Right now the weakest position in this team is still the backup C, as much as we can get from Black, he is still not enough for rim protection. Ideally, I would like Morey to spend the TE on a big backup C. But judging by the market trend, Cavs willing to offer Waiters for Kufos, I doubt the TE+NOP pick will get Morey decent return.
I disagree. Last year there was not much incentive to deal Asik because he was useful and there was a clear downside to trading him. This is much different. Even if Morey just grab a Bass or someone equally mediocre, just the salary will be important. Incoming player + terry + papa = Enough money to match max contract. Bosh, Melo, dwill, etc. Not that Morey needs them, but he obviously is a GM who like his options. I think Morey will pull the trigger no matter the best deal
Again, part of the reason the Rockets would trade for a player like Bass by 12/19 is to have the flexibility to deal him at the deadline as part of a larger deal. Also, the Rockets are trying to win NOW, a player like Bass can be very useful. There are many variables at play. Bass is just one of a number of possibilities anyway.
What? Bass is an expiring contract, how much money he makes is immaterial to the amount of playing time he is going to be given.
step 1. get a player using one or two 2nd rounder's now with TPE step 2. use that players contract or someone else here + N.O 1st before feb. trade deadline
Yeah, this year should be much more enticing. Last year I think the consensus from GM's was, "he's a nice player but I'm not giving up THAT much to get a 15 million dollars my cheap owner doesn't want to pay for a year limited offensive center". This year what can possibly be a GM's rebuddle?... "No I don't want to shed 8 million dollars in salary for my owner for players not in our long term plans FOR NEXT TO NOTHING when my team sucks"??? Not really a sticky situation to sell to an owner like "oh by the way, wanna pay a center who can't make a layup 15 million bucks NEXT YEAR, oh... and we have to give up a lottery pick". So slightly different circumstances. I have a pretty good inclination that the Rockets will have a much easier time finding someone to bite the bullet this go around.
Bigs I like Morey to get his hands on : new orleans pelicans Ajinca washington wizards Seraphin Depends on the asking price, I think both could be have for the right price and they both could be a big upgrade for the Rockets in this position.