That lineup you posted is not happening no matter how hard you wanted to think it will. Rockets would be lucky to even get one of those.
For the Rockets to complete a Butler trade, he must first opt in to his 2019-2020 player option, which is only $19,841,627.
I really think he’s going to Phoenix if a deal actually happens. Tyler Johnson, Jackson and the 6th pick. 1. Phoenix gets stability at the point guard position so Booker can finally commit to only scoring and not having to do a poor man’s imitation of Harden 2. They keep TJ Warren 3. Paul’s track record with big men speaks for itself : David West, Tyson Chandler, Blake Griffin, Deandre Jordan, Clint Capela. Having him as Ayton’s PG might accelerate his growth. 4. That 6th pick won’t pay off for them anytime soon. They should try to win as much as possible before they have to max out Ayton. 5. Anything can happen in the West next summer. Hell, Phoenix might be in the playoff hunt until March. That means more dollars for Sarver. We take the trade if and only if Hunter is available at #6 like @Clutch wants.
Why can't they do one at his full max by moving Gordon to the 6ers and Paul to another team? What you are saying isn't a sigh and trade.
That's an opt in and trade and is ideal. I'm taking about scenario where the Rockets dump CP and yes Gordon to sign and trade Jimmy at his full max.
Not happening and would be foolish to do that. Take a step forward getting Butler and then a step back losing Paul.
In this scenario, who is MLE target? CP3 Harden Buckets Tucker Capela Is this line up good enough or do Rockets have to move Capela too?
Butler is a big step forward for the next four years. Harden will have what should be a consistent all star teammate for the first time in his career. If you can get that you worry about the rest later.
I’ll take Harden/Paul/Butler over Just Harden/Butler. The smartest way to get Butler is through trade.
So would I. But I'm talking about a scenario where Jimmy isn't willing to opt in. In that scenario I'm trading Gordon and Paul for what should be 4 prime level years of Harden/Butler. The Rockets can't pass up an opportunity to get Harden a legit all star teammate even if it means the roster will be a little thinner this year and hard capped.
I’m actually more in the camp that CP3 isn’t as big a “problem”, relatively speaking or performance wise, as many think. Contract of course is an issue. That said, I’d take this trade regardless of who is available. I’m not as high on Hunter as some. I’m just not 100% sold. He could be the next Kawhi - so super high praise. He could be just a ho hum SF. I can’t tell!! I really think there’s he average Joe like us is at a disadvantage without seeing workouts. But Hunter or Cory White or someone else. There will be amazing players outside the top 3.