I think Ujiri has reason to keep some of their pieces, but if Lowry has the highest return, and he thinks his production can be replaced, then I'm sure he gauges value. I just don't really see why there is urgency to blow it up all the way. At least for what a team like the Rockets is going to give them in return for one of their best players in Lowry. The 18th pick, and expiring contracts???... come on now.
Actually, I think Llull is the centerpiece for MU. The other pieces round out the deal. Whatever they are. TJo, both picks, and Papa Nick (to make the $ work); whatever. Ujiri has not made any big moves other than jettisoning Gay (and retaining Lowry). The man has an itch he needs to scratch. At least that's my position.
So they're better off letting him walk to San Antonio or Dallas for nothing? You seem to not understand the lack of leverage they have, especially now that the player has no financial incentive to play ball on a S&T anymore. Are Jones/D-Mo/Capela role players? Probably. Guess what? They're also young and cheap, which can significantly help a team that's losing a franchise player. If you're Portland, would you really rather Aldridge walk for nothing than, say, get one of those three young bigs and picks? And even if they don't need Ariza themselves, he's a positive value player. One of the best defenders in the league locked in for three additional seasons, all on a contract of declining value just as the salary cap explodes. If they don't need him, fine, they can deal him elsewhere for more picks/prospects. You would really rather just let Aldridge walk for nothing over that?
Portland would be stupid NOT to do a S&T with Houston if Aldridge is not going to resign with them. Jones, DMO and Capela all can be flipped to other teams for first round picks or other young players. Ariza is also a player they can easily move, his contract is small and he is a very effective player. Ultimately, I doubt the Rockets would offer anything close to that package. They can always deal these players themselves for assets and offer lesser draft assets to the Blazers.
Clutchfans on semi meltdown with one loss. The team last night didn't want to fight like the Mavs. They wanted a Wizard Raptors like game 4 and not a Cavs Celts like game 4. Seriously doubt Dwight is injured and was more attributable to him tired of getting manhandled and all the missed free throws affecting us psyche. Harden didn't flash any athleticism last night either. Is he also injured?
Llull is so far from being a sure thing the NBA that I'd highly doubt any team would be making him the centerpiece of a trade that is sending out key players. Sure we like the idea of bringing him over here in Houston but look at the desperation we are in at the moment. I just don't see the incentive for the Raptors to trade Lowry. He had a lousy playoff series but that doesn't necessarily mean he's not a valuable piece to their team. FWIW I do think Ujiri does make some moves this Summer, but its probably not centered around Sergio Llull.
In a trade for Aldridge, the rockets do not need keep Ariza, signing Brewer for the SF position is good enough. The rockets should be in a good position to make a trade.
Your mathematics and my abacus may add to different sums. I'll just 'add' this: what are the teams pursuing upgrades at the 1 and who is available to fill them (not even mentioning Mudiay and Russell)? LAL - - supposedly/reportedly/etc etc et alia will bring in Kobe's love child, Rondo (and at a greatly reduced fare than originally assumed). NYK - - Mavs - - (I swear it smells like a Bev offer) Raps? Kings? Nugs? (After they move Lawson to Kings, that is.) I'm sure I've missed a few teams and players, but Top15ers? Not a very expansive sellers market.
How was he supposed to do that with everything else going. He only has so much cap room. My only thought is Canaan would have helped but not much else.
Kinda more reason why Lowry isn't moved. Ujiri isn't the type of gm to make a below perceived value trade just for giggles. Maybe you could sell me on reasons for their team to make the move but I have yet to see one. -Cap flexibility? Whose coming there this Summer as a free agent? Cap rising next Summer as well. -better younger PG behind Lowry? Don't see him yet. -tanking ... That's virtually impossible to do in the east. Hell the Celtics couldn't even tank this year. I dunno I just don't see a need to dump him. They aren't getting franchise altering assets from the Rockets either so it's going to be negative value returned.
The Rockets played like they didn't want to win last night! I wouldn't put a wager on it, BUT that's just what my eyes showed me. I sense a good old fashion beatdown tomorrow night along with an ejection or two from the Mavs side! They will sell it like the refs were against them and that's the reason they lost the series! It's Misses shark-tank trying to save face from those ridiculous comments that he made prior to starting the series!.... GO ROCKETS!!! ....... ....... .......
No, the NBA is about matchups and pace. Our 3 and D PG has been injured all season. We mirror the Heat and Warriors (more so the Warriors) with our switching and versatility. I'm not some p*ssy or b*tch who has to call a hall of fame player and current head coach "McFail" or "Milkhair" because I have actual respect, but the focus and execution falls on him, he's run out of time despite the bad luck with injuries.
Heart isn't going to put baskets in the hoop. It's a noble concept, but the Rockets were mentally defeated with how well the Clippers shot. This forum all of a sudden has forgotten the Rockets were one of the better teams in close games. Rockets are just so hit and miss with consistency. I'm more concerned with "focus" instead of some buzzword like "heart".
No amount of players coming to the Rockets will change what we all know to be true: Mchale just doesnt know how to coach basketball games.
