Report: Rockets to use amnesty clause on Luis Scola; set sights on Dwight Howard

The Houston Rockets used the amnesty clause on Luis Scola clearing $21 million from their salary cap. (Garrett Ellwood/NBA/Getty Images)

The Houston Rockets have decided to use the amnesty provision on forward Luis Scola, according to Yahoo! Sports. The amnesty clause allows teams to release a player without having their salary count towards the salary cap.

The reports says the team will likely file paperwork on Friday and that the Dallas Mavericks are one of the teams who will likely pursue Scola.  The Rockets are likely clearing out cap space in pursuit of Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard.

Scola still had three years and $21 million on his contract with Rockets. Scola, who was part of the gold medal winning Olympic team for Spain at the 2004 Athens games, averaged 15.5 points and 6.5 rebounded while playing all 66 games last season.

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