HoopsHype.com Rumors

The deal cannot be made official until the Rockets create a roster spot. They are expected to trade or release second year guard Jermaine Taylor, who did not play in either of the first two games this season and played sparingly in the preseason. Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets, Erick Dampier, Jermaine Taylor 

Erick Dampier agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Rockets Friday, sources confirmed to CBSSports.com. The deal is for Houston's biannual exception, which is a little more than $2 million. Dampier, who earleir flirted with joining the Miami Heat, was given a choice between a one-year deal and two-year arrangement with the Rockets and chose the shorter deal to "keep his options open" under the new collective bargaining agreement next season, one person familiar with the situation said. CBSSports.com

Houston Rockets, Free Agency, Erick Dampier 

Adrian Wojnarowski: Houston still has to create roster spot for Dampier, but agent Dan Fegan tells Y!: "Erick has made his decision to play for the Rockets." Twitter

Houston Rockets, Free Agency, Erick Dampier 

Jonathan Feigen: Rockets most likely to move Jermaine Taylor to make room for Erick Dampier. Deals not likely to be completed for several days. Twitter

Houston Rockets, Free Agency, Erick Dampier, Jermaine Taylor 

The Houston Rockets have long been in pursuit of one more big man to shore up their front line and add additional insurance in the event of another injury to Yao Ming, and now, according to sources close to the situation, the Rockets have found their man. Houston has been just one of many teams interested in signing free agent center Erick Dampier, and HOOPSWORLD has learned that they are now going to ultimately win his services. The former Dallas Mavericks center has been pursued by a number of team, including the Miami HEAT, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns, but the Rockets offered the best financial package, as well as a shot at being a part of a potentially-contending team. HoopsWorld

Houston Rockets, Erick Dampier 

It will likely take some time for Dampier to get into game shape, as he missed training camp and preseason, but he will eventually be a solid piece for the Rockets, who have struggled defensively in their first two games of the 2010-11 season. Houston's roster is already at 15, meaning someone will have to be waived or traded to make room for Dampier. It's most likely that person will be promising point guard Ishmael Smith, who was an unlikely candidate for the final cut after preseason, but played so well the Rockets simply couldn't let him go. Now, with the need at center superceding the need for an additional small guard, Smith is probably the odd man out. HoopsWorld

Houston Rockets, Erick Dampier 

Sam Amick: Regarding @therocketguy report that Dampier is headed to Houston, a source close to situation tells FanHouse there is no verbal agreement. Twitter

Houston Rockets, Erick Dampier 

Sam Amick: That being said, the source said it certainly does appear that Dampier is leaning the Rockets' way. Twitter

Houston Rockets, Erick Dampier 

The Suns are waiting on a decision from free-agent center Erick Dampier but also have one to make. They must decide whether he would fit, how he could take a player's rotation spot and how long it would take him to get ready to play. The Suns also could look at Earl Barron, Mikki Moore or Chris Richard. Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Free Agency, Erick Dampier 

As I wrote above, Thibodeau was down on Weaver, and it was clear Lucas was no NBA player. One reason also might be given the issues so far at shooting guard and with Boozer out, perhaps the Bulls believe they need someone they view better than a 13th or 14th man. The rebounding has been poor, so many they check the roster moves around the league for a big guy. I’d heard there was some continued interest in Erick Dampier, but he wants all their remaining cap room of more than $2 million, and that would limit what the Bulls could do if something bigger, like Carmelo or Rudy, falls into their lap. Maybe someone like center Earl Barron. NBA.com

Chicago Bulls, Free Agency, Erick Dampier 

Phoenix is high on the list for free-agent center Erick Dampier, who is expected to pick a team before opening-night rosters are set Monday. "We are continuing to explore ways to improve our roster," Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby said. Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Free Agency, Erick Dampier, Lon Babby 

Dampier is friends with former Golden State teammate and Suns guard Jason Richardson, who is also represented by Fegan. Richardson is eligible for a contract extension. "We've had a number of preliminary discussions regarding Jason," Fegan said. "We expect to resume talks to determine a direction in the near future." Arizona Republic

Free Agency, Jason Richardson, Erick Dampier 

Sam Amick: I spoke with free agent center Erick Dampier yesterday, and it sounds like he'll finally make his mind up next week. Twitter

Free Agency, Erick Dampier 

I've been told it was the Bucks, and not Erick Dampier, who decided to end talks regarding Dampier possibly signing with the team. The Bucks had a serious interest in signing the veteran center, who is a free agent, and Dampier had serious interests in joining the Bucks. However, the Bucks apparently weren't willing to wait on Dampier, who had some undisclosed issues he wanted to sort out. Racine Journal-Times

Milwaukee Bucks, Free Agency, Erick Dampier 

The Bucks are perilously thin at the center spot. Starter Andrew Bogut said he still isn't fully recovered from offseason elbow, wrist and hand surgery and claims he probably won't be 100 percent all season. Bogut's backup, Drew Gooden, is a natural power forward, and Brian Skinner, the only other center on the roster, doesn't have a guaranteed contract. Dampier, an outstanding defensive player, has yet to sign. Any chances of him still signing with the Bucks are slim to none. Racine Journal-Times

Milwaukee Bucks, Free Agency, Erick Dampier 

And the Blazers also worked out DJ Mbenga on Monday, which doesn’t feel like much of an answer, either. Also, there’s the possibility of free agent Erick Dampier, whose asking price according to another league executive is reportedly $2 million this season — with a player option for 2011-2012. Oregonian

Portland Trail Blazers, Free Agency, Erick Dampier, Didier Ilunga-Mbenga 

Yannis Koutroupis: Dampier not giving teams interested the feeling that he's close to making his decision. Twitter

Free Agency, Erick Dampier 

Bill Ingram: Houston's offer for Dampier still on the table, but with competition heating up for 15th spot, might not be for long. Twitter

Free Agency, Erick Dampier 

Bill Ingram: Sources close to the situation say Dampier's camp is in no hurry to make a decision. Twitter

Free Agency, Erick Dampier 

The Suns will talk to free agent center Erick Dampier more today, continuing to explore the idea of adding his big presence to bolster the team's rim protection on defense and the boards. Neither side has committed to the idea of joining but there is a mutual interest. Dampier, 35, was released Sept. 14 by Charlotte to avoid a tax on his non-guaranteed $13 million salary. Since then, reports had him close to a done deal with Miami and also pursued by Milwaukee, Denver and Atlanta. Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Free Agency, Erick Dampier