The difference between Asik backing up Noah and Asik backing up Dwight is that Asik can play next to Noah because Noah is capable of playing in the high post/hitting mid range jumpers. He could also play next to Carlos Boozer and Taj Gibson. We've seen that there's issues with Asik playing next to Dwight.
I don't know if Deng being an expiring deal actually helps Houston. Trading Asik (plus fillers) for Deng doesn't create significant cap room for 2014 offseason even with Deng expiring. The only way you may be able to have 2014 cap room is by trading Lin before the deadline for an expiring deal. Not sure if you want to do it at this point since Lin is filling a role for this team and 2014 cap room doesn't guarantee that you can actually land a 2014 free agent. And in summer 2014, you likely either have to sign Deng to a long contract or lose him. It may be best for HOU to get someone whose contract expires in 2015 (like Boozer) instead.
If you land Deng in a trade you aren't worried about f***ing cap space, COME ON. You re-sign Deng in the offseason to a 4-5 year deal and you commence contending for a championship. You're SET. You don't need anything else at that point.
This only makes sense if Chicago is going to trade Noah(for LMA?) No, Asik can't play alongside Noah any more than he can't play besides Howard. That said, IF Chicago does seek Asik, the most obvious player to ask back is Taj Gibson. Straight up. He's the perfect PF/C for this team who can provide defensive support when Howard rests. I
Boozer has a good P&R roll game. Could be good choice along side Lin/Harden. Since the Bulls are over the cap any trade would have to closely match money wise correct?
If that's the case, then there's a very good chance of not getting Charlotte's pick this year. I wouldn't be surprised if the Bobcats managed to sneak into the 8th playoff seed, between the way they've played so far and the lack of depth in the East.
You drafted him for the Bulls? Translation would be the opposite if anything. But that's in the past. Mirotic is possibly the best player in Europe right now. Now everyone likes him.
I think Boozer would be a great fit next to Howard ... Ive mentioned the thought in multiple threads. Would take a minimum of Asik , DMo & Canaan to make the $$$ work because Boozer has such a hefty contract , $15.3m this year & $16.8m. The questions I have involving a deal like that are: 1) Would Chicago move Boozer when he's a big part of their success , that would definitely get them out of the luxury tax for next year and allow them to resign Deng ... but it sure would hurt their chances of winning. 2) how would his contract affect the Rockets ability to add pieces in FA in the offseason 3) Would they give up that Charlotte pick to dump that salary ?? Or would they expect the Rockets to add a pick as they are clearly getting the best player in the deal. Chicago only has 13 on its payroll , a deal like this could work without adding a 3rd team. I do find it difficult to believe that Chicago would move Boozer tho .... Doesn't matter what Asik wants , he doesn't have a no trade clause .... He'll go where he's dealt .... and like it .... or not.
1. Are you really "SET" with Deng as your third high salary guy? I have some doubts about whether he's is really the kind of elite player (like a Kevin Love type would be) that takes Houston to the next level. 2. Also, he has had a lot of mileage both in terms of years and minutes on his body. Not sure he's a guy I want to commit $ to long term. 3. Moreover, whether or not you want Deng under contract, the fact that he is expiring this season is not helpful. If he isn't the kind of guy you want to commit $ to, then you let him go and likely get nothing in return. If he is the kind of guy you want to keep, then the fact that he can leave this offseason is not a positive. Remember, he is going to be an unrestricted free agent, this means that he can just go anywhere for any reason even if Houston is willing to pay him a lot of money-- maybe some team makes him a totally ludicrous financial offer, maybe he just prefers Venice Beach to Galveston Beach.
