I think everyone agrees that the Rockets probably need to get another All-Star-type player to take the next step. With free agency a mixed bag next season, the move is probably going to come via trade. Unfortunately, Morey emptied the cupboard to get Harden and has very little to offer in a trade. The Atlanta Hawks have the Rockets' pick in '13, making it impossible for the Rockets to trade any future picks. So, in order to make the next big trade, Morey needs to get that pick back somehow. If you were Atlanta, what would you want for that pick? Would Motiejunas and some scraps do it?
Really, who would you want to trade away? Moti, White, Jones, Parsons? None of those will get you a star calibre player, no matter how many picks you include. Right now there is no way we trade for another star, we simply don't have the assets. What we have is cap space - so if we want another star he will have to come through free agency. If we do a trade it will only be for a role player...
I would say cap space with young players may be able to get a star on an expiring contract or sign and trade. Also, the Rockets do have Lin as a potential trade piece if an established star becomes available. On question on draft pick, I don't think it would cost more than one of DMo, Jones, or White. I'm hearing this will be a weak draft. If Atlanta doesn't get pick this season, expect Rockets to make the pick around the 18th or 19th in the following year.
Make a bet with Danny Ferry. If we win tomorrow night, the pick comes back, if not, ATL gets another pick.
Unless Patterson plays up to his potential or one of the three rookies emerges (Jones, Donatas, White) it will likely be Josh Smith or Paul Millsap. I think Smith mentioned the Rockets as a preferred destination. If we do have an emerging star at PF maybe we look to upgrade at PG or C with Chris Paul, Dwight Howard or Andrew Bynum. And push Lin or Asik to a reserve role or deal them for a top pick. Either way, we don't have the resources left to acquire a lottery pick or superstar via trade. Better off trying to win with what we have and that makes the Rockets more desirable.
Don't overpay just to get the pick back, not a Morey-move. Just wait it out, if we end up in the lottery we keep it anyway.
