Lakers. They have a valuable piece (the 2nd best center in the league now). -He wants to be there -they have the money -endorsements go up But Buss is so tough it's not even a joke. He takes things personally. If he thinks the Magic are trying to screw him he will say F it and pull out.
Lakers don't have the money also Howard would make far less money overall so the endorsement talk is irrelevant (we have no income tax and the Asian markets).
Rebuild... did you read what Scola said? If they get Bynum they could have a nice little 1-2 punch w/Lin...
They have the money and will pay over the tax, they don't care. Have you seen their payroll? Did you see their new Time Warner deal? Wow... Team is BANKING...
But Orlando doesn't want Bynum and they the Lakers have no room to take back the bad contracts Orlando want's to dump. They need a third team to facilitate a trade to get him. So who is going to help Dwight go to the Lakers? Seems a mistake for the Rockets to help with this, you are setting up a conference rival with the best center for the next few years.
Not sure if it was asked before but do you know of any big trades that possibly fell through on draft night?
Why would Houston facilitate a deal for LA? Makes no sense. He might not want to go to Houston now, but you can't say he will walk in a year unless you have a time machine.
Orlando won't take back Bynum without an extension in place - Don't want to be back in lame duck limbo !!
I think Morey is done being a facilitator for LA, man. Once burned, twice shy. He'll go for the gold; Howard or bust. The more I think about it the more concerned I am about AB's knees. Furthermore, the more I think about it the less I think any team in the league is going to help LA win 2-3 near-guaranteed rings. That includes us. Doesn't matter whether Dwight wants to play their now, he needs help to get there and nobody's going to give it.
Bynum MAY sign an extension as opposed to Howard because Bynum may want that security blanket because he may be scared of his knees.
cyberx, does every team pay extra cash under the table....and is it to basically all players, or only the superstars?
I think people are underestimating the fact that Superstars 9 times out of 10 get to go where they want/somewhere they're okay with. If Orlando dumps Dwight somewhere he doesn't want to be, other plays will take notice and his agent Fegan will make sure he avoids doing business with Orlando. Houston doesn't seem to be that place so Orlando could tell Houston, look we want more, we want to include LA so we can dump a little bit more salary and take on ebanks/mcrobets/ect. If Houston plays hardball they threaten to just do a deal with the Cavs. Houston then will have to make a choice, Bynum or rebuild. What i'm saying could not happen, Orlando could say f it, and screw over Dwight anyways, but the chances seem very low that would happen if you look at the history of the league.
From everything I have heard Orlando doesn't want Bynum. They want a package of young players, picks, and to free up cap space.
Cyberx- Three questions: 1) What is it about Houston that makes DH not to want to come to Houston? Obviously if Morey was able to be competitive and put enough assets to get him, then he will be able to get plenty of talent to put around him... 2) What are the chances that Houston will follow up a trade for DH/AB with a trade for a star wing player like Iguodala/Gay/Smith? 3) If we trade directly with the Magic without LA, why would we involve LA? Especially since AB will continue to have knee issues throughout his career?
Cyber, Just curious, are you primarily a Rockets fan at heart or you provide insider insight to various fan bases?