Then why sign cousins? Rockets didn't make this trade to dump salary or get insurance. The did it probably because they felt they had no choice. Russ didn't show up to training camp and they flinched and pulled the trigger, playing right into his hands. Sans Achilles I would be ok with this trade, but given the history of athletes with this type of injury, I don't get it.
the Rockets have a history of trading a player when their value is at its lowest they did it with Chris Paul...they did it with Russ...Will they do it with Harden? if things aren’t looking too good a month into the season, they need to start aggressively pursuing trade offers for Harden...if they wait until next offseason, Harden’s leverage will increase dramatically and his value will really decrease These offseason additions are not making this team a contender. Harden already turned down an extension, and being some average playoff team in the West will only make it even more apparent to Harden that he needs to leave if he wants a shot at winning a ring.
I only think this trade is worth it for the following rumor: "Chris Miller: From what I’m hearing, James Harden would like to stay in Houston and play with John. – via NBC Sports" If this trade helps to keep harden in houston, then it may be the hidden motivation we made the trade.
I wouldn't count out mixed messaging from Harden. One time he wants out, another time he is willing to give it a shot, Stone is biting on it more than I would have liked it. This last effort doesn't make any sense IMO. Wall at best gives 20 ppg. In comparison, Kelly Oubre scores 19 and doesn't need the ball in his hands as much. Earns 14.4 million.
This is a massive win. Westbrook sucks. Holding onto him, even if he was happy, would eventually lead to Harden leaving anyway so he had to be traded for anything. Being unhappy and not showing up for camp just pushes that point further. Now if Wall is healthy he'll be better that Russ. If he's not then Harden leaves which was the same as what would've happened with Russ anyway. Now the most important part: If Harden leaves we have to rebuild. Give up any hopes of a quick turnaround. ANY REBUILD WHERE TILLMAN IS STILL THE OWNER AFTERWARDS IS POINTLESS. With Tillman but not Harden, we won't be able to sign any free agents and any big players that come here will want to leave immediately. Having a dead Wall under contract for years might just push the dispair meter high enough for Tillman to sell. Mediocrity is the ultimate enemy. If we're gonna suck, we need to suuuuck. This is a massive massive win.
On the plus side, Morey had for years been trying to put together a big 3. But only months now into Stone's tenure, he's been able to achieve what Morey couldn't.
I'm not convinced Wall can play at a high level anymore, I guess we'll have to wait and see. If he can't, then we won't be competitive this year.
We don't know for certain that the Cousins signing had anything to do with this , it could be pure coincidence. The team needed a big that can shoot from outside , rebound and defend the paint .... That's what they get with a healthy Cousins. Russ not showing up for camp put them behind the 8 ball for sure .... We don't know if there were any other offers either. They may be sold that Wall is healthy and he was the best player they thought they could get in return. But the financial benefits are there if Wall can't play , it could be a salary dump in the end. It reduced the financial risk factor .... even if it doesn't help in terms of talent.
Disaster. I can’t believe grown men with high levels of education working for billion dollar organizations execute a trade like this. A 2023 lottery protected first round pick. Wow. I can’t get over this.
Certainly a valid point, but I will say...Wall has been out for 2 whole years now. Most guys who tear their Achilles are trying to come back by next season. Hopefully the extra rehab time will be more beneficial for him.
Feb of 2019 was his injury? So not 2 full years. Anyway no player ever got back to their peak from these injuries except for the human highlight reel. And if the dude can injure his achilles from slipping at home, who knows what his next injury will be.
Did they really though? Statistically Westbrook had an awesome season last year. Is there really any reason to think that an ageing, overpaid, disgruntled Westbrook's trade value was likely to improve any time soon?
I mean...essentially two years. I'm not saying he will be the John Wall of old, but I do think there's a good chance he can remain a very effective player who fits better with the team, is a better playmaker, and clearly a higher IQ player. We'll see. I just like getting rid of a clearly toxic player in Westbrook.
I've had a night to calm down and think it over, and I'm slowly coming around on it. This is an odd trio, but it could actually work. Their skill sets are complimentary, but Wall is the key. If he's healthy and can 3, D, and RE we will stomp fools. If he's out of shape and wants to be ball dominant we will flop. Simple as that.
Exactly. He didn't report to camp. It wasn't going up. The problem was overpaying for Westbrook in teh first place.
