The Houston Rockets are hopeful that Real Madrid guard Sergio Llull will cross the Atlantic to join them next season, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.

"Hopeful" is a broad term as Houston has been trying to lure Llull stateside for several years. The 28-year-old Spaniard was selected by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft before the Rockets purchased his draft rights for approximately $2.25 million - the most expensive transaction ever for a round two draftee.

Generally considered to be one of the best basketball players in the world not currently in the NBA, Llull forced overtime with a 3-pointer Monday in Real Madrid's 142-137 exhibition victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.