i think draft night he will get dealt to a team that is a possible contender in exchange for a late first rounder.
Houston fan trying to trade for injury-prone player? What have you leaaaarned?! Plus D-Will signs with Dallas, book it. Trade K-Mart for picks and youngsters, same with Scola.
The KMart hate is r****ded. That the Rockets fanbase would think Monte Ellis to be a star SG while KMart to be cap deadweight is something that I can't even begin to grasp. You do realize they did, right? Over, and over, and over while Stern kept vetoing and vetoing and vetoing? Or did you just started following the Rockets 3 months ago?
Monta kills K-Mart in athleticsm and playmaking, also could develop into a great defender given his body and athleticsm.
Remember the argument that the Rockets shouldn't tank, because that would lower Luis and Kevin's trade value? Not working out too well, is it.
People sometimes forget that this draft is packed. Our pick range can get you guys like Jeremy Lamb, Terrence Jones, Damian Lillard, Kendall Marshall, Meyers Leonard, Austin Rivers, Quincy Miller, Terrence Ross, Royce White, Tony Wroten, Evan Fournier, Arnett Moultrie, Draymond Green, Doron Lamb, Fab Melo, CJ Leslie,... Even the 2nd round is full of potential contributors for our team. Morey could also swap to picks for a top10 pick where stars in the making are available. I'm all up for trading our vets for additional picks to rebuild this squad.
Martin may be more valuable as an expiring than any 1 piece we could get in a direct trade. There are reports Josh Smith may be available. Emeka is available. Dwight Howard may become available at the trade deadline. There are players that teams may want to get off their books for the right price that are more valuable than any free agent we can sign and Martin's expiring contract may be needed to make them work. Not to mention a healthy Martin is by far the best offensive player we have on the team. I'm concerned about his shoulder but if he can rehab it in the offseason there's no reason to believe he can not return to his old selg. Which gives him more value. Just have to watch Lee to see how difficult it is to maintain high level offensive game.
Then find a way to replace his heart, his slim body. Insert some mental toughness that he can score in the last 6 minutes of a game!!!! All we need.
Whoever is cheaper, go with it. If Lee is asking for Martin-type money, I'd let him go and let Martin finish out his contract.
I say we keep him. The guy has done everything weve asked. He has improved defensively since he has joined the Rockets. He has scored quite efficiently. If he wants a big payday, trade him. He would be one of the best 2nd or 3rd options in the league, but not worth much more money than he already makes IMO.
For those bringing up the Amnesty clause to use on Martin. Dont even think about that. The Amnesty is something that I believe the Rockets front office wants to keep in their back pocket in the case that they need to use it on Scola who will be making 11MM in 2014/15!!... Thats a nice chunk of the salary cap going forward, and a get out of jail free card if they need to use it. Plus, keeping Scola on the roster as long as you can as a mentor to the young guys will pay dividends to their development. Look, if the Rockets can move the expirings of Thabeet, Flynn, Hill then it shouldnt be any issue moving Martin at the trade deadline next season. That being said, I personally believe with my experience watching it time and time again, players with the capabilities that Martin has ALWAYS have career years when they are in the last year of their contract. There is no harm in keeping Martin on the books this summer if you cant move him for quality value in return on draft day. -Also, the past few weeks should be an eye opener for those who thought Courtney Lee could be the main scoring option for the Rockets at the 2 guard spot. I love Lee, and everything he brings to the table defensively, but he's not the long term answer as your shooting guard. He is however, a great bench player, and defensive stopper on the other teams best guard. If the Rockets cant get a bargain salary match this July, they will be forced to let him walk. In that case, its imperative you have someome of Martins ability to score points.
How soon we forget!! Martin may be "down" now, but he will be back to the elite scorer he is in the future. He is still young. I think he doesn't fit here now and should be traded. Bring him back, let him finish strong, then find a trading partner. Giving him away would be a mistake.
I would like to smash him! <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/I7SaAa3aomM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vyFSdj1J5Vw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
