Our ability to be S&T players this summer has certainly been discussed. However, as I think about it, I am having trouble identifying another team that is better positioned to S&T for Bosh or Amare. I'll leave Lebron and Wade out of this discussion b/c it appears unlikely that they'd pick Houston as a destination. Clutchfans challenge: For the sake of this discussion, let's assume that Bosh and Amare have decided they do not want to stay with their team. Accordingly, the question is who has the best shot at S&T for them. The destination team (i) has to have assets to send to PHX/Toronto; and (ii) has to be attractive to the player. cannot identify any team that potentially meets those criteria better than the Rockets. Can you? Rockets Asssets: Aaron Brooks and Buddinger have the most value as players (performance relative to contract). The NY 2011 and 2012 picks are even more valuable. Here's why: -- NY is basically banking on a straight FA signing. Their cupboard is already bare, they can't afford to use the few players they have to execute a S&T. So they're not a S&T competitor. -- Let's assume we are after Bosh and offer up the NY 2011 swap pick and NY's 2012 pick. That's a hugely attractive offer to Toronto because by sending us Bosh, they are preventing NY from getting him, which increases the value of the picks. Let me say that again -- sending us the very FA that we seek increases the value of what Toronto gets. -- So, unless there's a pre-packaged agreement whereby 2 of Lebron, Wade and Bosh agree to bite the bullet and forego 30MM in a straight FA signing, we have the ability to directly increase the value of the picks from NY. Rockets as a Desirable Destination Even if we ship out Brooks and Scola (and filler like Jeffries) plus the NY picks (truly a kings ransom), we're locked and loaded to contend. Bosh would be coming into the following lineup: Lowry/Martin/Ariza/Bosh/Yao Battier/Buddinger/Hill/Hayes/Armstrong Even more importantly, Bosh would come into a situation where he could be the No 1 Lead Dog. Bosh has recently indicated in interviews that he might not want to concede to being a No. 2 to Wade or Lebron. We offer a ready made situation for him to succeed as the No 1. He has two legitimate No 2. options next to him in Martin and Yao. He is surrounded by bulldogs: Lowry, Ariza, Battier and Hayes. Finally, we have the right GM, owner and livable city near his hometown. Does any team meet these criteria better than we do?
I think a more important factor in a SnT than the assets (although they do play a part) is the desire of the FA to play for your team. If Bosh wants to play for the Rockets, Toronto will take what they can get from Houston.
Wow I didn't think of trding the picks for bosh. But aside from bosh, the NY can still be able to sign wade and Lebron. I don't think Toronto would would wnana take that risk.
I could see morey offering what he just got for from the knicks as an starting offer for bosh. Would anyone know if they are going to introduce the new player tomorrow in another press conference since it is a blockbuster trade? They could also include shane's contract for salary proposes
Dont forget the favorable tax laws. Houston doesnt have many rivals in terms of financial incentives. Sure you get a better endorsement deal if you go to NY but Houston's low tax and ability to offer the best value in any S&T make's it a legitimate player in FA. Aaron Brooks, Trevor Ariza and multiple picks should be enough to persuade Miami if Dwyane Wade intends to opt out. A S&T sending Luis Scola, Jared Jeffries and a high 1st rounder should be enough to get Phoenix's attention for Amare.
great thread, i am not familiar with other teams' cap situations. how do you evaluate S&T competitiveness? what are the criteria? probably best to outline those first. i imagine draft picks and young talent are what's more important since teams trading a bosh or a wade are clearly rebuilding. houston is extremely well positioned for this now.
I would rather have Carl landry plus Sac 2010 first pick and 2012 first pick if I'm Toronto. It's really up to Bosh. I think the Rockets can make a strong push for him and convince Houston is the place to make a big name for himself plus it's familiar and a strong franchise that will win championships. That's what will make or break the deal. We have enough but if Toronto gets to greedy he can always say forget it I'll sign with New York so Toronto will have to say yes to us or no to us. In the end I think it's possible. Still don't think it will come cheap. You have to ask yourself would you give up Martin and Jordan Hill plus our 2010 first round pick for Chris Bosh? Because that's what it might take.
Actually we don't need Bosh as well as Amare since we gotta sign Scola who can not come from the bench. So the best way it's to trade Aaron + Shane + Jeffries + several picks to get CP3 and Peja.
if it would cost us scola or brooks, we still have mid level exception to replace brooks or scola and got check powerforwards and point guard free agents or if still have shane battier or jared jefferies expiring contract they could offer that for kirk hinrich for example for point guard replacement for brooks.
I am all in for Bosh in the offseason to finalize the puzzle but I have stopped trying to figure out Daryl...who knows what the fool will do and who he will acquire. GMs hide your players cause Dork Elvis is out for blood...coming summer of 2010.
Depends on if you believe in Bynum's ability to become a franchise player. I don't. Brooks, Scola and the NY picks are an entire team, with the potential to draft a franchise player. Also, does Bosh want to be 2nd or 3rd banana?
Damm it could be Brooks for Chris Paul. Seeing as how 2011 could be his last year in Nawlins. Hornets have not done ANYTHING that CP3 could say "Man...We really want to win around here!?!" plus that team is just a mess with Okafor's contract. I'd bet they would like a shot to start over with Brooks and some picks...and i'd definitely would replace Brooks with Chris Paul any day of the week.
