Another crazy idea: is there any chance Anthony Davis becomes available in the summer for a decent price? Way too injury prone? Looking for bargains, good value deals basically. I don't think we need a lot more than that.
I think the Lakers are toast. That said, I think they have a belief players will come to them. I don't think that will be as easy with the new CBA.
Really have to start thinking about trading for Collin Sexton to help take the load off of Fred here. Could be a good extended replacement since we know Reed just isn’t gonna be it for another season if it costs Jabari then it might still be worth it since we can’t take Amen out of the starting lineup and Jabari deserves to show out.
Push the chips in (with some secured in the safe) HOU - MIA - PHX MIA: Brooks (HOU) + Tate(HOU) + Adams (HOU) + 2027 HOU FRP PHX: FVV (HOU) + Landale (HOU) + Whitmore (HOU) + 2027 PHX FRP + 2029 highest FRP (HOU, PHX, DAL) HOU: Durant (PHX) + Butler (MIA) + Jones (PHX) + Bol Bol (PHX) + Alec Burks (MIA) + Love (MIA) Amen - Jones - Holiday JG - Shepp - Burks Butler - Tari - ??? Durant - Bari - Unc Jeff Sengawd - Bol Bol - Love Over tax by ~$2.6M
Sell the farm for Zion? Houston In: Zion and Daniel Theis New Orleans In: Steven Adams, Jabari Smith Jr, Reed Sheppard, 1-PHX pick and 1- HOU pick Sengun Zion Thompson Green FVV
That’s hilarious. Come sign with us guys (FVV & Brooks) and help change the culture and mentor all of this young talent. Hey guys you have done great we are the 2nd seed! Also guys uhm we are trading you now for severely overaged vets that are both top paid players in the league. Said vets that will proceed to take 40% of the usage in the playoffs leaving less to the young guys. Sign me up!!
Nobody else was giving FVV or DB money like that. That knew what this was - especially FVV (when he allowed that 3rd year team option). What's your end goal? A group of well-developed young players who all bolt for greener pastures b/c there is only so much $$$? What's your plan?
I’ll post something serious later when I’m not on my phone. But to add to the funny. You could trade for Harden and Capela as well! Harden Holiday Butler Durant Capela
I hope to God Stone or anyone here isn't suggesting we trade the pick this year unless it nets us a superstar without us giving up any young piece. Take a look at Suns schedule in March and April: March: Wolves>Clippers>Nuggets>Mavs>Grizz>Rockets>Kings>Lakers>Raptors>Bulls>Cavs>Bucks>Celtics>Wolves>Rockets Then April... Bucks>Celtics>Knicks>Warriors>Thunder>Spurs>Kings They will already likely go on a 15+ game losing streak, with an injury to KD or Beal, then we will be looking at a guaranteed top 4 pick. I'd much rather see where that pick lands first, see if we can draft Dylan Harper, which will cover our desperate need for a point guard or **** THE SPURS, we get Flagg. If it falls into a spot where we can't find a good player then we trade it.
This version of what you want works. MIA: Brooks (HOU) + Unc Jeff (HOU) + Landale (HOU) + 3 2s PHX: FVV (HOU) + Tate (HOU) + Holiday (HOU) + 2027 PHX FRP + 2029 highest FRP (HOU, PHX, DAL) HOU: Durant (PHX) + Butler (MIA) + Jones (PHX) + Bol Bol (PHX) + Alec Burks (MIA) + Love (MIA)
•Based on recent conversations I’ve had, I get the sense that swinging a deal for Butler doesn’t align with the team’s current age profile. Aside from that, there are some lingering questions about his injury history (hasn’t played more than 65 regular season games since 2018-19), attitude and commitment to the cause (whether his own or the team’s). •Hollinger: In the big picture, I don’t think Houston is at a point to consider dropping assets for 36-year-olds on max deals, whether it’s Butler or Kevin Durant or Paul George or whomever. That’s not the business they need to be in. Yes, the offense likely needs a better leading man than what is on hand, but even so, the Rockets want that player to fill the role for more than a few months. •Houston is quietly making third-string center Jock Landale available. He’s making $24 million over the next three seasons, which is easily digestible in trade talks. •Hollinger: Combining Landale and Jeff Green’s expiring deal gets them in range to add [Cam] Johnson and would keep Houston below the tax line (something that matters if you’re looking ahead to repeater penalty issues), and Johnson would be a great fit. Alas, it’s probably going to cost the Rockets two firsts on top of that, which is enough of a price to potentially knock them out from pursuing bigger prey. One guy who might cost considerably less in terms of picks (probably two or three seconds) is Washington’s Malcolm Brogdon, a good shooter who could come off the bench but has had some trouble staying in the lineup. Another one to consider is Toronto’s Chris Boucher, (@OremLK ) who could play either backup 4 or backup 5. Both those players are on expiring deals and thus won’t mess with the Rockets’ future cap, unless Houston wants to re-sign them with Bird Rights. •Hollinger: At the very least, I expect the Rockets to pursue an upgrade via the buyout market — but I think Rafael Stone is in a position where time is on his side. As good as the Rockets have been this year, they’re lined up to be even better two, three and four years down the road, and the biggest thing they’re missing is that single, monstrous, All-NBA type talent. So I wouldn’t be shocked if we have an underwhelming trade deadline and the Rockets take some bigger swings on elite talent this summer, armed with lots of assets and — just as importantly — more information from the second half of this season. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6063308/2025/01/16/rockets-nba-trade-deadline-jimmy-butler-deaaron-fox/
Bargain, good value for me is John Collins. Not sure what he costs but if you can swing Landale, Unc, Holiday (for salary), with 1 or 2 2nds that's a steal. He's a perfect backup, spot starter, behind Jabari especially with Tari's health concerns. 26 mil this year and next (player option) is great value to me. Also a nice contract you can later trade if need be.
I like Collins as a backup 4 (Tari insurance) & small ball 5. His block #'s are down from early in his career. But his 3% (esp. this year as his volume stayed pretty close), assist rate, & steal rate are up. That being said, always be wary of doing business with Ainge.
Ainge will want an unprotected FRP as a throw-in. This would be an addition for demanding Jabari Smith.
Dillon Brooks has been an awesome signing and deserves a lot of praise for our culture, but it might be time… HOU Receives: Cam Johnson Indiana Receives: Dillon Brooks Nets Receive: 2027 1st Round Swap Rights Back Jerrace Walker Obi Toppin 2nds if necessary
