Since team owner Leslie Alexander has made the Houston Rockets available for sale, a number of potential buyers have already emerged, as they expressed interest in acquiring the NBA franchise. One of them is the group being set up by Dikembe Mutombo, which will give him a chance to become a part owner in the future.

When asked about when he thinks they’ll be formed, the Congo native shared that they are getting close and have next week as their target to be complete, via Adi Joseph of USA Today Sports.

“I’m putting together a group to buy the Houston Rockets, and we’re getting close,” he said. “Getting close in the next couple weeks, maybe I’ll have a chance. Lot of people, lot of people and good people with a lot of money.”

Mutombo spent 18 years in the NBA and played his last five seasons with the Rockets, where he was successful in establishing himself as one of the best rim protectors in league history. Since retiring in 2009, he has been very active in efforts to improve lives in Africa and also a well-known humanitarian in his home country.

Although there’s no certainty that Mutombo and company will be the new ownership team, having him part of it is definitely a huge boost to their chances as he has a deep understanding of the league. However, they do have competition as billionaires Tilman Fertitta and Dan Friedkin as well as Grammy Award Winning singer and songwriter Beyonce have all made their intentions known that they also want to purchase the Rockets.