So is the three way of us getting Bynum and la getting dwight basically dead in the water? Would the only scenario where we could get dwight is a direct trade with Orlando or are there other scenarios?
NOT dead... But Dwight has done a lot for the city and Orlando feels they have screwed him as well in a way. If he wants to go to LA they will see if their is a fair/good deal to send him there.
I know this is subjective and things will inevitably change before it's all said and done, but do you think a deal gets done with Lakers choosing to involve Cleveland instead of us?
Do you know if Cleveland is softening their stance on 'not trading Waiters, Zeller or Thompson'? Or was that just a ploy from the beginning?
Neither Dan Gilbert (hates big market teams and owners) or the Magic (who have a better offer sitting in front of them) seem to be inclined to do that. The only teams that do that are the ones that are backed into a corner, like Memphis was with Pau Gasol.
It's not about helping the Lakers, it's about making the team better and trying to make it where EVERYONE is happy...
Sam Amico @SamAmicoFSO Will be driving for next 3 hours. Won't be tweeting. Call me if there's a trade.
No kidding, but my point is that the only way that CLE-LAL can beat a Rocket offer is if either the Magic take a worse offer than the Rockets or Cleveland eats more bad contracts/gives up more rookies or picks than Bynum is worth, or some combination thereof. I see no reason to think that Cleveland or Orlando will not do what is in their best interest so that the Lakers can get the trade they want. TL;DR - Cleveland is just d***ing around again trying to squeeze blood from a stone.
Cyberx, Much thanks for the inside scoop. PLEASE keep providing insights - that's why I come here. I am curious why you think Dwight to LA is the most likely to happen. I understand that Dwight wants LA (of course he wants LA) so he will clearly re-up with LA at the end of the year if he is traded there. And I understand that LA wants Dwight. But unless they're willing to part with Bynum AND Gasol, how do they realistically get it done, short of Morey not being willing to put assets on the table? [Note: This assumes LA does not put Gasol in play]. Outside of Bynum, LA has no assets except minor expiring contracts and perhaps the ability to take back one contract (which they don't really want to do). Orlando might like Bynum, but unless Bynum extends immediately (which he won't because he'd prefer to re-upfor 5 years instead of extend for 3 years), they're in exactly the Dwight scenario. Also, Bynum has the cards - he'd probably prefer to stay in LA and "inherit" the kingdom in 2 years when everyone gets old. Therefore, a 3rd team is needed (Cavs or Rockets). In any 3-way scenario, Orlando sends out Howard but will not receive Bynum. Therefore, the question is which 3rd team can provide the assets to Orlando that they covet the most. My take is similar to that posted by many others: Martin expiring > Sideshow Bob min 2-year Rockets. Toronto pick > Clevelands' first (since Bynum + Irving + East = locked playoff spot Rockets' young picks > Cleveland young picks (and in any case, Cleveland has signed some of its youngsters, so nothing is imminent) Rockets' ability to take more contracts and not give back as much money > Cleveland's If Morey really wanted the deal, why wouldn't Orlando simply trade Howard to Houston. Also, why would Orlando prefer a three way with Houston/LA or Cleveland/LA when both teams might give up less to get Bynum? Wouldn't Orlando be better trading Dwight since Houston will clearly give more for Dwight than Bynum? Is the reason you think LA is more likely because (1) Morey isn't really willing to give away too much, and maybe will walk away or (2) some side need to appease Dan Fegan, if the offers are somewhat close (unlike others, I think if Morey doesn't offer everything but Cleveland does, then Cleveland could be pretty close)? Finally, do you think we're talking 1 or 2 of our new young ones being offered? And given this is a rental, is Donuts on the table?
First off, thank you for sharing your insider info. Much appreciated. Secondly, why do you personally feel Dwight will end up in LA? Why is there not a major likelihood he'll come to Houston instead?
You may have answered my later post with this one. You're basically saying if Cleveland puts out a reasonable offer, then Orlando would take less to send Dwight to LA to please him and Fegan (at which point, unless it's owner's orders, Hennigan should be in hot water or fired for not looking out for Orlando's best interests). However, even if that's the case, can't Houston just jump in, offer more than Cleveland and take Bynum? LA might nto want to send Bynum to HOU, but they won't kill the Dwight deal over it. By my reckoning: Cleveland's own first - non-lottery pick since you're teaming Bynum + Irving in the east Miami's first - 25-30, which may be worse than an early 2nd rounder Sacramento's first - this is heavily protected and in the future might be 11-14AT best Right to trade with LA's first round pick - worthless. LA will be better than Cleveland no matter what.
True but it's not nearly as equal sided as u are saying. If the owner won't pay and the play is worth money there are plenty of teams that will pick them up. It's really more leverage for fegan.