https://www.theringer.com/nba/2024/...view-paul-george-pat-riley-los-angeles-lakers The opt-in-and-trade scenario allows many more suitors—the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and every other aspirational organization that would like to add a do-everything-effortlessly All-Star—to enter the chat. But right now, my eye is on the Houston Rockets. Even before Monday night’s blockbuster trade telegraphed a Hail Mary pursuit of Kevin Durant, there were several reasons to think Houston might make a run at George: (1) Ownership has publicly eschewed patience and development in favor of immediate gratification, (2) the team possesses an ideal combination of blue-chip prospects and draft picks to deal, and (3) its roster could really use a proven, go-to option in the fourth quarter. (The Rockets were 17-23 in clutch games last year, with the seventh-worst true shooting percentage in crunch time.) Assuming the Suns do not move Durant before October—one source told The Athletic’s Shams Charania there was a “zero percent chance” anything would happen soon—George could be a sweet consolation prize. Getting any actual deal done would require George’s consent and include some complicated hypotheticals, though. Would the Clippers say yes to a package centered on Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and draft picks? What if they want Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, or Amen Thompson instead? It’d be a fascinating and bold alliance that I wouldn’t advise but could understand. George is still an All-NBA-caliber star. On a deep, rising team that’s full of athleticism, promise, and skill, he makes sense in the near term. Would he and the Rockets ever win the title? Almost definitely not. But depending on whom they give up to get him, Houston could be competitive in just about any playoff series. Odds are none of this will happen, but the Rockets’ appetite for improvement beyond organic growth remains one of the most fascinating variables of the summer. Let’s talk about that some more.
Article continues: If I ran this team, I would do absolutely nothing and let one of the best young cores in the NBA develop at its own pace. Restraint should be their best friend, with an extremely bright future and a treasure chest of assets. But if that isn’t the front office’s reality, we could see the Rockets add even more veterans who can up the short-term win total at the potential cost of greater success down the line. (Sidebar: So much is being made of the magical run Houston had in March after Alperen Sengun suffered a season-ending leg injury, which has somehow fueled the idea that the Rockets are better without their best player. Here are the teams Houston beat during that nine-game win streak: the Spurs, Wizards (twice), Jazz (twice), Cavaliers, Bulls, Blazers, and Thunder (in overtime without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander). The Rockets then lost six of their next seven games. Their opponents: the Mavericks (twice), Timberwolves, Heat, Warriors, Magic, and Jazz. Sengun has holes in his game. He was also a finalist for last season’s Most Improved Player award, is younger than Chet Holmgren, and will be an All-Star sooner rather than later. Trading him in almost any scenario would be asinine.)
I mean I would take him if it's like Dillon Brooks plus a pick or two (depending on the picks). I can't imagine that LAC couldn't find better offers than that, though. I don't think he's ever been more than a second-fiddle type of player personally, and certainly is not at age 34. He could help us, but giving up a member of the young core, let alone more than one, or a huge haul of picks, just isn't worth it.
I wonder how unified the team's braintrust is in sticking to the 3-phase plan they've discussed repeatedly since Harden left. In my mind, it breaks down like this: Tilman: Getting antsy, in favor of making a big move this summer or at the deadline. Stone, Witus: Stay the course for one more year, then make a big move next summer. Ime: Do whatever it takes to win as many games as possible this season.
No to Paul George. We have to try to make the playoffs with these group there are no superstars available within the age group of the core. There is absolutely no reason to try to trade for an often injured player. We have to hope Segun makes another leap and pray to the heavens above for Jalen to become a more efficient player.
If you decide Jalen isn't worth the max, getting off of him and Dillon's contract will open up opportunities for the other young wings. PG hopefully helps the team take another step forward and into the playoffs. I would consider a deal like that for either PG or KD, but would offer minimal draft capital along with Brooks and Jalen. If Jalen proves himself? It's a hell no. If I'm deciding on that today though, he hasn't.
...feels like they included Houston on the list just for clicks from another fan base - this makes zero sense for Houston but makes a ton of sense why the Ringer would try to illicit a reaction from a fanbase. Bill Simmons is a click farm machine like that. OP is an industry plant - confirmed.
All these players didn't want to join us when we had harden in his prime why the fk would we grab their old a$$ now?
We need to trust our youngins and stick to our guns. They have all had growing pains and with the addition of Reed, he will also. That's not to say that they will ALL become All-Stars but one or two of these core 6 (now 7?) will be there, if not, come very close. Every time we discuss these young guys' potential we have to remind ourselves how young they truly are. Jalen Green - 22 Alperen Sengun - 21 Cam Whitmore - 19 Jabari Smith - 21 Amen Thompson - 21 Reed Sheppard - 20 Let's not forget also how much chemistry they have and will build upon the aforementioned growing pains that they've all endured and how much sweeter it will be for them to share those true moments of success. (Tari isn't on this list because he's already 23, which is still young but may turn out to be the odd man out if his health injury history doesn't improve along with his jump shot)
People need to realize that young superstars are never getting traded and even young stars (or "stars" like Bridges) cost an arm and a leg. So when the Rockets say they are hunting for stars, unfortunately this is the group that's available. So yeah, unless Tilman decides he can stay patient for another year or two and let the chips fall where they may, the Rockets are going to be looking in this pool of Paul George and KD that's clearly past their prime but will add to win totals this year.
The media sure is trying hard to find PG a new home. Philly and Golden State have also been mentioned lately.
Could not agree more. We didn't suffer for the last 4 years to give away these guys for the chance at another rebuild in 2-3 years.
