Rockets select Clint Capela with 25th pick in NBA draft

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There's just something about the Swiss flag at the NBA draft.

On Thursday night, the Rockets took their pursuit of big name, big money free agents to the next level. With the 25th pick in the draft, Rockets GM Daryl Morey selected Swiss power forward Clint Capela.

Reports claim Capela was productive in France as a 19-year-old, but that hardly matters. Capela is a body that the Rockets can stash in Europe while they free up money to pursue Carmelo Anthony and perhaps, Lebron James.

Most expect point guard Jeremy Lin to be the next to exit Houston via trade. The deal sending Omer Asik to New Orleans was the first, big step to shed money from the payroll.

Bring on free agency on July 1 when the Rockets are expected to meet with Anthony to kick things off.