The 2014 NBA Free Agency Rumors & Predictions continue to become more interesting by the minute. In a rather complicated set-up, the Houston Rockets will allow their star forward Chandler Parsons to test the waters.

Although it is still 'restricted' which means the Houston Rockets can match any offer and keep Parsons. But they might end up tied in a bidding war and Parsons will end up overpaid (like Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik).

The report from Yahoo will elaborate how this works:

For the Rockets, there are two distinct advantages to letting Parsons into restricted free agency now. First, Houston is determined to clear the necessary salary cap space this summer to chase a third maximum contract free agent to join Dwight Howard and James Harden, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.

Houston plans to pursue the major stars who could be available upon opting out of deals, including Miami's LeBron James and Chris Bosh, and New York's Carmelo Anthony, league sources said. Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki is expected to be a target too.

The Rockets are pursuing Minnesota's Kevin Love in trade talks too, and Parsons could hold sign-and-trade possibilities.

In one scenario, Houston could secure three max-out players - including Howard, Harden and a potential star free agent - and then re-sign Parsons to an extension below the max-level range. Parsons could command in the $12 million to $13 million annual range."

Observers note that it's probably the sign and trade for Love that pushes the Rockets most. It is highly probable that Minnesota wants Parsons as part of the deal (on the assumption that Houston will not trade Howard or Harden). The T-Wolves might make it a prerequisite that Parsons is signed long-term before they release their best player.

When the Lakers and Celtics failed to improve their draft standing, it was believed that teams with actual assets and a chance to win are the favorites to land Kevin Love. Those would be the Warriors, Rockets and Bulls. While Kevin Love has reportedly stated a preference for the Warriors, their hesitation over trading Klay Thompson may be the dealbreaker. In contrast, the Rockets offering Parsons signed on a long term deal sounds very attractive.

The plot thickens.