I'm saying that we've maintained enough flexibility after locking up Montrezl. We can still complete 90%+ trades. The reality is that this team is mostly built out. There isn't an obvious, glaring need right now. Our biggest weakness is that we could use more shooting and rebounding at the 3 and 4.....but that's not near as big of an issue as not having a 2nd playmaker was last year (which we've solved with Lawson). Remember that every team is going to have massive amounts of cash next year. If Montrezl shows the same potential KJ did, it's entirely possible he gets a full MLE offer.
If by "drafted by Morey" you mean "someone at the Rockets made the pick because another GM told them to make the pick", then yes, Morey drafted Nicolas Batum and Nikola Mirotic. Also, Brad Newley is a SG(/SF), not a PF. You may be able to add Furkan Aldemir to that list, although it's unclear whether the Clippers drafted Aldemir FOR the Rockets or if the Rockets just approached the Clippers after LAC made to pick in order to buy Aldemir's draft rights. Sorry to nit-pick, but the whole "drafted a guy for another team" issue is a hot button for me.
Only from a personnel standpoint. Not from a monetary standpoint. And yes, we are more flexible in terms of more likely able to trade Jones/DMo/Capella should the right trade come across.
My bad - going on memory has never been my strong suit. I confused Newley with that other Australian guy we had for a second who was a big and had forgot we selected on behalf of Portland and Sota for Batum and Mirotic. Thanks for the correction.
He's aa great compliment to DMo and Jones. While the other 2 are soft, this guy plays hard and tries to dunk everything. Not sure if this game will translate to the NBA, he'll be a welcome addition.
He's a first round talent for many teams. They'd be likely to pay more while saving a first rounder. I believe that's the same logic we are willing to pay more to retain KJ.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rockets rook Montrezl Harrell will sign a three-year, $3.1 million contract today, per source. Includes no options or non-guaranteed money.</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/644884507783401473">September 18, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Wow thats cheap, I wonder why though. With the cap going up, he could have taken a one year deal and get paid next deal. Maybe he really wants that guaranteed money and play for the Rockets.
For a 2nd round draft pick not really. Isaiah Canaan as an early 2nd round pick had the same 3 year contract but 800K less than Harrell. For a 2nd rounder, Rich Paul did pretty well for Montrezl. That being said this just shows the value in striking gold in the second round.... that is IF Harrell becomes gold which I'm skeptical about seeing as he is in fact a rookie, and has his flaws to work on. I like what I've seen thus far though to feel optimistic.
I think his agent helped Harrell make the right decision. If he truly is a "low upside" kind of player, the guaranteed money will allow him to focus on carving a role in the league.
Bima, others, What does this mean for starting salary? If it's $3.1 million, then he took more than the minimum, I'm just not sure how much more.
Yes. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">By the way, as mentioned previously, Harrell's contract will make the Rockets hard-capped, limit ability to make some subsequent moves.</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/644887344806522880">September 18, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Quoting myself here. I think I've figured it out. His starting salary should be about $1 million. 1st Year: $1 million 2nd Year: $1.045 million 3rd Year: $1.092 million Total: $3.14 million That should leave us about $1.6 million left in room and just 1 roster spot to fill. I'd expect us to stay patient on that front.
is this common for a 2nd round pick to have a deal with Nike? <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>In addition to signing a 3-year, $3.1M guaranteed deal with Rockets, Montrezl Harrell has agreed to a multi-year with with Nike.</p>— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/WindhorstESPN/status/644927306688000001" data-datetime="2015-09-18T17:33:46+00:00">September 18, 2015</a></blockquote> <script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I believe he's already signed with the Clippers, so unless they cut him, no. But yes, we could sign Hayes if he's cut, or any other vet willing to sign a minimum contract. JMO, but I think we should role with the 14 guaranteed players we have now. We're deep so there's no immediate need to fill a hole, and you never know who could become available after cuts/buyouts...even into the season.