The only reason why KJ got signed is because Llull turned the Rockets down. Otherwise, there wouldn't be any means by which to pay KJ. I guess the risk of Llull staying in Spain was great enough that the Rockets thought there's a substantial probability that they'd have the MLE to use on KJ.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The McDaniels salary is the same amount as a player taken in the late lottery this year. Good number for HOU.</p>— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) <a href="https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42/status/622847249861644289">July 19, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">How salaries are going for wings the McDaniels salary in 2016-17 will be well worth market value.</p>— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) <a href="https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42/status/622847667828166656">July 19, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Credit should go to McDaniels former agent Mark Bartelstein. 1 year non guaranteed minimum turned into 3 years/10m.</p>— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) <a href="https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42/status/622848541635940352">July 19, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">McDaniels had been searching for a team with room to land an offer sheet. No team would bite at a starting number north of 6m per.</p>— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) <a href="https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42/status/622848862365945856">July 19, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Like him, don't love him. He's basically a lottery ticket. There wasn't much available that could significantly improve this team with the MLE, so I'm cool with Morey using it for roster flexibility. Now, get us a freaking PG.
Love our depth I guess KJ and Thronton battle it out for minutes at the backup 2. Need to do the Prigs, Papa, Jones, and Dorsey/NJ for Lawson trade next. And then sign a Scola, Boozer, or Hayes for depth. Lawson/Bev Harden/Thornton/KJ Ariza/Brewer Dmo/Scola/Harrel Howard/Capela DO IT
Hopefully he will break into the rotation. I wouldnt mind seeing Ariza playing more minutes at the 4 with the crowd we have at the 3
my theory is that if Morrey has already found a trading partner the trade will happen in the coming days now that we are done with this saga. (unless it includes Dekker) If we are trully after Lawson it will take weeks and weeks.
I don't know, Ottomaton. Losing Ariza would leave a pretty large hole, in my opinion. I like Brewer, but his defense isn't remotely as good as Ariza's (again, in my opinion), with KJ still being largely unproven and Dekker, of course, is a rookie. Thornton is a 2 guard not known as an outstanding defender, and Terry, who I hope we can still fit on the roster somehow, is 120 years old. I agree that we need to make a 2-1 or 3-1 deal, though. It's gonna be tough. Lots of guys I'd like to see remain on the team. More guys than we seem to have room for. I really wish the league would increase the roster size by a couple of players. Bummer!
Is that photo used for Clutch's article the only existing photo of KJ on the court in a Rockets jersey?
I love this deal. Considering how much potential McDaniels has and how much other defensive wings have got this season, this could end up being a massive steal. And if he does become a solid rotational player, and the Rockets don't deal him, having his Bird rights after the third year could be huge. But the roster is really unbalanced right now. Even if McHale plays a lot of small ball this season with Ariza at the 4, there just aren't enough minutes for all of these wings.
Ariza, Brewer, and Beverley all have declining salaries. My guess is KJ's will be flat. I doubt it's rising.
