Apples, meet oranges. It's not being a homer to say it's impossible for the Warriors to acquire Dwight. It's understanding reality. The Lakers are hurting bad financially. Really bad. If Dwight re-signs, or his salary equivalent, Gasol is getting amnestied. They just let Earl Clark, a fairly talented young player, walk over a relatively small amount. I think it would probably take both of Thompson/Barnes to even start the conversation, and apparently the idea the Warriors pitched to Dwight involved both of those staying. Do the math, and there's not a probable trade there. The reason it's almost impossible for Dwight to go to Golden State isn't because the Lakers or anyone else will be vindictive. It's the financial realities of the NBA under the new CBA -- the same way we ended up taking Lin and Asik from bigger-market clubs last summer. Atlanta might help us out because they'd get something they could use (Asik) out of it. The Lakers won't help out Dwight if the cost (enormous luxury tax bill or Gasol amnesty) is greater than the benefit. That's not being vindictive -- that's just basic management.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>As for <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilJackson11">@PhilJackson11</a> tweet this morning. Phil has always made it clear he's just a phone call away if Lakers need him to consult, not coach</p>— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ramonashelburne/statuses/352904881390104576">July 4, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In my opinion, probably doesn't change anything. It's too late for the Lakers it seems. Then again, we know nothing
It would be in his best interest to let the team know ASAP, so they could get on with making more moves to surround him with even more talent. Hopefully he realizes this.
They can say whatever they like...but in the end they aren't more than human, Nash is 39...39 if you trust that at 39 Nash is going to play at a elite level then I don't know what to say.
Was just going to say the same JG. Surely Howard can see through the BS. If he can't... Bryant assured Howard that he believes he will return to an elite level. Nash told Howard that he is confident he will get back into the kind of shape he was in before breaking his leg in the second game of the season. He also asked Howard to give this group of players another chance to make up for an injury-riddled 2012-13 season.
imagine the look on Dwight's face if he chose the Lakers and Nash and Bryant were injured often during the season and the Rockets were flying in the top 4 in the West, he would be spewing
She is supposed to be a homer.. but I don't get why everyone cares what Kobe said at the meeting... and not sure Howard is happy Kobe has no problem telling everyone what was said at the meeting.
If Dwight chooses the Lakers, then I honestly don't think he'd care because it proves basketball just isn't his priority. Hope that's not the case.
They are "technically" over the penalty because they haven't renounced some of their free agents yet. Carl Landry is going to the Clippers, so that's $4M off their books. Presumably, any trade for Dwight will ship out about $17M in salary to the Lakers. By my estimate, that puts the Warriors payroll to $75.3M, which is below the tax apron.
