We're on the same page. Where we probably differ is just the price of LMA. I don't disagree that having Asik is an amazing luxury, and his value is greater than just what he brings in defense and rebounding.....it's also in the minutes he allows Dwight to sit. Having said that, i think locking down one of the top 5 PFs in the game is just a little more valuable than Asik. And since you already have so many assets to play with, why not pool your resources and go for the big fish? You don't entirely lose Asik's defensive presence with LMA playing backup center minutes, and if Morey wanted to, he could use the MLE to grab a defensive center. Either way, we're in good shape. The end question to me is.......what is Les willing to pay? Harden/Parsons/Aldridge/Howard will cost ~$65 million in 2015-2016, assuming Parsons signs a $10 million/year deal. I think it can work IF Morey can recycle the Beverleys/Garcias/Delfinos/Landrys/Scolas of the world every 2-3 years. Almost every other contract on our team would need to be at the vet min, or close. Otherwise, Les may start to buckle under the luxury tax. Essentially, we would just need Morey to be Morey.
I hope your not saying that Dallas 1st is comparable to the rockets 2 draft picks and 2 2nd round picks??? Plus Asik is a substantially better starting piece that will be under contract longer. Martin was only a one year player. I think Dmo or Jones both actually will have a higher value then lamb. (proven commodities by deadline) Then for the Toronto 1st we would need to move possibly a future first and Lin to say get a late lotto pick in 2014 or 2015 So I propose this: Asik Tjones or Dmo our 2014 1st (one of the best drafts this pick will still be highly coveted) Trade Lin to a third team + a future draft pick for a lottery pick form another team. That should be enough. We can always throw in the rights of some of our overseas players.
The deal with the Dallas pick is I it's unprotected in 2018. If Portland trades LMA to Houston, they will see a core of Harden/Parsons/LMA/Howard and use Miami as a baseline in their projection, i.e. #29 or #30 pick EVERY YEAR. That diminishes the value of those picks. So IMO, 2014 #29 pick plus 2016 #30 pick plus Returning Portland's 2 2nds from the TRob trade is roughly equivalent to a top 20 protect 1st through 2017 PLUS the unlimited potential of a 2018 pick. I agree that the values for DMo and TJones will likely rise this year simply because they will be playing their natural positions (PF) next to dominant centers, and will have another year under their belts. I would mention, however, that at the time we traded Lamb he had a ton of value. Lamb tore up summer league and looked like next coming of Kevin Martin plus a little extra.
jus make it happen Morey... Asik, Lin (or Bev or Canaan), TJones (and/or DMo), GSmith, the European prospects (incl Lull or those we got from Portland), 3M cash (or whatever the max per yr is - to offset Asiks poison pill), 2014 first, toss in a couple 2nds.... we should have plenty to give them equal value... my guess is the deal is already done. Bettin DM and Portland already have a deadline deal in place... but Portland doesn't want to hurt ticket sales by trading LMA and going into full rebuild mood yet....
I doubt our 2014 will be 29 but I get what your saying. Also, Asik probably has 2 times the value that kevin martin had coming into that trade. Lin plus say our 2014 pick might land us a lotto pick in 2014...or 2015 whatever ended up being the best value. So I think we can get it done without giving up as much as your implying. Morey has continually got a great deal and paid less then what most suggest. So i am gonna go on his record with this too.
I agree on the Asik to Martin comparison. Portland probably values Asik significantly more than OKC valued Martin. $8.3 million for Asik > $12 million for Martin Elite Defensive Center >>>>> Good Offensive SG Useful Asik Bird Rights >>> Useless Martin Bird rights (since they were never going to pay him anyway)
Gentlemen, great discussion. I'm starting to believe. Asik is a great luxury. He really allows us to dictate the terms. I think Portland would be better to trade LMA before the season to actually implement a rebuild strategy instead of delaying the inevitable. Keeping LMA on their roster stunts chemistry and development of their young core. Of course they also make the Rockets a true championship contender for a solid 5+ yrs.
Could you just imagine Portland, The Trailblazers, Portland importing a 5 with existing condition knee/leg/foot issues? Portland? The Blazers have committed to their fanbase and LMA that he is the man. IMO they would need to get separation from that 'commitment' to move forward and move him. If/when management believe they can effect a deal headlined by Aldridge then they might seriously pursue. Asik would appear to be the anti-Portland prototype 5. He can play and stay upright. At the Rose Garden that would feel unprecedented!
The more people blather on about LMA the less I want him on the Rockets. We simply don't need a PF who plays mediocre defense, average rebounding, and demands the ball in the high post constantly to jack up mid-range shots for his offense. He's a good player, but I don't agree that he's a superstar. If we're just going to pick up a "Good player", there are tons of guys who would fit better with the team than LMA would.
Toss in Asiks first born and Lins pension and it's a deal. LOL! C'mon dude.....you giving away half the team and ANY future felxibility. I know it would be that much to get LMA, perticularly if the deal involves Lin AND Asik.... Lin and Asik plus Dmo (or Jones) and a pick would prolly do the trick. Rights to Llul and/or the euros in the TRob deal PLUS a 1st and the 2nds and cash......slow down, fam! lol LMA is good, but he ain't worth all that.... Might as well just let Jones (or DMo) show what he can do and keep your assets farming from within....injuries do happen.
Pretty much agreed on this.....LMA is REALLY good....but he isn't a "superstar" and honestly it would be a better scenario to have Jones or DMo turn out to be a "good player" and still keep Asik. I know taht isnt fair to Asik because he deserves starters minutes....but it is what it is. Jones could end up being just as good as LMA down the road and our team is good enough to have a development position and keep it moving. Funny because everyone wants the "Bosh" but honestly, Bosh wasn't even really needed in the equation for Miami and all things considered they prolly still would have won those chips even if he wasn't on the team.
we are not keeping Asik is the problem. Its not a matter of money. He wont resign with us after 2015 as a backup. So we have to trade this season to get maximum value. Next year we will be in the same position as portland trying to move a player everyone knows we are gonna lose in the off season
I agree that this particular trade probably has the Rockets giving up too much, but at that point, does flexibility really matter?? You have 3 all-stars and a VERY good player in Parsons ALL in their primes. I believe Morey can do what Miami as done (surrounding the stars with quality players) with VET MIN contracts. Look at Parsons/Beverley/etc. And not just that, but there will be a certain amount of players like Garcia that will settle for less just to get a chance at a title. Bev / Vet Harden / Garcia Parsons / Vet Aldridge / DMo or TJones Dwight / Aldridge / Smith That lineup can win NOW, and you haven't mortgaged anything. You're just leveraging what you think Morey can continue to provide...players on minimum contracts that will way outperform expectations.
Next year, LMA or Love could demand a trade to certain teams based on their opt-out. Most teams will be worried that those guys will be a one-year rental. The usual suspects are always Lakers, Mavs, Knicks, and Nets. If we're on that list, we can outbid all of them. I don't see why we wouldn't be at the top of LMA and Love's lists. Our team is young, happy, healthy (knock on wood), and talented. They've been "the man" on their respective teams for years with frustrating results. If they want to be traded to a better situation, what's a better place than ours?
Completely disagree. 6'11" with a 7'5" wingspan.....he can play backup center when Dwight sits and we won't become on of the 5 worst defenses in the league like we did when Asik sat. 21.1 PPG 9.1 RPG 20.45 PER 78% free throw shooter 19th in rebounds in the NBA. He is EXACTLY what you want.....someone that can compliment and take the load off of Howard from time to time. He is a star, but not a Howard, LBJ, CP3, or Durant. However, he fits perfectly with the Rockets needs.
Aldridge is one of the top 3 PF in the game. I dont even bother explaining stuff like that to people too dull to realize this lol. But thanks for this!
