I would rather give up Tucker and some picks rather than EG. This team is reliant on its 3 pt shooting too much. Butler is already a great defender. We can let go of Tucker for him. How many above average 3 pt shooters would the Rockets have if they let go of EG... for a team that takes a historic amount of them?
Gordon, Tucker, and picks for Butler is not worth it. Just Gordon in exchange for Butler? Sure. But not both. Cannot offer that much and expect to still have the depth of talent to beat the Warriors. Hope this isn't true.
Gordon AND and Tucker is too much. They’re both key contributors that play a ton of minutes. Two of our grittiest guys. Jimmy is a better player than both, but not by a big enough margin to be worth both in a trade. I’d pass if that’s what Minnesota is asking. We have too much chemistry to be worth that gamble for just a slight upgrade. Might even be a step back due to existing chemistry.
Thanks for coming back to the board @cyberx! I don't like the idea of moving Tucker in that deal. Gordon + Nene, 1st(s), fine. BUT, I could see Morey biting the bullet IF NEED be to make a move.
Gordon+Nene works salary wise. Add a 1st. Maybe move Chriss to another team for a 2nd round pick? Then include that 2nd in the package.
Not a fan at all on trading PJ. Ego I will move on from, Tucker was the heart and soul of this team. Would be a devastating blow.
Tucker's much more valuable to this team in this deal. Especially after losing ariza/lmm. Butler might be a good defender but he isn't as versatile defensively as PJ. Meaning he isn't able to guard bigs as Tucker does, especially during small ball which is a significant part of hou's rotation. PJ has also now become that glue guy piece every championship team needs. He also doesn't need the ball to be effective which is necessary for floor balance. JB essentially replaces EG. he can both score and defend. not quite the 3 pt shooter in volume but very much effective.
The Rockets are going to have stiff competition from the likes of the Sixers, Celtics, etc. for Butler...
I asked @Codman about Butler in the NBA Dish Butler Watch thread. Here is his response just to keep everything together. http://bbs.clutchfans.net/index.php?threads/jimmy-butler-watch-2018-2019.293380/#post-11963653 Yes---just like this summer, Morey was checking his availability, shortly before the focus on the SanAntonio outcast. I mentioned it but I was flamed for it being "unreasonable" by the same who said trading Ryno was impossible. Yes the league is looking at Jimmy. He may be the final piece of a contender (i.e. us) I'm hesitant to say much right now, as the season hasn't started, but there is a small whisper that a move could be made before hand. JImmy has so much loyalty--he's built on it--so I anticipate him giving Thibs some time to show up some potential. However, Thibs has lost his locker room and his org. Only a few guys believe in him. DRose is going to break if Thibs doesn't shape up, and KAT is going to be a disappointment if they don't get a guy like McFail helping him out in his Minny roots. I'm also hesitant to say much, not only because things happen so quickly (and change,....damn you Presti!) And, of course, I'm not giving anything to the poster who claims that Kawhi is coming to Houston. I mean...good lord. Kawhi is staying put for a bit...and one of his closer friends said Toronto is a city that an give him his publicity....I agree. However, as training camp begins, youll hear more. Andrew will find a new home, unless MGMT says he and KAT are the core. Jimmy is only happy with Thibs, but the latest whisper was his discontent with all of the familiar faces. He's seen them, he knows how they play...hw wants a winning environment. Specifically to Houston, from what I've heard, Morey will put us in a positon to get a "star" a bit later....The assets are building, but again, like Trev, there will be some pain. Every team wants Jim...some of us are his preferred destination(s). As I can, I'll let you know what an ear tells me about Minny's asking price. It's big right now, but Jim's contract allows some negotiating. Love ya'll. Take Care, Deuce
One player that does what two do is huge. It means we can add someone to the court with a whole new set of skills without losing much other than depth.
Celtics won't rtrade for Butler. They wouldn't trade any of their young guys for him and the Sixers can't even convince the Spurs to take Fultz.