I'd seriously make a push to get Gortat. Phoenix is keeping Robin Lopez, so maybe they'd be open to it. And honestly, Martin would be a major improvement at SG for them. I know we all want this, but Morey and Les have been rock solid about no tanking. Les has no desire to see Toyota Center empty out with the All Star Game coming to town.
It's already empty, a fact I'm sure they're painfully aware of. More than a few times last season, the stands looked like the Comets were playing. If they don't get Howard, they're just plain ****ed in trying to sell tickets this year. In fact, Howard may STILL sell more tickets in Toyota Center than anyone on the roster-- for one night only at the all-star game. Their dogged patience is as impressive as it is frustrating given the troubling reports they must be receiving from their sales staff. If the Yao saga taught us anything, it's that these two don't give up. They may not want to tank, but it's kind of hard not to when you're trying to convert all of your non-rookie contracts into draft picks (oh, and hire McHale to coach!).