The Rockets are hoping to turn their depth of talented perimeter players into help in the frontcourt.

"History would say we're a pretty active team," general manager Daryl Morey said. "We definitely focused on being a playoff team that shows the league we have winning players."

"We have a lot of assets, expiring deals, young players. We can facilitate a lot of trades," says Shane Battier, a 10th-year small forward in the last season of his contract, as is Yao, guard Aaron Brooks and forwards Chuck Hayes and Jared Jeffries. Foward Chase Budinger and guard Ish Smith have a non-guaranteed year remaining. "It won't be because we're (26-30). That's not how it really works."