I'd do Jabari before Reed... but nether are acceptable in a deal for 300 year old Kevin Durant. Suns picks and expiring or it's a no go
This is me anytime Durant is brought up. I just think Durant is good enough to make a big deal in the playoffs, but old enough that some team that doesn't care abouit their future will pay too much for him (i.e., mortgage their future for a marginal increase in odds this year).
I’d lowkey rather have KD than Devin Booker…he costs way less to acquire and has a higher impact on the game IMO I’d rather give up a little for KD than a bunch of young players and years of picks and pick swaps for Booker
I agree, but I'm also happy to stay put and keep the picks. The Suns pick this year will probably be #9 or #10.
Not saying it's a terrible idea, but really...What are the odds that a 9th or 10th pick would significantly move the needle for us? Or are you saying use those picks to make a trade for someone else in the offseason?
I agree with being careful trading for KD, but the 25 pick is probably is 9-10 vs 12-14 if we miss the playoffs. If all KD costs is the 25 pick one future Rocket pick and Cam or Reed and filler we should be all over it. Just think we will get way outbid. Durant is still a great player when on the court, which has been a lot last year and this year.
I see the opposite. Dumb teams can bid up the price of Durant because some of them still have enough picks left to get Durant and aren't concerned that his Bird rights are worth near nothing. Booker on the other hand, it really is just going to be the Rockets versus the Jazz and Brooklyn (OKC probably can't fit in his salary without giving up a great player).
Even top 10 pick will not crack Udoka rotation + for good reason, Rockets priority no longer developing players but challenging for championships.
Of course it does FVV, Sengun and Jabari are half court players. Rox got 2nd seed for a reason when they have a healthy team they are pretty good. Now posters are saying we suck when the team is dealing with injuries.
KD would also cost paying him the max, that would mean other guys not getting paid on theur extensions. You are also right he will cost a lot to get.
And Rockets have struggled mightily with half court offense even when entire roster was completely healthy, sans Steven Adams.
If they struggled how were they 2nd seed? Thats some struggle. No team has a perfect record every team struggles at some point, thats just reality.
Durant doesn't need to rely on athleticism. He can and still should be able to shoot right over people even as he gets older.
That's a Rockets FO problem for next season + beyond. KD fixes half court scoring issues immediately + significantly propels Rockets championship aspirations this season.
What about health, stamina and defense? Also paying him the max would mean us losing the other young guys.
