Sources: McHale is trying to get the team to acquire Mike Dunleavy

Thanks for the heads up, Bima.

If I understand it correctly, it means we can still possibly trade for him if Aminu likes the opportunity of playing for a contender, right?

 

JVG 2.0

 

Random question Bima. If a team has bird rights to two expiring players, and signing the first puts them over the cap, can they still sign the second at any amount?

 

Just say no. Had to watch his miserable performance with the Warriors, the guys is a loser.

 

We need a wing defender, not another chucker. No thanks ill pass.

 

Rockets interested Mike Dunleavy

RENO, Nev. – When the Houston Rockets unofficially won the offseason by landing big man Dwight Howard as a free agent in July, they had every reason to think their winning ways would continue from there.

Yet this upgraded operation hasn't been quite as potent as they'd hoped, with injuries largely to blame but good, old-fashioned underachieving playing as big a part as any. Entering Thursday, Houston has lost eight of its last 18 games and fallen to fifth place in the Western Conference. So it is, then, that a safe assumption can be made about this Rockets team that has been rebuilt by one of the league's most aggressive executives in general manager Daryl Morey: With the Feb. 20 trade deadline nearing, they're not done dealing yet.

This goes beyond the widely known desire to grant the trade request of disgruntled center Omer Asik – although for anyone wondering, it now appears more likely that he'll remain with the Rockets past the deadline than it does he'll be dealt. This is about Morey canvassing the league for the sort of talent that can help his team fulfill its own lofty expectations. As is stands, this much is clear: The Rockets are on the lookout for more help on the perimeter, with a focus on finding someone who can provide more punch behind overburdened shooting guard James Harden (he's second in the league in minutes per game at 38.7).

According to a person with knowledge of the Rockets' thinking, Chicago Bulls small forward Mike Dunleavy is high on their wish list as the deadline nears. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because a team's plans aren't typically discussed publicly. The Rockets haven't acted on this impulse just yet, as a person with knowledge of the Bulls' dealings said Houston has yet to call to discuss a possible deal. And while Chicago's trade of Luol Deng to Cleveland this week had rival executives wondering if the Bulls would now continue breaking up their band, Dunleavy – who signed as a free agent last summer – is held in extremely high regard by his current bosses and there will certainly be a hefty price to pay for anyone who comes calling.

Dunleavy has one of the more-efficient contracts in the NBA, as he is earning $3 million both this season and next while averaging 10.7 points (45.5% shooting overall, 39% from three-point range) 3.7 rebounds and 28.2 minutes per game. Rockets wingman Francisco Garcia has been playing the role that would presumably become Dunleavy's if they could find a way to do this deal, and a peek at his production is evidence enough as to why they are on the lookout here: he's averaging 6.4 points (39.5% shooting overall and 34.3% from three-point range) while playing 20.8 minutes per game.

The Rockets clearly realize they're not elite just yet, that more moves might be needed to put them where they want to be come playoff time. If the season ended today, the home-court playoff advantage that was on their short list of goals entering the season would not be theirs. Howard has played well (17.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game), but adding the three-time Defensive Player of the Year has had no discernible impact on the Rockets' defense.

After ranking 16th in points allowed per 100 possessions last season (103.5), they're ranked 16th this season at 102.9. The offense, meanwhile, is even more elite than before: they were sixth in points per 100 possessions last season at 106.7, and are third this season at 107.5. Getting Dunleavy or some other perimeter player may not fix all that ails them, but it would help.

There's an end game here that no one has forgotten, and least of all Morey. Landing Howard meant the revamped Rockets were now considered legitimate contenders, but they look like anything but at the moment. Time, and perhaps a move or two, will tell this tale.​

 

I am only sold now that Dunleavy jr is a notch more productive than Garcia.

 

Every sports journalist believes GMs who claim so-and-so won't be traded.

And injuries play a huge part of our record.

Too bad they couldn't trash the coaching.

 

Correct. The Rockets would have to work out a deal that works for both the Pelicans AND Aminu.

Yes, it can. A team can exceed the cap as much as it wants in order to re-sign its own players for which it has full Bird rights. The team still has to deal with the luxury tax consequences, though. That was the primary reason why OKC traded Harden.

 

Dunleavy is nice when healthy, but he is so rarely healthy.

DD

 

?????

 

Games
2009-10 67
2010-11 61
2011-12 55
2012-13 75
2013-14 33

I want him for a reasonable price.

 

You can't trade for a free agent. Trades allow salary movement.

 

I think he was just referencing Sam Amick's recent article on Dunleavy being a Rockets trade target.

 

I think he's just pointing out that Amick (who has great credibility) is now reporting that the Rockets are interested in Dunleavy......something that cyber himself had stated far earlier.

 

I reiterate my stance that Dunleavy would help, but his limitations are very similar to the limitations of players that we already have. Worried he'll be just another body.

I trust DM is looking closely at the advanced statistics and looking for under-the-radar potential acquisitions. I suggested Jae Crowder. Another poster suggested Aminu. Those are the type of complimentary players that I'm interested in seeing us add. Players that have data backing them up that proves they make their teams significantly better when they're out there on the court.

 

Ahh ok thanks for clearing that up.

 

I agree. Great post.