Houston's best hope in this Warriors threat, I think, is that "Kobe to Chicago" situation ensues. If I recall correctly, when the Lakers were bad in their post-Shaq years, Kobe wanted out and the Lakers was negotiating to trade him to Chicago. They almost had a deal done when Kobe (who had a no-trade clause) told the teams that he wouldn't go to Chicago if the trade gives the Lakers too much talent because he wanted to have good teammates like Luol Deng (who was supposedly a part of the deal) to play with. I wonder if the GSW-LAL thing will come to this. Howard may love to play with the Warriors as presently constituted, perhaps minus a couple of future 1st rounders (which are gonna be low anyway if Dwight joins) but taking away a key player like Barnes or Thompson then they become less attractive than, say, Houston. There is gonna be a cost to either straight up salary-dumping or a sign-and-trade. To begin, Landry and Jack, two important contributors, are most likely gone. Bogut likely has to go, too, and a couple future firsts. And then there are Lee and then Barnes and Thompson. Dwight may not care some of the minor pieces... but the cost of affording Dwight in whatever form may well prove to be too great. All depends on the market-place.
Yes, I agree. I've been lukewarm towards Dwight all along. If he comes here, it will be exciting. But, if he doesn't come here the Rockets are still in great shape with the ability to make moves in the future. If Dwight chooses not to come to Houston at this point, he must really not want to be a Rocket. And if that's the case, then I really don't want him to be a Rocket. I'm really looking forward to next season regardless of what Dwight decides to do.
Gasol is just about to turn 33. I'd say he still could have 5 good years left. If he gets amnestied and the Rockets can pick him up and also add Smith, that makes them a contending team for sure. Besides that, anyone who's supposed to be anchoring a #16 ranked defense can't be doing that great of a job, can he?
You are over-rating Pau Gasol in this stage of his career. I'm selling pau big time. Injury prone too.
Dwight to GSW implications for Lakers in direct sign and trade. They would have $94 million in salaries and have to pay the repeater tax. The repeater tax is for every dollar above the tax level which is $70 million. $24 million over the tax limit. The repeater tax on that would be over $20 million. $37+ million basically for Bogut and Barnes.
Be patient, it will. I am starting to think the GS will be the team that Dwight lands on. Lakers will call Dwight tonight, saying there is ST deal for him to go to GS. Lakers get back Draft picks and expiring contracts. HOward being a good guy does the Lakers a favor and agrees to go to GS.
Well lets see.... GS needs to move Jefferson ($11,000,000), Biedrins ($9,000,000) and Bogut ($14,200,000) to sign Howard..... and not give up Curry, Thompson, Lee or Barnes because that is the group they tried to see Howard on.... Biedrins and Jefferson seldom if even play and Bogut after being eliminated in the playoffs said he received constant injections and didn't think he could keep it up... Good luck with that one.... Oh and cannot offer any draft picks after 2020 if you believe what was reported earlier (cannot confirm this part yet). All while teams with capspace are making moves like Charlotte. Suppose it is possible but not at all easy, especially under time constraints.
Dwight ain't all that.. I'm pretty confident he will never be on a team that wins a championship. He just doesn't possess the mental make up or intangibles that it takes to lead a team to a chip.
