Rockets general manager Daryl Morey left the door to the free-agent market open just a crack. The Rockets are "probably likely" to stick with their plan to remain above the salary cap and spend the free-agency period putting the band back together by signing many, if not all, of their five free agents. Morey did say there are "possible opportunities we have to explore that are bigger. But I think they're unlikely." Those unlikely "possible opportunities" are enough for the Rockets to do some big-game hunting when free-agent season opens Wednesday, but without the confidence of the past two summers. This summer's top free-agent targets - big men LaMarcus Aldridge and Kevin Love - are considered much greater long shots than the top players of the past two offseasons that had the Rockets in the middle of the annual free-agent frenzy. Two years ago, the Rockets landed the top free agent - center Dwight Howard. Last summer, they chased Carmelo Anthony and were on the brink of a deal with Chris Bosh. When the free-agency season opens this year, they are expected to make the customary run at the top free agents but will go in knowing the likelihood of coming away with a third headliner to team with Howard and James Harden is less likely than the possibility of locking up their own players. ROCKETS Forward Kevin Love decided to become a free agent and test the waters. But he knows the Cavaliers, with LeBron James, will be a threat to again play for the NBA championship, which is a strong incentive to remain in Cleveland. NBA free agency: A look at who's available The Rockets are considering pursuing 6-3 guard Sergio Llull, who was general manager Daryl Morey's second-round pick in 2009. Llull, 27, has been playing for Real Madrid of the Spanish league. The top free agents this summer - LaMarcus Aldridge and Kevin Love - are likely out of the Rockets' reach and price range. Morey strives to sign Rockets' free agents Rockets draft picks Montrezl Harrell, left, and Sam Dekker, right, flank Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey during a press conference regarding the Rockets 2015 NBA Draft picks Friday, June 26, 2015, in Houston. ( Jon Shapley / Houston Chronicle ) Rockets like experience, upside of draftees Dekker and Harrell NBA: Harrison agrees to play for Hornets' summer league team Although Sam Dekker will have a Wisconsin-to-Houston kinship with J.J. Watt, the Rockets draftee has a fast friendship with Aaron Rodgers. Rockets report: Watt extends hearty Houston welcome to Dekker That process actually begins Tuesday - the deadline to make qualifying offers to Pat Beverley and KJ McDaniels, making them restricted free agents and giving the Rockets the right to match any offers they receive. Corey Brewer, Josh Smith and Jason Terry will be unrestricted free agents. - See more at:http://www.houstonchronicle.com/spo...hp?t=827124f9f3f992f472&cmpid=twitter-premium
