Hmm, in a dream scenario, we have the following happen this offseason: -Brewer re-signs to 3 yr, 18 million deal (declining scale) -Smith re-signs at 120% of previous salary -Bring in Llull for full MLE -KJ accepts QO of ~1 million -Bev re-signs for 3 yrs, 13 mil using Bird rights -Re-sign Terry to vet min Line-up: C-Howard/DMo/Dorsey PF-Jones/Smith/Capela SF-Ariza/Brewer/KJ/KPap SG-Harden/Terry/Johnson PG-Llull/Bev/Prig Along with the NOP 1st and NYE 2nd round picks A few caveats: -Doesn't seem likely that KJ would accept a 3rd string role when he needs to prove himself in a contract year. Does Morey let him go after giving up multiple picks for him? -KPap and Prig's non-guaranteed deals make for great salary filler during draft day -Are we really willing to bring along a rook (let alone two) on a championship squad? -How close would we be to the hard cap after all of these deals? (using full MLE would cause us to be hard capped) So many moving parts here. Wouldn't be surprised to see a significantly different team in just a few short months
I think brewer and smith want to stay 1) they have harden in his prime 2) we got a ****ing squad now 3) Houston's been chasing smith forever and smith has talked about how he really appreciates that trust 4) Smith got his money from Detroit so he's kinda set 5) every player in the nba says they love mchale I think brewer and smith look as houston of a place of redemption to their careers. We have kinda taken in the rejects and are now 2nd seed. I don't see either wanting to go back to a team where they are blamed 99% of the time
The more I think about, the more sure I am that Llull would be a the perfect point guard next to Harden. He's a natural playmaker that creates for others as well as himself. He has size, plays great defense, can shoot from the catch, natural passer, and has a great Ast/TO ratio of over 5. He's a proven winner.
I doubt Morey brings back Terry and prigs. Try to get younger and more athletic at that backup pg and sg position.
Lull would certainly be a big upgrade over anyone on the Rockets. There is more of a sense of risk, as there is no way to know exactly how well a player translates to the NBA until he actually comes over and pays. I am really wondering if the Pelicans pick will be dealt for another future pick or asset. Morey seems to like to have the fluidity of assets in case a really productive player becomes available. C - Howard/Jones/Capela PF - Motiejunas/Smith SF - Ariza SG - Harden/Brewer PG - Lull/Terry/Johnson
Perfect fit next harden. Can create for others, shoots great from 3, great competitor, very pumped!! Might look to draft bpa or a post with this development, because I bet we could keep terry and/or prigs for peanuts. We are trending up boys, we are trending up.
If I may quote Clyde Drexler? "I agree." Smith refers to his teammates as his brothers. And I think Brewer can be enticed with one year at the Early Bird, with Josh at the small exception for a year.... It could happen.
Pretty much means goodbye Bev. Rockets probably told him to not come back and take the surgery so he can can a decent contract somewhere else next season.
If the Rockets are offering the kind of money that's been discussed here, then clearly they think Llull is worth it. Here's his averages for the season: 50% 2PT FG 39% 3PT FG 88% FT 5:1 Assist/Turnover Ratio We can't speak in certainties, but I think we can reasonably argue that compared to Pat Beverley, he's at least an equal shooter, better finisher around the rim, and MUCH better distributor.
any imminent free agent PG signing which is eligible for playoffs? we've got very old starter and backup...we need a younger 3rd Pg in order to be ready for any injuries again...plus Nick Johnson is a SG.
I seriously doubt they would do that, barring the absolute certainty that Bev isn't going to sign here. Morey is all about having options and control over a situation. By waiving Bev he wouldn't be a restricted free agent anymore and Morey would lose the option to be able to match anything and resign him if Lull or other options fall through.
Pat makes less than a million a season so the exception would be worth less than the minimum player salary for a rookie. The other thing is that teams can not apply for the disabled player exception after January 15th. The short answer is no.
