I could be reaching here. But as I take a look at the standings entering tonight, I can’t help but wonder.. Houston 6-9 OKC 6-9 Miami 6-9 OKC likely finishes below us in the standings. But the more Miami continues to struggle, the less painful that pick swap will hurt. We can also avoid the pick swap entirely if Miami finishes below us. So what does Stone do? Flip LeVert for Oladipo, who has been Miami’s long-time target. Oladipo is their best realistic chance at improving this season. Not only do we have the bird rights leverage, but now we can also end up having a better pick by not trading Oladipo to Miami at all. 3D. CHESS.
Unless you are assuming that Butler and Herro aren't coming back this year, it's not likely that Miami finishes behind us.
How about his move to get a low cost look at kpj? Sends a couple players to Cleveland as part of the three way trade, one of those players takes his locker, kpj blows up. Kpj becomes available for pennies.
When are they dude back ? Really any slippage by Miami is good for the Rockets .... The closer those picks are together , the less the pain. To start the season I expected that pick to be 22 or worse , I still believe they make the playoffs so at least 15th. Right now they tied for #5 .... & the Rockets & Thunder are 7 & 8.
All it takes is trading Wall, Oladipo, Gordon, Tucker and Cousins before the deadline. Tank and hope for a top 4. Get mad assets for all five players. Or just let them play and find their own chemistry. Trade Gordon and Tucker by deadline. Brand new team. Trade up for Mobley. Hello 2022.
Thats just dumb Rox will have at most 50% chance to keep their pick. You dont wanna gut the team prematurely and then give your pick to OKC.
I also like the Wood signing. Trades Roco for Ariza, 16th and FRP, then trades Ariza and 16th for Wood and Detroit FRP. Net result is Roco for Wood and 2 FRP. Lol. Thats def some wizardry there.