"The Houston Rockets have had extensive discussions with the New Orleans Hornets about center Chris Kaman and appear to be in the lead to trade for him, numerous sources told SI.com.

The NBA-owned Hornets, who acquired Kaman from the Clippers in the Chris Paul deal on Dec. 15, rendered him inactive last week and publicly acknowledged their decision to trade him. Hornets general manager Dell Demps has been shopping for a deal involving young players and draft picks while the big man awaits his next destination. Kaman, 29, an All-Star in 2009-2010 when he averaged 18.5 points and 9.2 rebounds, is making $14 million in the last year of his contract.

Dealing with the Hornets means any trade must be vetted by league executives Stu Jackson and Joel Litvin before being approved by commissioner David Stern. A week before Paul was traded to the Clippers, Stern vetoed a three-team deal that would have sent the star point guard to the Lakers and Pau Gasol to the Rockets, who are now back negotiating with New Orleans."