Kosta Koufos
Oct 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Sacramento Kings centre Kosta Koufos (41) controls a rebound against Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Kings 106-95. USA TODAY Sports / Dale Zanine

The Houston Rockets (26-9) are targeting Sacramento Kings centre Kosta Koufos via trade ahead of the February deadline, per fresh reports.

The Rockets, led by superstar James Harden and coach Mike D'Antoni, have ascended to the third seed in the western conference and look poised to become a legitimate threat to the Golden State Warriors down the road. Even though analysts feel the Rockets are a few pieces away from contending, Harden and D'Antoni recently said the team is already in position to challenge for a berth in the conference finals later this year.

According to ESPN's Mar Stein, the Rockets front office is targeting Koufos in the aftermath of starting centre Clint Capela's injury. Capela, averaging an impressive tally of 11.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, is recovering from fibula fracture in his left leg and hasn't featured in a game since the Dec. 17 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Capela's absence, sophomore Montrezl Harrell has assumed the starting role.

Kosta Koufos trade: Houston Rockets are interested

Koufos, a ninth-year veteran, has started in 28 of 32 on Sacramento's games this season, while playing next to superstar big man DeMarcus Cousins. With Willie Cauley-Stein, Georgios Papagiannis, Skal Labissiere and Anthony Tolliver also on the roster, the Kings have an overcrowded frontcourt and have been actively trying to trade Koufos, per previous reports.

According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, the Rockets have been "dangling" Corey Brewer in trade talks for several weeks and could be open to a direct swap between Koufos and the veterna forward. With Rudy Gay also expected to be traded at some point, the Kings, in the hunt for a playoff berth, could use Brewer's services. But Lowe also noted that the Rockets haven't received much "traction" for a potential trade involving Brewer.

The Houston Rockets are typically very active ahead of the trade deadline. Will they successfully pull off a Kosta Koufos trade or perhaps land another big man to backup Clint Capela?

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