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ESPN: Rockets talking trade-up with Kings, Raptors -- targeting Dwight or Drummond?

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by ROXTXIA, Jun 24, 2012.

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HMMMHMM Member

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Feigen chimes in:

Getting Dwight Howard would be tough, keeping him tougher. A gamble worth taking?

Maybe it would just be easier to be really lousy and lucky, after all.

The Rockets’ way, however, makes things much more interesting around the trade deadline, draft and free agency.

The Rockets’ search for a franchise star has grabbed the post Finals attention centered on their hopes to land Dwight Howard. This is nothing new, of course. They had been in talks with the Magic up to 11 a.m. on March 15 when Howard ended that by signing his opt in to remain with the Magic for another season. That was not about to end the chase.

The chatter heated up when ESPN.com reported that the Rockets have tried to pick up extra top 10 picks to put together a deal with the Magic that would send Howard to Houston. This is entirely true, but among many moves the Rockets are trying to work out by Thursday’s draft. Nothing is imminent and the talks are considered fragile at best.

Also, the Rockets are trying to move into the top 10 not just to swing a deal with the Magic, but to use the pick themselves, rather than two picks in the middle of the round.

None of this comes as a surprise to anyone. The Rockets have made no secret of their quest to land a franchise player. And they have tried to move up in every draft since Daryl Morey has been the general manager.

Things are, however, particularly intense this week. There has been interest in Kyle Lowry since he expressed his dissatisfaction with playing for Kevin McHale. The Rockets have shopped Kevin Martin. But everything is about finding that next star to be the foundation for their future, either with the deal to bring him to town or to better equip the Rockets for that kind of trade.

In some ways, it would be interesting if the Rockets dealt Lowry, Martin and perhaps an extra big man to Orlando for Howard and a pricey veteran or two. History does tend to repeat itself, and this would not be the first time they sent a starting backcourt and an extra big man to Orlando for a Magic star who also was a straight-from-high school player available because he was unwilling to commit beyond the next season while coming off a back injury. Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Kevin Cato for Tracy McGrady happened. This could, too.

The Rockets do have what it would take to make this kind of deal. First, they are willing though they would be gambling that Howard would walk in a year. They were willing to gamble when Howard was signed only for a few weeks. They would jump at the chance to have him for a full season.

Second, they have a variety of contracts to offer, from Lowry’s modest contract to Martin’s expiring deal. They could offer productive players in rookie-scale contracts and multiple picks. They agreed to trade Martin, Goran Dragic, Luis Scola and a first-round pick to get Pau Gasol. You can imagine what they would have to send to Orlando to get Howard. And third, they have cap room if they need to take back an extra contract to make a deal work.

The competition would be greater now than in March when relatively few teams were willing to risk much with Howard signed for such a short time. And the Magic still would have reason to be patient to try a bit more to get Howard to stick around to play for a new GM and coach, or to try to land a replacement star rather than the Rockets’ offer of good, solid players that have been unable to break from the middle of the pack.

But if we assume the Magic would be willing, that the Rockets could land Howard, do you take the chance you can keep him? If you can get a pair of top 10 picks, do you just use the picks and try to find your star that way? In other words, do you feel lucky? Well, do you?

Eh, why not?

Undoubtedly, the chances of signing Howard long-term are not great. David Aldridge reported that a source told him there is no chance Howard would sign after next season. I was told in March, about 10 days after the deadline, that Howard wants a bigger stage than Houston offers. He can wait a season and head to Brooklyn and immediately be the greatest center the Nets have ever had (something he cannot be with the Rockets or Lakers.)

Howard, however, has set records for fickle decision-making. Given a year in Houston, he could change his mind. For that matter, in a year, he could change his mind 57 times. The Rockets with Howard could be capable of a pretty strong year, a better season than they would likely have without him, which could help convince him to stay or at least be fun while it lasts.

Basically, if they can get him, they have a chance to keep him. Put a percentage on it. Whatever you think it is. For argument sake, let’s say there’s a 25 percent chance he would stay. How does that chance compare to the chance of trading for a similar star with a long-term contract? How does it compare to tanking and hoping to win the lottery, and winning it the year you happen to have a player that dominant waiting for you?

The Rockets know how difficult it is to land a star, especially one with a long-term contract. Winning the lottery is far from a sure thing (think Charlotte) and going to the lottery every single guarantees little (Washington, Sacramento.)

If they can get Howard, the chances they can keep him are not great, but they are better than trying to get a player like that elsewhere.

Now, all they have to do is get him. Again.
Click to expand...

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterocke...ugh-keeping-him-tougher-a-gamble-worth-taking

#981 HMMMHMM, Jun 26, 2012

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If Howard wants a bigger stage, we can create that here in Houston. So many story lines here, especially with the tradition of centers here.

Someone here with better video production talent should put together a "pitch video" that highlights the careers of the great centers that played for Houston.

The Center position in Houston is like the spirit of the Avatar (the nickelodeon cartoon). The individual greatness and responsibilities to the city and team remain the same. Only great players can embody this spirit of greatness.

Moses Malone
Ralph Samson
Yao Ming
Hakeem Olajuwon

Others have tried and failed.

Kelvin Cato

Someone needs to set the stage and hype the great tradition of Rockets big men. Then, tell Dwight that he has been deemed capable to embody this spirit of greatness. ask him to become part of the spirit and forever etch his name in a rich history of Rockets big men.

#982 clutch citizen, Jun 26, 2012
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Tim Kawakami ‏@timkawakami
I heard last night that the Warriors' #7 is in play as Houston tries to line up the Orlando/Dwight offer.

#983 J.R., Jun 26, 2012
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Rivers said: ↑

14 + 16 + Kyle Lowry for Jonas Valanciunas. Try them.
Click to expand...

I would take that all ay every day!!! JONAS will be a very good player

One a decent rookie contract. So, he is locked in! Raptors are not that stupid. But I would rather JONAS than the 8th pick.

#984 RockNRandy, Jun 26, 2012
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Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine
Ball headed for new ORL GM's court. By all accounts Hennigan does NOT want to rush into Dwight deal. But if HOU offers fistful of firsts ...

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine
Houston is presumably going to have to manufacture multiple top-10 picks to get Orlando intrigued. But that's direction Rockets are headed

#985 J.R., Jun 26, 2012
Last edited: Jun 26, 2012
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https://twitter.com/espnsteinline/status/217630824059772928

Josh smith also on our wish list...

#986 JMAD21, Jun 26, 2012
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Method to the madness

Dang rockets are calling everyone and anyone

It's like there strategy is to basically use other teams against other teams

Get it while it's hot before you lose out.

Orlando doesn't want picks for Howard fine hey Atlanta what's up.. No.

Ok, hey LA what's up gasol... no.

Hey Golden State What's up...

And so on...

#987 RockNRandy, Jun 26, 2012

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Is there a record for "most draft/trade rumors in one day"

I bet morey has it

#988 JMAD21, Jun 26, 2012
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Rockets are in full business Howard is so full of himself, **** him, keep the picks!

#989 Rockets Jones, Jun 26, 2012
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JMAD21 said: ↑

https://twitter.com/espnsteinline/status/217630824059772928

Josh smith also on our wish list...
Click to expand...

I think this was thrown out there just to scare Orlando into doing the deal before we loose interest.

#990 AMS, Jun 26, 2012
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Rockets has an immediate need on 5, but I prefer Morey not to pick any 5 because of his poor history of selection on this position.

#991 caneks, Jun 26, 2012
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With Tuesday’s trade that brought Houston another pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft—the Rockets now have Nos. 14, 16 and 18—it is fair to wonder what the heck the Rockets are up to.

Their desire to trade for Dwight Howard, even with no assurance that he will sign an extension to stay in Houston beyond this season, is known. But there are indications from Orlando, a source told Sporting News, that new Magic general manager Rob Hennigan intends to be patient with the Howard situation. Hennigan was hired by the Magic last week.

The Rockets could package all three picks into a deal for another player, or put two picks together and move up. One scenario has Houston trading the 14th and 16th picks to Golden State for the No. 7 pick, and targeting Kentucky point guard Marquis Teague with the 18th pick. That would free up the Rockets to re-sign free-agent point guard Goran Dragic, with Teague as a backup, and package Kyle Lowry and the No. 7 pick in a trade.

ESPN.com reported that, should the Magic not be willing to part with Howard, the Rockets could target Atlanta’s Josh Smith, who has requested a trade from the Hawks. But, like Orlando, Atlanta has a new general manager—former Cavs and Spurs exec Danny Ferry—who won’t be in a hurry to deal his biggest trading chip. Another report has the Rockets offering Lowry plus the Nos. 14 and 18 picks to the Kings for guard Tyreke Evans and the No. 5 pick, but a source shot that down as unrealistic.

Either way, there is little chance for the Rockets to come out of the draft with three first-round rookies. Even if they do, some combination of those players can be expected to be traded before the season starts
Click to expand...

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/sto...ston-rockets-orlando-magic-trade-tyreke-evans

#992 J.R., Jun 26, 2012
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J.R. said: ↑

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/sto...ston-rockets-orlando-magic-trade-tyreke-evans
Click to expand...

I really do think that the Magic will pull the trigger quickly, unlike what this article says. Hennigan should want to change the franchise fast.

#993 RedDynasty, Jun 26, 2012

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Is a one year rental of Dwight Howard worth three mid first round picks?

#994 lalala902102001, Jun 26, 2012
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lalala902102001 said: ↑

Is a one year rental of Dwight Howard worth three mid first round picks?
Click to expand...

That sure as hell ain't gonna cut it.

#995 skenney1993, Jun 26, 2012
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I do not want a player who doesn't want to be here. There is alot of talent in this draft, keep the picks please keep the picks!!!!!!!!!!

#996 GPNHC56, Jun 26, 2012
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JA Adande(ESPN): Houston has to acquire appealing draft picks. Something in the top five--either Sacramento or Charlotte. Can this all happen & come together to happen in time come Thursday? I doubt it.

#997 J.R., Jun 26, 2012
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J.R. said: ↑

JA Adande(ESPN): Houston has to acquire appealing draft picks. Something in the top five--either Sacramento or Charlotte. Can this all happen & come together to happen in time come Thursday? I doubt it.
Click to expand...

Does he seriously think Morey is just doing some last minute scrambling? If it goes down, I'm sure it will be because of plenty of planning and communication beforehand.

#998 Fullcourt, Jun 26, 2012

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JA Adande is a moron

#999 TesseracT, Jun 26, 2012
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J.R. said: ↑

JA Adande(ESPN): Houston has to acquire appealing draft picks. Something in the top five--either Sacramento or Charlotte. Can this all happen & come together to happen in time come Thursday? I doubt it.
Click to expand...

No dumbass Adande, I'm sure the Rockets havent been talking to the Kings LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO BE DOING THESE LAST 2 DAYS

#1000 RedDynasty, Jun 26, 2012

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