You're better off finding players that fill a specific role than filling a position. For example, outside of Capela, we don't have a big that can defend the post, provide rim protection or is even an average rebounder. That's the kind of depth we need....but as Morey said, these trades tend to cost you somewhere else. A big with those skills (like Asik) will cost you on the other end. If you take away minutes from Harrell and Nene and give it to a guy like Asik, how much is that going to hurt you on the offensive end? Likewise with replacing Brewer with a better shooter, that probably means a worse and slower defender. My favorite option is to kill two birds with one stone: Will Barton and Jusef Nurkic for McDaniels, Wiltjer, HOU 2017 1st, DEN 2017 2nd, Rights to Gentile This still leaves you with your 2018 1st to clear Brewer's salary in the summer if we need to. Barton fits in perfectly as a Brewer replacement that can shoot. Nurkic is still a little rough, but with some coaching, he could be a great fit here. Big guy with nimble feet.
@finsraider I don't think a KJ+WIltjer+1st+2nd+Gentile package is going to get it done for Barton+Nurkic. I like Barton+Nurkic, but that "late 1st" is the best thing in that package for 2 rotational players. The 1st might get you EITHER Barton or Nurkic. But I am sure Denver would rather use Barton/Nurkic as trade sweeteners for a bigger trade like Millsap etc.
@BigMaloe I'm with you. Same Morey MO. Big game hunting. When the Rox played the Warriors earlier it looked like Durant's expression on his face was, "I wish I picked Houston over the Warriors." "Draymond is always going schizo in the locker room." Berverley was joking w/Durant after his 3-pt buzzer shot going into half-time (I believe). Durant was laughing with Bev as they shook hands & both were all smiles. Probably something like, you missed that shot because I was closing in......Bev wasn't really that close. I think deep down Morey is holding out and hoping the Warriors implode & Durant opts out. Brewer needs to be moved either way....now or this summer. Morey seems (imo) like he doesn't want to make a deal right now that may disrupt that scenario.
@finsraider @Deuce I'd like to get Harris much more than Barton tbh, i read a lot of Denver fans talking about Barton like a braindead player, some sort of chucker, not sure if/how that's true but still...he also didn't impressed me when we played them...i agree with Deuce though, not sure that package would be enough...for Harris and Nurkic no chance i'd say.
Harris would be great too. He could fill in on a number of positions. I just think Denver is less likely to part with Harris than Barton. But if Harris was available for the right price I would jump at that.
Not sure if Brewer is worth it for Rockets to trade at this time. Most teams are going to want a pick just to take him. If the going rate is a first, then it makes no sense to trade him at this time. Instead get a cheaper option to play ahead of him or compete against him. Again, would prefer Crowder, AGordon, Wilson Chandler or even CJ Miles but we need to use our trade assets to upgrade 5 spot first. That's why I like Lance Stephenson. He is a wing that gives Rockets more options than just energy (Brewer), hustle (Dekker) or just athletic potential (KJ). Stephenson can be a secondary ball handler, physical defender, rebounder and scorer. And if he doesn't tow the line, cut him. No harm, no foul. But the rewards could be much greater than the risks since he could be had for so cheap. Could add an Artest type intensity and intimidation. Or not. But that's why I am advocating a 10 day contract, at least try to upgrade that back up spot behind Ariza. Dekker has hit a wall, Brewer has gotten old fast and KJ is KJ. And the guy is still under 30 (27 I believe).
I think you're confusing Harris with Arthur, the first one is the young guard, the second is a veteran 4/3. Not sure if Denver plans to play Mudiay with Murray in the long run...if they think that, they may actually be ok in listening to offers for Harris, but if they see it more like Mudiay OR Murray at the PG, i don't think they'll trade Harris at all...
This is true. Not sure if you saw last nights game (01/15/17) vs Nets. I was watching Quincy Acy on the Nets. Acy might be a little slow to be true small forward; but so was Dekker. Acy was used predominantly as a PF but the Nets switched everything defensively & left Acy on an island on the perimeter. Against Harden & Ariza, Acy did ok. Against Beverley, Acy was beat. Same thing w/Dekker. Dekker did much better vs PF's but didn't look to good when guarding Hollins-Jefferson & smaller players. Acy & Dekker have about the same lateral movement & foot speed..........but both are still better than Brewer. The plus/minus of Acy & Dekker are probably the same.....but both better than Brewer. Edited later: before someone sends me a message. I mean plus/minus for games played. Not just this particular game. According to 82games.com: 16/17 Dekker (-2.4) and 16/17 Brewer (-7.5)...nothing on Acy in 16/17; but w/Kings in 15/16 Acy was (-1.6).
But Dekker is playing more 4 than 3, and so would Acy if he was brought here. Need a true wing back up to Ariza, someone who could push Brew to #3 in rotation.
No...that's the point I'm making. Dekker is better at PF. Both are better than Brewer at SF though. Be aware that Lance Stephenson is a mini Melo. Ball stopped that kills pace....unless he has changed.
Courtney Lee was just benched for Ron Baker. Courtney is a career 39% 3PT shooter, shooting 43% this year. Brewer and KJ gets the deal done. http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=gp8ko4m
Hate to say it but that is exactly what Houston needs. A disgruntled player to start rocking the boat to force a trade like Ty Lawson did. Question 1) will Courtney Lee cause an issue? Question 2) will the Knicks be desperate enough to take Brewer? That's Gordon at about $12 mil w/ Lee average salary of $12 mil.
Courtney Lee doesn't move the needle at all, even taking Brewer's 8-10 minutes per game. He's also hampers future flexibility. I'd rather have Thabo for KJ/2nd.
Im not sure I agree with you on replacement of Brewer; but I am open minded. According to 82games.com. PER of player per 48- min production by position. Brewer................SG..8.8 (in 15/16)......3.7..(in 16/17) ............................SF..10.4 (in 15/16)....10.1..(in 16/17) Courtney Lee......SG..8.7 (in 16/17) .............................SF..10.1 (in 16/17) Courtney Lee is currently shooting 42% from 3 & defends...Brewer is currently shooting 22% from 3 & defense is suspect. No way Brewer defends LeBron in the post on a switch. 6'5" Lee has better chance of challenging LeBron near the basket. IMO. The move "could" secure the Rockets for years to come at 1-3 positions. But I think Morey is waiting for a Big Star to free up.
Mentioned this in the other thread... Knicks in: Brewer, Montrez, KJ, Hou 17-1st, LA 17-1st, LA 18-1st Clippers in: Melo, Lee Rockets in: Griffin or Jordan
The Rockets have a 3-man rotation at PG/SG of Harden, Beverley and Gordon. Brewer or whoever else will not be playing meaningful minutes at that position. What we're looking for is a backup wing and there Brewer is actually a better defender than Lee who is even more undersized. He's definitely not 6'5''. Neither player is defending Lebron well under any circumstance. Replacing Brewer's bad offense and above average defense with Lee's decent offense and average at best defense isn't valuable because, again, Lee makes $10 million+ on a long-term contract, hampering flexibility. And for a role that only requires around 10 minutes per game of good play.
Would love to see Lee back in Houston, just hope he hasn't picked up bad habits in NY. Like not defending. He was so scrappy on Magic and Rockets.
