The thing I keep coming back to is why are the Warriors so aggressive in pursuing the $30.5M that it needs to dump? My guess is that Dwight has given his reps the green light to pursue Golden State because that's where he wants to end up. It's a slap in the face to the Rockets, who have had a plan to acquire/sign D12 for 2 years now; I don't believe the Warriors were a team that seriously considered pursuing Dwight hard 6-8 months ago. It just seems like a "backed in"-type situation for Golden State, yet it might end up netting them the best center in the game. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. Still yet, all is not lost if you're Houston. There's still a chance that the Warriors can't shed that salary.
And what happens if Dwight goes to GSW and Curry messes up his ankle 22 games into the season and is out for two months... I mean when dealing with NBA players all logic goes out the window, I can't think of one good reason to want to play for GSW if they gut their team.
Thompson is one of the best 3 point shooters in the league. Something that is probably being sold to Dwight as Thompson/Curry as 3 point threats would open up a field day within the paint for Howard. With Lin/Harden/Parsons, Dwight has a trio that can attack the basket better than anyone in the league leading to easy dunks, offensive rebounds, and tip ins. So its an argument of which basketball philosophy is better. Before when the Rockets had Garcia, Delfino, Patterson, Morris you could argue that the Rockets could both spread the floor with 3 point shooters, and attack the rim. Now that 4 of their best 5 three point shooters are gone, its hard to make that argument. However, its not that hard to find 3 point shooters anymore. Every team seems to have 2 or 3 specialists. I still think Houston has the edge though because of two things- -Money (no state taxes unlike Golden State) -Depleted roster - Golden State will almost certainly have to give up major pieces like Barnes and/or Thompson to even bring the Lakers to the table for a S&T. If the Rockets sign and trade Lin/Asik that also opens up the opportunity for them to bring in ANOTHER star player like Josh Smith or Igoudala. So its kind of hard to make an argument for Golden State over Houston unless Dwight just absolutely wants to go there. My guess is this decision is taking so long because Dwight wants to see if Golden State can free up cap space by just simply moving Jefferson/Bogut/Biedrins first, and then he can evaluate what team he thinks has the better pieces around him to win a title. If Golden State cant make any of these trades today, and LA wont do a sign and trade for just draft picks and expiring (Bogut) Im assuming Howard will go with Houston or re-sign in LA.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Projecting Howard's chances of winning over the next 3 seasons with each of his contenders. Per Diem: <a href="http://t.co/lvvjtBso9B">http://t.co/lvvjtBso9B</a> ($)</p>— Kevin Pelton (@kpelton) <a href="https://twitter.com/kpelton/statuses/353186602434035712">July 5, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> EDIT: Need insider but HR are #1
If the Warriors could move all of those deals, they would have already. Not saying it for sure won't happen, but color me skeptical.
Also, let me add to my last post by stating that I am panicking frantically b/c of all this Twitter b.s. But at least I can admit it!
If Howard wanted to go to GS, he doesnt have to wait till they clear cap or get a SnT negotiated...he could announce it now and wait to sign when they get the deals done. The speculation that he is waiting on GS to get deals doen before talking make no sense.
i believe he wants to sign with GS, but they might not have enough time to do it...he might give them one more day, so time is against them...rockets are his 2nd choice.
Can we at least admit that this whole GSW thing isn't just a ESPN fabrication? Our insider spoke about them and all we've heard lately since he went to the Mountains is GSW stuff. At the very least, they are confident. Just keeping my expectations low in case he doesn't come here.
