Adrian Wojnarowski on 610

[meh]

Originally Posted by Dave_78 Anyone else bothered by the fact this guy is so concerned about his popularity and being put on a pedestal by fans? At least McGrady acted like he didn't care even when he looked like he was going to start crying every time he was interviewed after games the Rockets played in Orlando? Has a player this concerned with what people think of him ever lead a team to a Championship?

As long as he can put up 20/12/2 and anchor top-5 defenses, I'm willing to take my chances with Morey finding that "championship hardcore mentality" guy elsewhere to complement Howard.

[liveguy]

Originally Posted by DonnyMost That's weird. Opting in only delayed it, it doesn't prevent it. To not get treated like Lebron, you either need to... 1) Ask for a trade -or- 2) Sign a deal with your current team -plus- 3) Avoid hosting a primetime special about your free agency decision

Haha....pretty much.

#3 is what got LeBron the venom from the public.

[JuanValdez]

1. Howard won't get it as bad as Lebron because
* He's not as good as Lebron
* He's not a hometown hero like Lebron was
* He probably won't make a TV special about what a dick he is

That's just his ego to think that people could hate him as passionately as they hate Lebron.

2. I'm convinced that Dwight opted in to keep Orlando from trading him to Houston. A trade to Houston means he has to choose between Bird Rights (cash) and his team of choice (Brooklyn). He was hoping by moving the timetable, he'd get another shot at Brooklyn with Bird Rights.

I think Howard's last hope is that Orlando again chooses to delay the trade till later. It sounds like Morey may move on to other targets if he can't swing a Draft Night trade. But, I also wouldn't be surprised if Morey's Plan B contained some optionality to trade it to Orlando when they're ready to deal. Houston will always have a better package than NJ and a willingness to trade. So, I think Howard will end up in Houston and have to make a choice.

3. I doubt anything Howard can do will scare Morey away. Vow to leave in free agency, fake injuries, it won't matter. Morey thinks it's all a bluff. And, it probably is. If Dwight is traded to Houston, Deron Williams could well go to Dallas and the allure of Brooklyn will be gone. Still, Morey might piss Howard off enough that he'll make an irrational choice to go some place else just to stick it to the Rockets.

[BossHogg713]

How about we rent Dwight for the year? If he doesn't want to resign. Sign & Trade him for BYNUM?

[LabMouse]

Adrian Wojnarowski is the person who reported reliable things. I hope his speculation is true. If we can land Howard, then we should try. We can start over for rebuilding if he is going to leave after one year. Any trade is better than getting 31 year old Pau with $19M salary.

[AnthonyJFranks]

Originally Posted by trueroxfan IF Dwight is traded here, I think it is our obligation to ensure he stays. That means exploiting his greatest weakness. Guilt. We must guilt him into signing an extension. We must shower him with love, like the Messiah has returned. We should throw Heatesque parades as if we are going to win not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5, but 6 rings with him here. We will sacrifice lambs and our first born at the alter of the Toyota Center so that his thirst may be quenched. Don't hold back. If you are at the game, be loud, the whole game, don't sit. Make the Toyota Center rock like we just won the God damned lottery. Les, get Hakeem and Yao front row seats and a video montage to inspire Dwight and help him realize his destiny -- to succeed 2 of the best centers the league has seen.

This is the funniest ish I read thus far today.. Hell everybody want there ego stroked might as well do it. This is the best we will ever get outside of drafting a superstar or over paying.

[moali85]

Most players love Houston after arriving (save Pippen)

I don't think Howard will be any different.

He'll warm up to the Idea.

[JoeBarelyCares]

Originally Posted by Haymitch So... no draft day acquisition of Dwight? What will we do with all those picks??

We trade up and get picks 5 and 8. We take Drummond at 5, and whoever is left between Barnes, Lillard and Waiters at 8. If we can't later do the deal with Orlando, we sign the rookies, and add them to our asset collection. Remember that NJ had to hold on to Favors for a while, but eventually flipped him for DWill.

[moali85]

Originally Posted by JoeBarelyCares We trade up and get picks 5 and 8. We take Drummond at 5, and whoever is left between Barnes, Lillard and Waiters at 8. If we can't later do the deal with Orlando, we sign the rookies, and add them to our asset collection. Remember that NJ had to hold on to Favors for a while, but eventually flipped him for DWill.

We take 3 rookies in hopes of Orlando wanting those 3 specifically, if not we sign them?

I doubt the Rockets want the same exact players via draft as the Magic.

[mic]

The prob is we still haven't traded for top 10 picks. Relying on too many other things to get this done.

[J.R.]

Originally Posted by mic The prob is we still haven't traded for top 10 picks. Relying on too many other things to get this done.

Correct. Nice to talk about getting Dwight but the Rockets haven't even acquired 1, probably need 2, top eight picks. No telling then if Orlando is even interested or ready to trade him. Houston has some work of their own to do.

[houstonhoya]

Can i suggest a nickname for Howard already?

The Dwightmare

From The Dream to The Dwightmare, with a lil Yawn Ming in between :D

still luv u yao. fuk a sleep-mac

[krmclaughlin]

Originally Posted by JoeBarelyCares We trade up and get picks 5 and 8. We take Drummond at 5, and whoever is left between Barnes, Lillard and Waiters at 8. If we can't later do the deal with Orlando, we sign the rookies, and add them to our asset collection. Remember that NJ had to hold on to Favors for a while, but eventually flipped him for DWill.

It would be very tough for me to see us part with Drummond and Barnes for a rental of Dwight. His camp keeps stressing that he wouldn't stay here. Those two guys would give us a bright future IMO

[jump shooter]

Originally Posted by DaDakota Not nearly as bad if he didn't do that TV show "The decision" - I doubt anyone would have been so harsh on him if he just did a low key announcement. DD

Agree. That TV show did him in.

[RV6]

I've been saying the Rockets will have the best deal for him...No reason why the Magic shouldn't trade him here. At worst, i expect the rockets to acquire a pick just inside the top 10.

[BasketballMind]

Rockets chances are better than anyone. Including Portland. Wont Brandon Roy coming back to play have an huge impact on Portlands flexibility by his salary going on their books?

[MemphisX]

Originally Posted by RocketRaccoon he sounds like a big ole kid who doesn't have the maturity to understand what he needs.

Or maybe just a 20 something year old struggling with a major life decision.

I know I did and mine wasn't a topic of national discussion.