NBA Rumors: 3 Players set for an exit from the Houston Rockets this summer

The Houston Rockets entered the 18-19 season with the belief that they could finally topple the Golden State Warriors and advance to the NBA Finals. However, despite finding form after a dismal start to the season, they were eliminated from the playoff by the Warriors for the fourth time in five year's, and the latest defeat was especially disappointing due to the absence of Kevin Durant.

The majority of the Houston roster was initially expected to be back for the 19-20 season, although ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this week that the Rockets are now open to trading their entire roster.

While a deal for James Harden remains unlikely, major changes in personnel are expected, and here are three of the players that are most likely to exit this summer.

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#3 Chris Paul

Chris Paul has spent two seasons in Houston, although the Rockets are keen to move his huge contract

Chris Paul still has three year's remaining on the $160 million deal he signed last summer, and Sean Deveney of Sporting News is reporting that the Rockets are desperate to get the 34-year-old off their payroll:

For Houston, the issue is that the team would like to get assets back that can keep the team in contention and continue to maximize James Harden's prime years. That is just not going to happen with a contract like Paul's.

Charlotte and Miami are among the teams that could be interested in Paul. Phoenix is weighing its options at point guard, but there is an outside chance they'd get involved.

Trading Paul won't bring back the kind of pieces that keep the Rockets relevant. It will only (possibly) free up enough space to give Houston flexibility.

Deveney's report will come as good news to the Rockets, as many suggested that Paul's deal would be almost impossible to move this summer. Yet, it seems that teams are still confident in CP3's ability to lead an offense, and it appears unlikely that the veteran will be lining up for the Rockets next season.

#2 Clint Capela

Clint Capela is no longer viewed as part of Houston's future

Following an impressive 17-18 season, the Rockets rewarded Clint Capela with a five-year, $90 million contract. At the time, the deal was viewed as a great piece of business by the Rockets, however, Capela has failed to progress over the past 12 months, and he struggled to make much of an impact during the playoffs.

The 25-year-old is Houston's third-highest earner, and Mike Fisher is reporting that the Dallas Mavericks are among the teams interested in signing the center:

An NBA source tells DBcom that starting on Tuesday, the Rockets started the process of making "for-sale'' phone calls. With over $30 million in available cap space, Dallas has plenty of room to absorb (Capela's) large contract.

During the 18-19 season, Capela averaged 16.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, and it is safe to say that the Rockets will expect a decent return for a player who has yet to hit his prime.

#1 Eric Gordon

Eric Gordon enjoyed another productive season with the Houston Rockets

Eric Gordon has long been viewed as the Rockets' unheralded third-star, and it is likely that his skillset will see him attract the most interest during Houston's impending clear out. The 30-year-old can contribute at both ends of the court, and during the 18-19 season, he averaged 16.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game - shooting 36% from three-point range.

Gordon has just one year left on his contract, so the Rockets will be motivated to trade him this summer, and Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders is reporting that the Charlotte Hornets have already expressed their interest in acquiring the veteran.

The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have also been mentioned as potential destinations for Gordon, and most teams around the NBA will agree that his $13 million expiring deal offers value for money.