WASHINGTON - Houston Rockets showed its desire for Dwight Howard by sending a elite group to Los Angeles to talk with the free agent, and former Rockets All Star center Yao Ming also helped to attract Howard.

Yao told Houston KRIV-TV that he had already been in touch with Howard through Skype. Yao said Rockets "have a young team, a talented team that has ability to reach championship level with you" to Howard, and he indicated he would come back to Houston in July 11, with hope to meet Howard again.

Rockets "persuading group" included Hall of Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, owner Les Alexander, general manager Daryl Morey, head coach Kevin McHale, player James Harden and Chandler Parsons.

Former Rockets member Dikembe Mutombo also sent Howard a message.

San Antonio Spurs Cory Joseph (R) fouls Los Angeles Lakers Dwight Howard during Game 3 of their NBA Western Conference Quarterfinals basketball playoff series in Los Angeles, April 26, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]