lot of teams. He feels a lot of pressure to make some changes."

Morey has increased his pursuit of a center with the deadline approaching and Yao Ming's expiring contract, along with some of their talented younger players are being used as bait.

The Nuggets have been much more receptive towards Houston's offers for Nene than they have for Anthony. Denver is far more likely to trade Nene if they also deal Anthony before the deadline.