I think the only thing that convinces CP3 to stay is this Celtic move. I don't think he'll even care about Howard after this. My opinion.
26 But tbh, I can't blame him for not wanting to be traded to Houston at the time, it was the same status quo roster that was going nowhere. Heck, I barely watched any games in 11/12 because I was just disgusted with the team's direction.
Looks like Chris Paul runs that team. If the reports that states he and Dwight are discussing about playing together then I would be a little nervous.
My gut instinct is that Paul wouldn't be able to force both deals. Rivers might be the most desired coach in the NBA, and even though he's under contract, he has a lot of power. He also values his relationship with management. And because of that, I don't see him signing a contract with the Clippers (re: Donald Sterling) unless he's gotten assurances from Paul. And if Paul gives his assurance to Rivers, thus letting the team know they have him, it's going to be hard to force the Clippers to make a trade that they don't want to make (giving up Blake). I think Paul has the leverage to force one deal, but not two.
They have to, the Clippers biggest fear is basically that the Lakers would give us a s&t, but if the Celtics are willing to trade KG for Deandre, they're certainly willing to trade him for Asik, which if the Lakers are looking to compete with the last cpl years of Kobe's career (especially when we'd be willing to give up draft picks/cash to pay for them to buy out Pierce as well...). Here's essentially the thinking Clippers : We want to keep Griffin, but we need to keep Paul Paul : I want to stay, but they need to give me a reason to stay Lakers : We want to keep Howard but.... Howard : Brooklyn ;( Otherwise ???? Boston : Young defensive center and some other benefit (picks, out of Rivers $21m, all of the above?) to get KG to waive his NTC? that works.
From what I heard, Paul doesn't get along with Griffin and Jordan. Well if this deal goes down.... One down, one to go.
Clippers have said they won't trade Griffin. Of course, GMs and owners will say anything, but I'd like to believe the Lakers won't send Howard to the other hometeam locker room at Staples.
I would like to believe this as well, and I am pretty sure it is not on the table at this moment in time. I can't say the same though on July 9th, if/when it dawns on the Lakers that Dwight could be walking out the door for free. And if CP3 doesn't seem happy in LAC...who knows? (LAL could just as easily take the extra cap space and be happy as well) So many possibilitiesssss
I'm surprised that CP3 jump started the talks again. My first thought when I heard the talks died were that CP3 wasn't ready to commit in the event that the trade went down and Sterling being who he is wasn't ready to commit a large chunk of cash to Rivers/DJ (trade kicker)/KG/Pierce(Possibly). If I'm CP3 I don't want KG for 1-2 years with who knows what he has left even if I'm getting Rivers. I want to compete not for 2 years but for every year on the rest of my contracts, this trade doesn't do it for him. They might compete for 1 year, then have to deal with a slowing down Garnett for 1 year. Then what do they do? Can they reload? Especially at the center position, that would be hard to fill. This obviously doesn't take into account that CP3 probably is trying to get a Griffin/Dwight S&T done as part 2 of his plan. I can understand the restarting trade talks if that is his planning. If this trade does go through, the Rockets have less chance at Dwight and it's possible that the Rockets could be used as leverage to force Dwight onto the Clippers. This trade for the Rockets is bad on so many levels, but I guess we'll find out in 3 weeks exactly what is going down and where we end up.
I actually think the opposite is true. First, KG does have a good year or two left in him, while DJordan is a toxic contract that goes on for 2 more yrs for practically the same amount as KG's contract. But KG's is only guaranteed for $6M in 2014-15. So technically, one could say that you gain MORE flexibility with getting KG than keeping DJordan. It isn't like keeping the rights to overpay Jordan in 2 yrs is worth much (if anything at all hahaha). Second, there is this belief that CP3 not only wants Doc Rivers to coach them, but also take a stab at getting Paul Pierce. The unwritten but widely assumed second move if this deal goes through is Paul Pierce is bought out by the Celts or something, or waived or amnestied if Celts still have it or something, and then will go join KG and Rivers in LAC. LAC would have to get rid of Butler's $8M expiring most likely, but that isn't too bad if Pierce agrees to sign for very little (he's getting partially paid by Boston regardless). CP3 getting Rivers, KG and Pierce (along w/ Griffin) is FIERCE for the next 2 yrs. Third, I think this deal helps our chances at landing Dwight. I don't think KG waives his no trade clause nor Rivers agrees to go to LAC unless CP3 verbally commits (quietly) that he will re-sign. Also, CP3 definitely wanted to see SOME big move this summer. Getting KG and Rivers and maybe Pierce is that big move. It will leave him satisfied even if LAC try and fail to acquire Dwight in a SnT. LAC knows this so will try less hard as well as CP3 gives up some of his leverage by personally pushing for this deal right here. Trust me, LAC would feel more desperate for Dwight if this deal does not happen. Also, because they are getting this much older, I think Griffin's youth might be more preferable haha.
You make a good point about the KG over DJ. Getting PP would be big too, especially if he doesn't have to play big minutes. I do think that should the Clippers get KG/Rivers/PP that they would push just as hard to get Dwight even if CP3 has committed. I also think they have a good chance at getting him. The Lakers thought process would go like this. Lose Dwight for nothing to the Rockets, or get Griffin/Bledsloe or Lin/Asik. Who cares about the cap in 2014 for the Lakers. If you get Griffin you can EASILY move him later on if you really do need that cap space in 2014, potentially even for the #1 pick in 2014 if that team has the cap space. The only thing they will be thinking is, how can our little brother (Clippers) upstage us in LA, no way are we sending Dwight there to watch them become a super team. So many different angles to consider, we don't really know what will happen, but I predict that LAL will try and get something in return should Dwight say he's leaving.
Pierce has $5m guaranteed on his $15m, he'd probably sign for the mmle, and of course the whole no bledsoe thing is meant to be tied to Afflalo (whose a much better catch and shooter than he is a create and scorer like orlando tried, which works with paul)
Its going to be CP3 or Dwight... Landing both of them is next to a miracle... it will require multiple teams helping us out... not going to happen... most of these teams also have a plan A of landing CP3 or Dwight... not Lin and Asik lol it will be a poker match in July... the GM who shows his cards first loses... Lets just hope someone takes T.Rob asap so that it will increase our chances of landing either one dramatically....
CP3/Afflalo/PPierce/Griffin/KG...Jamal Crawford off the bench, and a bunch of other vets w/ Rivers coaching??? Dang...that is a scary team (for 2 yrs). And unlike LAL, the egos should mesh better here, w/ enough youth to not completely make them like the Aging Lakers.
Bledsoe is actually owed $2.6M, but your point still holds. I imagine they'd move Bledsoe w/ Butler's $8M expiring contract (ends end of next season).
Yeah, got confused on this and next years salaries (both I listed was this seasons salary which would be used if the trade happened by June 30) I could see Orlando doing that. Afflalo was unimpressive for his first season in Orlando IMO.
Doubt it. If a Bledsoe/Afflalo deal is made, I'm pretty sure it'll be Hill's contract, Bledsoe, and Willie Green's contract.
