so this guy is actually credible. i have a feeling this is coming tomorrow. I'm betting Knicks are getting Harkless.
We all kinda feel that Morey wouldnt trade Ariza because of Paul, but while Paul is close with Ariza he came here to play with Harden. If it comes down that Morey has to add Ariza to get a Melo deal done, he will do it. He might consult with Harden and Paul, but while Paul loses a close friend we would be getting one of his best friends! Thats where the signing of Mbah Moute is so big. He will fill the role almost to a tee what Ariza did in the offense and defense.
Cle is not the other team it's clearly Houston. Melo and his camp are pushing exactly that. Third team is Hou. Get off the cle crap. Melo and his camp has been pushing a trade to Hou the entire time. That's the actuality. The reality is the media has been pushing the other bs. Think people!
I've got to think that Les is pushing to do what it takes (within reason) to get this done ASAP. It will only add more value to the team as he works to make the sale. Having this hang over the team for the next few months is not in his interest given his desire to sell the team quickly.
We're in the minority, but I'm with you on this. With Tucker and Mbah A Moute on board, Ariza to me is the most expendable one out of him, Gordon and Capela. People are saying he won't get traded because he's tight with CP3 and Harden. But, what if those two are ok with losing Ariza? They're good friends with Melo too, and they're damn sure Melo can make the team so much more lethal.
There is no reason to trade Ariza. Melo is holding all the cards. He wants Houston. Just wait out NY.
Blazers already have Al-Farouq Aminu and he's the only guy on the team that plays good defense. They are much better with him on the floor. Why would they take Ariza when they have a younger guy that does the same thing?
Elaborating more on Portland: The only remotely positive assets they have (excluding Lillard, McCollum, Nurkic, who aren't moving) are guys like Harkless and Aminu. Even if NYK wants one, why would Portland move one for Shumpert/Frye (or any other garbage from Cleveland)? Portland isn't looking to rebuild, and it's not like the Knicks are going to give up a future 1st for someone of that caliber, either. The only way Portland's involvement makes sense is if the Blazers get someone actually capable of being a rotation player next season. That's not random filler garbage from Cleveland's bench. (And on a related note, even if you want to argue "salary dump," the contracts from CLE are short enough that it makes no sense for NY to pursue that.)
