On Monday, Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander shocked the world when he announced that he was open to selling the franchise. After purchasing the team for a mere $85 million in 1993, Alexander will receive a substantial return on his investment, as Forbes values the franchise at $1.65 billion. Considering the fact that the Los Angeles Clippers were sold to Steve Ballmer for $2 billion, the number might very well end up being similar for the Rockets, who enjoyed two NBA titles and sustained success during Alexander’s tenure.Led by transcendent superstar James Harden and newcomer Chris Paul, the future looks bright for the Rockets, who are one of the most popular and marketable teams in the entire NBA.Alexander noted that one of the reasons that he’s comfortable to sell now is that the franchise is in a stable place."I've made this decision after much deliberation with my family and friends, and do so knowing the franchise is in great shape with the players, coaches and management team in place. CEO Tad Brown will oversee the sales process with the league office, supported by my management team," he said in his official statement. Therefore, whoever ends up buying the team will be stepping into a turn-key operation.According to Mark Berman of Fox 26, NBA Hall of Famer and former Rocket Dikembe Mutombo is trying to put together a group to purchase the team.

"It's like someone who's already sitting on the runway trying to take off," he noted. "That's what kind of team the Rockets are right now. The Rockets are a great franchise. They have a great team. They've got great coaches, great basketball players, great staff. Whoever is coming in, it's not like they're going to have to rebuild it."

"It's one of the best franchises right now," Mutombo added. "It's really the right time.”

Not only do the Rockets boast a talented group of players and have two bonafide superstars, but they also play under an exciting, fast-paced system under coach Mike D’Antoni. That only leads to the Hall of Famer’s desire to purchase the team.

"I'm working on it," Mutombo said. "I'm talking to a lot of people already since [Monday]. We'll see. I'm just talking to the people who can cut the check and they can make me be part of it. I'm working on that."

The legend added, "A lot of people think it's a great thing. It's a great opportunity. Now it's just a question of the number. There's going to be a lot of discussion and a lot of cash. I missed my opportunity two years ago with the Atlanta Hawks.”

Learning from his past, it's easy to assume that his group will come in with a strong and serious offer. As one of the most likable figures in recent NBA history, Mutombo's ownership would rightfully earn a lot of coverage if the two sides could work out a deal.