Marc Stein Latest on the Celtics/Clippers/Lakers triangle? Even if the Clippers fail getting just Doc Rivers alone, I still don't see Chris Paul leaving Los Angeles. Too many whispers Los Angeles itself has too many advantages, things that appeal to Paul for him to force his way out immediately. Someone who is pretty close to that thing has been telling me for awhile now, if Chris Paul is really unhappy in Los Angeles down the road, he'll force his way out after he re-signs for the five-year max. It's really only Dwight. I don't see the Mavs as having much of a shot at Chris Paul and the reality is Houston is in the lead, if we're talking Texas teams, when it comes to Dwight. The Mavs have to catch Houston first before they could even think about stealing him away from the Lakers. Dwight is the one guy who I've always felt when Cuban gets in front of him, that's someone that Mark Cuban is really going to be able to sway. The problem is Dwight listens to a lot of people and is easily swayed by others too. It's gonna have to be an amazing sales job by Cuban and Dwight's really gonna have to believe in Dirk taking a pay cut is going to bring in someone else significant in the summer of 2014 but what you're telling Dwight is "We're most likely gonna need one year after you get to here to really mount a challenge." That's a tough sale pitch. The Mavs are in the game on Dwight. On Chris Paul, I just don't see it. So they are still going to have this meeting? They'll get a sit down with Chris Paul as well. The Mavs have the respect factor, that they'll at least be heard. Even though they weren't on the LeBron tour in 2010, LeBron's people were listening to the Mavs the whole time. You don't turn away Mark Cuban's phone call. I have no doubt the Mavs will get a sit down with both of these guys but it'll take more than a sit down. If they don't (get either, and I don't think they will), what is plan B for the Mavs? We don't know yet. It's gonna be a trade. I've maintained for a long time, not necessarily this guy but a Zach Randolph. There's talk Memphis may move Randolph. It's going to be gambling on a big salary guy like that and hoping the fit with Dirk and Carlisle is special and takes that guy to another level. A Rudy Gay style trade like what Toronto did. That's, still to me, the most likely scenario if they strike out on these guys.
Woj: There is a sense around here that the Clippers are trying to create an illusion for Chris Paul that this is something they very much wanted to do, but the league stopped them, Boston was being unreasonable and stopped them, we're sorry, we tried but we can't get it done. Right now, Sterling doesn't have to pay $35 million. He doesn't want to pay half of that for a coach. ... Chris Paul wants to stay in LA. His marketing, his stature in the league has all changed going from New Orleans to LA. Obviously on a better team, winning more,...He's not looking to leave. Dwight Howard is truly torn about whether he wants to stay or go elsewhere. Paul isn't but this has been...he's pushed hard for this, very hard. Last week, his people were very involved in this, trying to close this. What Paul is trying to figure out is how much was Boston, how much was LA, why isn't this done? Clippers are telling him, "Hey, we tried. The league got in our way. Boston is being unreasonable." Chris is trying to figure out those answers with FA looming on July 1. This is a risky game for LA to be playing.
I actually believe that WOJ report. I just don't see LAC Sterling willing to pay top dollar for a coach. Upgrade to VDN, sure...but not at that price. CP3's brand has gotten better in LA, but it can still be high if he is WINNING and getting far in the playoffs. It is just that when you are NOT WINNING, being in LA at least as it's advantages from a 'marketing / brand' perspective. Bottom line is "Sterling is Sterling." I don't see him changing his stripes and CP3 has to understand that. Maybe he feels he can bull his way out of LAC in a year or two if it doesn't go the way he wants, we'll see.
Miami is not LA but you better believe with all the attention the big 3 created their "brand" improved. Creating an arguably superior big 3 in Houston and the subsequent interest and winning that would follow would also help for endorsements etc. Imaging the story line and interest a Miami big 3 versus Houston big 3 in the finals would generate. Who wouldn't want to watch that? Paul might love LA but that team would not be as good as teaming up with Harden and Howard in Houston. If he really wants to win he'd come here. He can live in LA in the offseason.
Geez, what a groovy fantasy! Harden, Dwight, Paul, and Parsons, fill in around the margins with guys like Beverley and Anderson, pick up a Tony Allen/Brewer defensive perimeter player. Not sure where Asik and Jeremy would fit in financially, but that isn't our problem, it's Morey's. I might have an orgasm just thinking about it.
Hahaha that would indeed be quite the fantasy, and would require most to settle for league minimums or below market value
And - - if CP3 does stay does he get the Howard SnT he presumably wants? This whole Clips messypants is leaving too many messed pants in too many places. Now, which places will those be at the end of the day?
You can bet your ass we'd get aging stars dying to sign with us for one last chance at a championship. Just like Ray Allen, Shane Battier, etc. with Miami.
If we trade Omer Asik: $8,374,646 Jeremy Lin: $8,374,646 Thomas Robinson: $3,526,440(done) Royce White: $1,719,480 Donatas Motiejunas: $1,422,720 Then we have James Harden: $13,668,750 Terrence Jones: $1,551,840 Chandler Parsons: $926,500 Greg Smith: $884,293 Patrick Beverley: $788,872 Tyler Honeycutt: $100,000 (waived) Roster charge: $490,180 Roster charge: $490,180 Roster charge: $490,180 Roster charge: $490,180 Roster charge: $490,180 Roster charge: $490,180 Total=$20,864,935 The cap=$37,635,065 It's not enough for the two max salary to D12=$20,500,000 & CP3$18,600,000 (total=39,100,000) If trade TJ,then the cap=$38,696,725 we can offer D12=$20,300,000 & CP3=&18,396,725
If we trade Omer Asik: $8,374,646 Jeremy Lin: $8,374,646 Thomas Robinson: $3,526,440(done) Royce White: $1,719,480 Donatas Motiejunas: $1,422,720 Terrence Jones: $1,551,840 Greg Smith: $884,293 Then we have only James Harden: $13,668,750 Chandler Parsons: $926,500 Patrick Beverley: $788,872 Tyler Honeycutt: $100,000 (waived) Roster charge: $490,180 Roster charge: $490,180 Roster charge: $490,180 Roster charge: $490,180 Roster charge: $490,180 Roster charge: $490,180 Roster charge: $490,180 Roster charge: $490,180 The cap=$39,090,838 It's OK for the two max salary to D12=$20,500,000 & CP3$18,600,000 (total=39,100,000)
I'm keenly aware of the near impossibility of such a scenario, one I'm far from the first to have fun with. That's why it was called a fantasy.
It does sound believable. I am not one for conspiracy theories, but if the League can block the Clippers, they can block us too. Fortunately, the failed Pau Gasol, and Nene trade resulted in Harden's arrival in Houston. I have this lingering feeling, that the tampering charge against us, is going to hurt our changes in obtaining Howard or Paul. If they don't want to come here, or if the injury risks are considerable, I don't want them.
nope, I dont understand why you guys gather here and enjoy this fantasy....Paul not coming. Houston cannot compete with LA..... This guy is doing tons of commercials....theres simply no reason why he should leave LA. LA will work on getting support players to play with him....hes not coming to Houston. Perhaps Howard but unlikely....this is all a lot of talk about nothing. I get it, you guys have nothing to do....
