[ESPN] Andy Katz reports Rockets trying hard for #2 pick

I've wanted to hate on the guy, too, and he's certainly not afraid to use media outlets to drive up the price on that #2 pick; but the guy paid next to nothing for Beasley and Anthony Randolph. Granted, they might pan into so-so players, but they do have talent.

So he's not completely stupid.

 

..just a couple of random thoughts, but if we are talking about value of picks and the consensus is this isn't a star heavy draft but rather has a lot similarly talented role players available, then drafting later on is probably a better value than a high pick if you miss out on the one or two true potential stars in this draft.

In other words - with all these draft boards all over the place and teams looking to cut for a significantly lower cap, why not trade the #3 or 4 pick for the #14 pick if the same level of talent is still on the board that late in the draft? You could potentially save your team close to 6 million and potentially end up with a similarly talented player.

So talking about the Wolves - they have the #2 pick and would be paying that guy 8 million over two years regardless of the fact that the top tier talent available to them at that pick is redundant on their roster with Beasley and Rubio. Plus - and maybe Kahn doesn't see this), but a 2 yr 8 million dollar contract in the new CBA is going to be a much better FA player than historically it has been so do you really want to saddle you roster with a role player who may or may not work out when you could just sign someone in the new CBA at a discount compared to today's contracts?

...anyway, just some random thoughts. If I had to submit a guess, Kahn is NOT going to get bowled over with great offers for the #2 pick meaning there could be a true opening there to get a pick that high for Houston - something that hasn't been up for sale in the recent memory. The rest depends on would the player available there be worth giving up some solid role players for?

 

Minnesota asked about Nash at the trade deadline. Phoenix is the one who re-approached them about their interest for the #2 -- Minnesota said no thanks, we have Rubio now.

 

THIS!!

 

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If the Wolves are asking for Gasol or Bynum for the #2 pick then it is just unlikely the Rockets get the #2 pick.

But Morey is still putting offers out there hoping the Wolves bite on something. That's all this is, Morey is just a active guy and because of that every move he DOESN'T make is criticized.

IMO the only thing that makes real sense is moving up to #10. Moving all the way up to #2 is going to take a lot and that only leaves IMO Williams to draft.

How much better is Kanter compared to Valaciunas or Motejunas? I think it is better to just go after one of those guys instead of trading all our good players away to grab Williams or Kanter. I really don't see those guys being star players...Williams is too much of a tweener to be one and Kanter...well not much is known of the guy.

 

Minnesota asked for Nash to be a mentor type for Rubio. The discussions ended quickly.

 

You're questioning trading a malcontent waste of space like Spanoulis for a legit 20/10 power forward in Luis Scola? He fleeced a freakin division rival that is known for their front office smarts and you're questioning it?

 

There is a wide gulf of difference in Kahn asking for All-Star Level talent in return versus teams offering him All-Star Level talent in return.

He's asked or reportedly asked for:

Nash
Gasol
Bynum

Teams offering him All-Star Level talent in return

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In fact, what were the rumors, that Kahn had asked for Hibber, JeVale McGee, and other young big men (not even All-Star material) for the #2 and got rejected?

 

Should i go to bed to wake up early, or do deals go down late night b4 the day b4 draft?

Can't remember anything ever happening b4 the draft took place or if they even can

 

10 different offers & we can't make a deal? Guess DM is not a genius after all & our assets really are horrible......

 

No way Morey gets the #2 pick, even in this draft, without major sacrifices. Lowry or Martin plus one or some of our own picks.

 

Couldn't agree anymore. How is Spanoulis for Scola even a debatable trade? We won big!

 

The spurs are not rebuilding. They're trying to redistribute their talent by picking up players that can surround TD/manu and promoting George Hill to starting point guard. As long as they have TD and Manu they're not rebuilding.

 

Offer up a 11th trade scenario The godfather deal at the last minute. Then see what happens.

 

Ten different proposales? Looks like the entire roster is on sale for the Wolves' 2nd picks.

 

go to bed early, most of it will probably go down tomorrow and leak out into early friday morning.

 

Fixed that for you.

 

C'mon man, use your noggin. Even the Clippers aren't stupid enough to burn a #2 pick on a guy to serve as a player/coach for their drawing card for 1 season.

 

You're smoking something if you think Minnesota wanted to give up their #2 pick for someone to "mentor" Ricky for one year.

The Nash-to-Minnesota rumors made sense when they weren't sure Ricky was coming over. I know we all pile on Kahn, but nobody is that dumb. Still, I bet he's to blame for the leak/rumor to drive up the price of #2.

 

David Kahn just can't keep his mouth shut.