So the what have we learned about the non Asik trade article got me thinking, when does Morey go all in? I think we're all salivating over Love or LMA in 2015 when Lin and Asik come off the books but after taking a look at all teams there is an absolute ton of talent available! Notable names include: Kevin Love LaMarcus Aldridge Roy Hibbert Tony Parker Tim Duncan Manu Ginobli Marc Gasol Zach Randolph Paul Milsap Arron Afflalo Rajon Rondo Jeff Green Al Jefferson Gerald Henderson Brook Lopez Carlos Boozer Monta Ellis David West DeAndre Jordan Eric Gordon Robin Lopez Wesley Matthews Marcus Thornton Thaddeus Young Goran Dragic Rudy Gay Amir Johnson This doesn't even count Melo, LBJ, Wade, and Bosh if they all opt in for one more year. So is this Morey's plan? Sit tight and wait by trading Asik for a cap friendly piece or should we go all in sooner because we are one Harden/Howard injury away from mediocrity?
Sessions is FA after this season, I think Morey should go get him too. Harden, Love, Gay, Sessions and Howard is guaranteed championship.
The 3rd star is already on the roster. He just needs another 1-2 years to fully develop into an all star. Either Parsons or Lin can be the 3rd star.
IMO Love can't wait to go back to LA, so plan A has to be to convince LMA to come back to Texas and win a championship. Plan B is to sign Millsap to a four year/44 million dollar deal Plan C is to give David West a two year deal (he'll be old but he provides toughness and a decent mid range game
There are only 2 players on the list you "wait" for - the obvious ones, LMA and Love. But you only do that if you have a REALLY good sense they are interested. DM is a very savvy general manager. He knows the team hes a shot at least to win it all this year and going forward with the right moves. He also knows they have as much of a shot not to (more likely, really), and that in today's NBA you have to ALWAYS be thinking about future flexibility. He's not going to make a lateral move that hurts future flexibility (be it cap flexibility or otherwise). But if the right opportunity presented itself, with a veteran that could really help today, would he make that move if it hurt future cap flexibility? I think so. But who is that player? ZBo would be a good example... but he isn't that player since his contract is up that year. Maybe David Lee?? I'm not sure Morey does that, but you'd never know... it is a LOT of production he brings, even if the impact on winning isn't necessarily as obvious. Might have said yes to Ilyasova before this year. Ryan Anderson? Probably a great example. At this point I think DM says yes to an Asik-Anderson trade. Anderson has 2 more years after this one at $8.5 million.
2015 free agency is not the primary goal. It is a fallback position and leverage for what they really want. Specifically, Morey would most likely prefer to acquire upgrades as soon as possible rather than wait 2 seasons. But it takes two to tangle in making a trade and without making a trade, 2015 cap room/free agency is where the team will be and it is not a bad spot. The better realistic way to use 2015 cap room, however, is to leverage the threat of, say, Kevin Love signing in Houston unilaterally in summer 2015 to force a team to trade him to Houston in the 2014-15 season, if not earlier.
This....that's only a little over 1 year away. That's the highest reward in the shortest amount of time. DM has 1 year to acquire the necessary assets and leverage to pull of such a move.
I'd say you can definitely cross out the guys in bold: Kevin Love LaMarcus Aldridge Roy Hibbert Tony Parker Tim Duncan Manu Ginobli Marc Gasol Zach Randolph Paul Milsap Arron Afflalo Rajon Rondo Jeff Green Al Jefferson Gerald Henderson Brook Lopez Carlos Boozer Monta Ellis David West DeAndre Jordan Eric Gordon Robin Lopez Wesley Matthews Marcus Thornton Thaddeus Young Goran Dragic Rudy Gay Amir Johnson
We are at the cap now, gives Morey the ability to use his MLE and others. We won't have the cap room, can't wait 2 years while Dwight's in the prime but on the other side.
I been saying this, the ultimate price is Kevin Love, and imo he can and will be had by the rockets. Up and coming with 2 superstars and a room to add another one? Why wouldnt love, or anyone else for that matter NOT WANT TO COME TO HOUSTON. As of right now we sit and wait, and im 100% DMorey will be doing the same regardless. Minor deals here and there to acquire more "assets", and possibly trading Asik ( and maybe Lin) is the most we will go until next years deadline or next seasons summer aka 2015. Be well.
