I find it very interesting that Rocket's are always discrete in their trade talks. When Rockets make trades...it truly is a splash!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Boarded flight to SFO, doors closing in 20 mins. Translation: Rockets deal not expected for at least 20 mins. (Yes DM still working phones.)</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/statuses/436567227488157696">February 20, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Boarded flight to SFO, doors closing in 20 mins. Translation: Rockets deal not expected for at least 20 mins. (Yes DM still working phones.)</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/statuses/436567227488157696">February 20, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>So far, the Boston Celtics have no traction on any deals, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.</p>— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/436567492518227968">February 20, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I think Boston knows Lin and/or Asik probably each equal a late 2015 first rounder if they stay healthy through the trade deadline next year. 2015 contenders will probably be willing to part with a first for either a combo guard / 6th man capable of playing 30 min and leading the second unit or a defensive, rebounding, rim protecting 7 foot center on an 8 million (cap hit) expiring contract. Those guys are the definition of "Assets". Boston is tanking. They're rebuilding the same way the Rockets did. Stockpiling assets and picks. Jones and/or Parsons are other pure assets to them (young talented prospects). I honestly think the final offer is T-Jones / Asik / Lin / 2014 Knicks 2nd Rder / 2015 unprotected Rockets 1st Rder for Rondo and Bass. I think Ainge takes it too.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>You memmer when Bill Worrell used to say, "Here come the Rockets"....yeah, that was awesome! You memmer when...</p>— Doc Rocket (@Thedocrocket) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thedocrocket/statuses/436567568040476672">February 20, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> dunno if it means anything
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>So far, the Boston Celtics have no traction on any deals, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.</p>— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/436567492518227968">February 20, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I agree that Hayward is probably the benchmark for Parsons, but I still don't know if you do this trade and give up the flexibility his contract provides and the value he has on the court. As someone else pointed out, Parsons is likely the #7ish SF in the league. It's not just his salary that makes him attractive.....he's a great player in his own right. Rondo is good, but PG is a deep, deep position in today's NBA. There's also the uncertainty that comes with Rondo. If he doesn't "fit", then I could easily see his market value tanking. If I'm Morey, I don't do it....but I'm glad I'm not him.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>So far, the Boston Celtics have no traction on any deals, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.</p>— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/436567492518227968">February 20, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Also keep in mind nearly half the teams in the NBA are preparing for cap room in 2015 and all of those teams but one lucky one will be sh#$ out of luck and will look to use their cap space on other players like Rondo, and Parsons. Parsons is going to get paid, and very likely overpaid... there is no doubt about that.... However so is Rondo. I just dont know if the immediate impact over the next two years is really that much better for this team with Rondo at the helm. I have yet for anyone to show me anything compelling that proves otherwise other than pointing to things like his pedigree, attitude, or the occasional "he can throw lobs to Howard." Jameer Nelson could throw lobs to Howard back in the day folks... I'm not worried about that aspect of the Rockets improving. Please show me something a little more impactful.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Marc Stein is on the air telling is Shumpert could traded to OKC for a 1st Rounder. I don't want to lose him. But what choice does NY have ?</p>— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/stephenasmith/statuses/436566977558376448">February 20, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Although Shump doesn't play good this year ... a new place can make him good... okc will become stronger . Give Parsons .... Welcome Rondo