I won't hold it against Stone if there are no moves made. #1 I don't want to move any of Sengun, Amen, Jabari, or Reed. #2 There aren't many players in their price range that are actual upgrades. Take for instance Tari - name one player you'd trade him for that makes similar money to his $5.675m. I really can't think of one that's actually available, screw it, let's see how RFA plays out, worst case we do a S&T and get some return. IF DFS is your main trade piece, that limits you to about ~$13m in incoming salary. Even with the injured player exception, they would be limited to a small range of contracts and can take back no more than $1,255,588 than they send out. I guess the bottom line is that I don't want to screw up tomorrow for today and making no deal in that regard is better than the alternative.
I think its fine to roll the year with what we have. With FVV out thats 25M gone and thats a big gap to fill. Next year FVV should be back and we can make a better try.
One issue with trying to use DFS as a trade chip is he's likely viewed as a negative contract until he proves he can still play ball. He probably will do that, but likely not before the trade deadline. GMs will be wary due to not knowing what percentage of the player he used to be they're going to get back. Adams being hurt so badly creates a similar problem if you want to trade him instead. It's pretty hard to make a trade right now without including members of the "young core" unless it's a minimum-for-minimum swap, or it's Clint going out, which would probably have to be for an upgrade at backup center due to Adams' injury. Also Jabari is poison-pilled so we can't realistically use him for salary matching either until the offseason.
I’m okay standing pat as well; however I don’t like the idea of forgoing moves on the margins that might improve our competitiveness come playoff time. I don’t think we are true contenders, but we can’t be a 1st round exit team this yr. So I hope the org at least tries to upgrade on Clint and/or give us a little more help in the backcourt. If we can help our team at the margins I’ll feel better about letting things play out this season.
Stone needs to make moves on the margins. No reason to not get a guy like Malik Monk. Relying on only Reed for bench scoring is a recipe for disaster.
I don't believe the Rockets will trade Reed for a '26 pick before the lottery. The lottery can royally screw you even for a tanking team. Ask Detroit.
GTA would be a great addition... if he's taking Okogie's minutes and ending the Amen-as-PG experiment. I wouldn't want him taking minutes from Reed.
I’d like to see a small move where we move Jeff Green, Tate, and maybe even Holiday to try and get some young talent rotting at the end of other teams benches. Not saying we should trade back for Cam Whitmore but there are certainly other Cam Whitmores out there. The Rockets have a shallower depth of talent than folks here like to admit. I think we need to not assume have depth that we really don’t long term. A young springy rim running prospect would be preferable.
I’d hope that if we went after any point guard at the deadline, it would mean a move back to the dunkers spot for Amen. I am now convinced they won’t trade for a point guard if it means Reed gets less time at that position. GTA woukd work well in a committee with Reed at the point.
You’re close to being right. Amen is progressing nicely as a pg. A backcourt of Monk, Reed, and Amen is near elite. Adding Monk and playing him and Reed at Sg, will make Amen that more effective and his assists will balloon, if Ime will back off of spamming the Durant and Sengun ISO’s. Monk is an excellent fit for this team, but he or Reed needs to come off the bench. Amen in the dunker spot is a waste of his talent.
— Hawks, Raptors no longer in significant trade talks for Anthony Davis — Raptors aren't actively pursuing Ja Morant but are still intrigued by Domantas Sabonis — Unlikely that Bulls trade Nikola Vucevic before the deadline — Pelicans willing to discuss trades for Jordan Poole, Jose Alvarado, Yves Missi — "Whispers" that Pacers, Pelicans have discussed framework around Bennedict Mathurin for Missi
A Agree that we shouldn’t screw up tomorrow for today, but you can still make trades that are good for now and the future. Tari or DFS, not both, coupled with filler and a draft pick can accomplish both. Monk is a good example that is a great fit for this team and is extendable at a reasonable price. I love Tari, but he cannot stay on the court and wants his bag. We need another combo or sg desperately. We need a new coach, but that is another subject. Tari and a draft pick will get people’s attention.
Hell no to kuminga. If Kerr can’t figure out how to make this guy effective, what chance does Ime have?
Could be correct, but Sac wouldn’t let it go if they get a top pick. The gamble is the only way we get that pick.
Yeah, but I'd rather gamble with Reed than with an unknown pick. Reed has a decent floor we know and a pretty high ceiling. Even if he doesn't turn into a star, he will still be a useful shooter-passer (low risk high reward). A pick before the lottery can turn out to be worth little (high risk high reward).
