Pure speculation on my part but judging from the McHale hire and the trade deadline moves, it appears that the Rockets are looking to rebuild. One of the big reasons McHale won the job was because of his experience as one of the NBA's premiere post players, and the Rockets likely want him to mentor Patrick Patterson, Jordan Hill and Thabeet. In order for Houston to groom Patterson, they need to insert him into the starting lineup and that means either moving Scola to the bench or trading him. If the Rockets trade Scola, what do you think they can get back? What teams will be interested? etc.