Don't want Ibaka really. I'd take Harden if we can get him. My plan involved getting Cousins now and then signing Harden too. Ibaka seems like he has a ceiling of a slightly better Ben Wallace. It's not that I wouldn't take him if he were right there for the taking, but I wouldn't want to build a plan around Ibaka as a centerpiece of that plan. Whatever they were willing to give up to get Bynum, use that to try and get Cousins. If they can somehow end up with Harden and Cousins, I would be good to go with trying for a championship with that nucleus along with Motiejunas, Lin and Parsons.
Word. There's a reason why players like Bynum or Dwight even make it to the trade market. There is usually a catch ie. contract, attitude, injury, etc which we already saw with TMac. Also acquiring Dwight puts Rockets in 'win now' mode which shouldn't be the case with all the young players on the roster. Rockets are developing a solid foundation but need one young superstar. These should be the targets: 2013 draft: Wiggins, Noel, Shabazz M., C. Zeller 2014 draft: Jabari Parker
I agree with your plan, but Sactown will be $32 million under the cap in 13/14 and Cousins is arguably the 4th best center in the NBA. He may be heading to a 5 year max deal.
Andre Iguodala With Asik, Lin, and Iguodala, that would give the Rockets a competitive starting five. Trade Martin, Dallas's 1st and/or a 2nd for A.I and wait on Howard or Bynum in free agency next year. Lin/Livingston A.I/ Lamb Parsons/Morris Pat/ D-Mo Asik/ Harrellson
Melo. When they have another one and done season knicks fans will be calling for a trade and amare because of his injuries will be untradeable. They'll be forced to trade Melo, and ironically we'll be able to do it by sending them a package that includes their own picks and jeremy lin.
another fair guess. either way, I think "superstar" movement would get postponed for a few years. There would be calls made, there might be serious attempts to land an All Star -like maybe an Eric Gordon trade if things go worse over there. Maybe someone like Derrick Williams who's getting shopped by the Wolves right now and who does look a lot like young Antawn Jamison (when paired with a decent point guard). Also, Paul George looks like he has All Star talent, and if he makes another jump, Indiana may not be in position to match a max offer. But in terms of a "superstar", a top 10-15 or so player, I think the best shot in the near future would be the draft. Assuming Dwight/Bynum trade fails. Then in a couple years I could easily see Love or Cousins becoming available and the Rockets having enough to get it done. Obviously, Harden is a darkhorse. I would put him in that 'franchise player' category myself, he seems on his way to being a perennial All Star. But I think he gets re-upped this summer. I don't see any chance of getting him in at least the next 5 years.
I dont see how you came up with us getting cousins, i would like cousins and kevin love and all sorts of players but you have to think about what we can offer the other teams not just what we want. But you can keep dreaming, if the kings were to give up anyone it would be evans, but he wasnt anything special last year, I would trade for him using any number of our power fowards, not a pick, but they dont need thoughs so again we have nothing to offer them.
If Morey couldnt get the stars he's targeted to come here so far, what gives us reason to believe that he'll be able to convince any of the players you all are suggesting?
I fear a PF in Gasol / Smith but we need a C or a SG but who's contract is big enough so we can unload some PFs??
