(ESPN 710) John Ireland reporting CP3 to Lakers rumor

They are not trading CP3. If you trade ham not only will that look badd for the Houston Rockets as an organization but it will look terrible on James harden and I think everyone involved knows that but I don't think the rockets or harden want CD3 gone for that matter I think the whole argument is extremely overblown. Paul is still a very good player in this league and one of the best point guards in the league you don't get better by trading him.

 

Agreed he’s still a plus floor general. Think we might have to adjust to asking less isolation creation out of him.

Also I think his shooting has to get a little better than last year. His eFG% on “open” shots took a huge hit, which to me would seem like a one year blip.

 

This is my line of thinking right now. I'm okay with moving on from CP3 if both sides decide that is the correct avenue. If that's the case, I can't see many options out there that would make Chris happy. The Lakers stick out. I'm not okay with just dumping him for fun but I would be okay with 1 of Kuzma or Ingram, and Lonzo Ball as future building blocks. I couldn't imagine getting the fourth pick as well, but I think it's crazy that people aren't seeing how valuable he still is. He will still be a positive player on the court in three years even if he's not 40 million positive. Knight and Anderson were negatives, money be damned.

 

Basketball Reasons

 

This is really disappointing - from owner, Daryl, and Harden - all equally at fault. If this is true, it tells me that all 3 of them have given up on CP3 which is sad for Harden most of all. If Harden's given up on CP, then I don't know who he thinks is the best co-star he can play with. Frankly, I won't be surprised if he lets CP go and chases another MVP type solo-season.

 

Is he a really good player? Yes.
Worth the $40m? No.
Worth the inability to significantly upgrade the team for the remainder of his contract. Definitely no.

If the objective is to be a really good team that will make the playoffs for the next 2-3 years then yes keep him. But if it’s to win a championship then this team isn’t getting there with CP3. And keeping him wastes 3-4 years of Hardens prime. He’s not going to be getting any better. He’s just going to get worse from here on out. That’s what being in your mid 30’s does to your body.

I wouldn’t trade him just to dump him. BUT if he wants to play with LBJ for the remainder of his years and the lakers are willing to give us flexibility in return I’m amiable to that.

 

I trust CP3 more than James Harden.

 

I just don't buy the story. If it happens, I'll be shocked. I think Chris is overpaid as well, but we chose to give him the deal, and he's still a damn good player. Nope, I don't believe it.

 

Is flexibility that great when you know you have an all-time great in Harden now in the middle of his prime? The only way this scenario comes about and it's a success is if we can get another superstar in return for the Laker's rebuild package. Outside of landing another star player within the same year or two from the afforded flexibility, a "trade CP for a rebuild around Harden" will be a waste of everyone's time.

 

Trust him to do what? Stay healthy? Make an impact in an important series? Play up to the value of his contract?

Or do you mean like if you need someone to watch your dog for the weekend? Cause if that's the case then I get it, otherwise there's no reason for you to trust CP3 more than Harden.

 

If someone is willing to take on that contract then be my guest.

 

Yes it is....when you consider keeping him locks you into 2nd or 3rd round exits at best. Yes, losing him without improving with said flexibility might mean 1st or 2nd round exits but I’d rather have that with a chance to significantly improve while in harden’s prime. I’m all for keeping him if somehow the rockets can snag a legit 2nd star with CP3 playing 3rd. But I just don’t see that happening anytime soon with CP3 taking up the amount of salary he is.

 

fake news. heard harden is being traded as well

 

How will it look bad on harden? Paul is killing our cap flexibility and has clearly been washed up for a while. It’s the Rockets looking after their best interests.

If any gm is dumb enough to take that deal u do it

 

Geez. Chris Paul isn't "washed up." That's ridiculous. He's simply not worth $40,000,000 a year.

 

Are we getting Pau Gasol? That way it’s for us and LA like the veto never happened.

 

for none of their young core and no bron? lmao so we just gonna give him away? seems legit.

 

I agree. All off season is always all Lakers talk. I like Paul a lot just not with that salary. If they wouldn't consider giving up Kuzma I wouldn't want anything else.

 

How much of this is based on the assumption that KD is leaving to the East? Is there a scenario in which it is more necessary to keep CP this season than to offload him for future flexibility? Just wondering how many here assumed CP was a 2-year rental?