I want KCP if we can't get Hayward ... Who I don't think we can get . Then trade Lou Williams and Ryan Anderson for anyone
KCP is even less likely than Hayward...he's a RFA and Detroit has already let it be known that they will match any offer
I felt the urge to create a 'Thread without the words 'James' 'Harden' 'Beard''. You can't use either of them in the thread.
I think most moves out there would just end up being lateral moves if not put us in a worse position. Based on that I think there are only two real moves that I would consider. 1. A change at the 4 spot, ideally if we could get Serge Ibaka. Lets not kid ourselves Ryan Anderson will get beat all day long playing the 5 spot and even playing the 4 spot. Anderson was clearly one of the worst players on the floor against the spurs. A 4 like Ibaka is a clear upgrade in all departments. Ibaka pushes us in the right direction. Assuming we can move Ryan Anderson for nothing (which is a big if), this should free up $30 million of cap. Assuming we could get Ibaka at 20m/yr that would leave 10 million. If not Ibaka either Blake Griffin or Paul Millsap should be targetted. 2. A second star/Top 5 free agent capable of running in MDA's system and being a go-to guy with the ball down the stretch (CP3, Blake Griffin, Gordon Hayward... or if we really want to dream Kevin Durant). If we move Ariza, Beverly and Lou that could give us close to $30+ million (assuming I did my math right) to sign a top free agent. I mean I just don't see doing anything else improving us at all. Most other transactions won't put us with the likes of the Warriors/Cavs and would lead to us just spending more money.
Am I crazy for believing the Rockets can maybe go after both Blake Griffin AND Kyle Lowry? They would need to move both Beverly (easy) and Anderson (not as easy but doable) but shouldn't they have enough cap space for both? The salary cap should be 101 million and with everyone but Nene, Isaiah Taylor, Beverley, Anderson, and Bobby Brown we have 65.2 (more if we do something with Wiltjer and Troy Williams). That's about 36-37 million in salary we can spend. Lowry Harden Ariza Griffin Capela Harrell Gordon Williams Dekker Onuaku (try to resign Nene again) I think this fixes a lot of our problems.
I say the Ryan Anderson experiment is over. Also lose Lou Williams. Resign Nene and go for another star. Do not go for Blake. Guy has bad luck with injuries.
Assuming we strike out on the likes of Ibaka, Hayward, CP3, Durant, etc. (all of whom I would go for before Blake), if Blake is available and willing I would do it six days till Sunday. Superstars do not grow on trees and we may not get another shot at a big name for several year. Also having more stars can entice other players to take pay cuts with hopes of getting a ring. Blake is a gamble that is definitely worth it, he is infinitely better than Ryno, he is an underrated passer, plays better defense (not great but most everyone will be better than Ryno) and can put points on the board. If Anderson is worth $20m/yr. then Blake is easily worth $25m-$28m/yr, IMO this is a no-brainer (assuming no other stars are available).
After what happened between Melo and D'Antoni in New York... there is literally no chance the Rockets go after Melo.
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=lvgpp9w I'd throw in Llull as well. It would be interesting to see if he can turn down playing with his buddy Hernangomez in the largest media market in the world knowing the vast off the court earning capabilities of being an athlete in New York Melo would have to play the 4. He's been humbled now, I don't think he'll have any reservations to play for a winning team.
Who will take Anderson off our hands though? I'd hang onto Lou unless trading him nets us a star or clears capspace necessary to sign a star. Agreed on Nene and Griffin.
Get both Hayward and Millsap, maybe they're friends and want to play together again... Capela/Nene/Nanu Millsap/Harrell/Wiltjer Hayward/Dekker/Williams Beverley/Gordon/Taylor Harden/Bring back Pepperoni and/or the Jet Spoiler: small ball lineup Millsap - Green Harden - Iguodala Hayward - Durant Gordon - Thompson Beverley - Curry Championship here we come
We really need a SF who can shoot but more importantly, a guy who can put the ball on the floor and create a shot for himself..Re-Sign Nene for the right price and get a big rebounder. Anderson I fear has zero value hence because of that contract my dream scenario of Millsap is unrealistic.