Anybody not named Harden, but it isn't happening. What would be better would be if we actually got D-Mo up here so we can develop our own LMA.
With Lillard clearly not a bust (on way to being a star, but more sample size needed), there's no way LMA will be traded. That's a pretty good core - LMA, Batum, Lillard, Matthews and Hickson. The problem with Portland is they have the lowest bench scoring in the NBA. Even worse than LAL I believe.
Aldridge is an answer with what we have, but then you'd have to give up too much of what we have to get him. Almost more reasonable to go after a Paul Millsap type where you don't have to give up too much, and can keep a core intact for him to fit into
It doesn't even have to be Aldridge. Go for Batum instead. Play Harden at PG with Batum at SG. Batum has that Ariza like ability to guard smaller lightning quick PGs like Aaron Brooks. I would salivate all over that trade. Lin can go to Blazers and dominate the ball at SG as the playmaking combo guard he is which Aldridge will hate. As he hated when Roy was playing with them.
Harden is the franchise player. LA is 27 years old. Harden is 23. This is a HUGE gap in NBA terms. One says "A player that can still get drastically better." and the other says "A player that has maxed out." Harden has more value than LA does, so if the Blazers were to trade LA they would be extremely lucky in getting Harden. I doubt they would even try. As someone said, it would be preferable if the Blazers don't have the season they plan on having and then they might just go a full youth movement...then a package including our young players would not be a bad deal depending on what else is out there.
There is nothing the Rockets would ever want to part with that would be enough to pry away Aldridge. He's a Texas guy and would mesh perfectly with the Rockets, but it just wouldn't happen. The ONLY possibilities would be if the Blazers firesaled the team and went into tank mode because they've stopped winning or have experienced even more injuries, or if Aldridge himself got frustrated with the situation and wanted out. Outside of that--I mean, he's their franchise player, and one of the more talented big men in the league. You'd have to pay dearly to get him.
Maxed out...as an NBA all-star and one of the top 5 power forwards in the NBA. I mean let's have some perspective here.
Asik is a near perfect C to put next to Aldridge, as the rim protector/banger he is. Meanwhile, Leonard isn't as good as Asik right now, but has better offense-defense potential, which makes him probably a better fit for us long-term. I could see a deal involving those two. But for Aldridge? I'd deal anyone - Lin, Donuts, Asik, Jones, Parsons...name it. The problem is that Portland wouldn't be interested (unless we drop 3 picks and LA stated he wants out).
The best realistic player the Rockets can get is Josh Smith. I don't think Josh Smith wants to stay in Atlanta anymore and maybe he'll want to get traded or wait for free agency to sign with another team. And I can see Morey bringing Josh Smith. Trading Patterson, Morris or Terrence Jones(or maybe trade all three) for Josh Smith. I can really see Josh Smith coming here.
Man i can't wait till the 2013 free agency, so many PF free agents available; why trade for LMA when we will have options during free agency! Paul Millsap Josh Smith LMA Al Jefferson All 4 of these players were born in 1985 so they are all roughly the same age. And Bleacher Report just wrote an article on why the rockets are the best free agent destination this coming summer...so things are looking up *knock on wood*. We might be able to choose our players on need rather then availability
Since we're dreaming and minni's equally unlikely to give up love. Would you rather give up anyone not named harden for LA or Love?
