I think it'd have instant impact, but we'd likely regret it later with what he had to give up. I'd rather take the risk that Bari might never become a premier scorer because it does look like regardless he's going to be a top tier defender. We already have players who project to be scorers in other positions.
I wouldn't give up both Jalen and Bari. One or the other and a couple of picks is doable, but I don't think we want to give up 2 players who could each be as impactful as Markkanen one day, one of whom as a significantly better defender. Similarly I wouldn't give both Cam and Tari, it's too much for a lower-tier "star" type player. Any one of our guys not named Sengun and a pick or 2 I'd consider it.
A player of the level of him, you don't sell the farm for. You might give up some first round draft picks, attach Dylan etc to get but not one of the young guys. If you trade them you should be trying to get a legitimate perennial all-star. Not a fringe 27 year old one. That would be very similar to trading one of the young pieces for FVV last off-season.
If Jabari is hitting near 40% from 3 this year and able to defend multiple positions I'd keep him. He's still developing. I think the year the Rockets will be truly begin fighting for a Championship is 2026-2027.
A player who will not ever be as good. I'm not saying the Rockets should trade for Markaanen but it's pretty obvious Smith Jr. ain't a future all star (RIP @YOLO ) and I don't see a big breakout given the amount of ball hungry bros who want to get paid on the squad currently
No sure how true, but heard from someone that the Rockets are all in on Sengun and are not sure about Jabari and close to out on Green and are absolutely open to moving him. Same person said that if Jalen was not around Sengun would've gotten his extension just like others from his draft class. But dont want to give it to him because they dont want Jalen to potentially become an issue of Sengun got his and Jalen didnt. Also said Ime has been the one pushing hard for winning now. Was trying to balance development and winning last year but this season he will skew heavily towards winning. Also said they would not be surprised at all if Jalen is moved before the season. Say all that to say markannen makes sense if what this person said is true.
Read what he said…. “THE ROCKETS HAVE BEEN MENTIONED JUST BECAUSE THEY HAVE A MILLION YOUNG PLAYERS….” He did not say the Rockets are interested.
There's still a chance he gets to that Fred VanVleet level where he just barely sneaks into one all-star game, but it looks like somewhere around there is probably his ceiling at this point I doubt he'll ever be as good as Lauri. Hopefully he can stay healthier though.
Yep this seems like smoke from the Jazz to drive up the price with Teams that are interested. I don't like the fit of Lauri on our roster at all. Not a Defensive minded player, not durable, and a UFA next Summer? Hell naw. Stay the course and keep building from within.
How about we see if Sengun (grappler) style and Jalen Green (boxer) style can work together thru Dec......if not trade for Jerimi Grant and his 5-year deal. Trade Sengun and have all boxers: Jalen Green / Cam Whitmore / Jabari / Tari / FVv / Jerimi Grant or Trade Jalen Green for different boxer (Grant).with the grappler (Sengun) Boston all boxers style just won the championship
The problem is that everyone has the “core” of 7 players. We can’t max them all out. We have to consolidate at some point. This is a good move because it consolidates the two up for extensions first who don’t look like max players. Lauri will remain tradeable. Easy move on Rockets side.
We can't keep them all, and Jalen is probably the one at the moment that will be traded, he is not the last. DD
I wouldn't want to give up any of our young core for him. Frankly, I don't want Stone making any trades because I have very little confidence that he would win them. Build through the draft, that seems to be his strength. Trades scare me.
Jabari >>>> Markkanen especially for this team Jabari at 20 just had a higher defensive win shares than Lauri has ever had. At the same time, having a higher true shooting % than any of Lauri's first 3 seasons even though Lauri entered the nba at 20 not 19 like Jabari. And exactly you can not pay them all so you keep a player like Jabari that does not need the ball nor wants the ball to create and should not command a max salary. If and when the Rockets are hell bent on a trade I would rather trade more assets for a better player than Lauri. Also, Ime would have an aneurism with a Lauri/Sengun front line while the supposed future PG is 6'2" it makes absolutely zero sense to add him to Sengun and Reed.
It's a tough one. I'm not sure I want to commit the max to both Sengun and Markkanen at PF and C. I need one of those guys to be a better defender. Offensively Markkanen is a great fit on any team. Our spacing and scoring would improve significantly. I believe in Jabari to become significantly better than last season. I think he'll be an excellent defender next season and make more 3's. I think I'd rather stick with him than Lauri. I wonder if we can flip Markkanen to the Grizzlies for JJJ. That would be interesting. Doubt JJJ is available though.
He’s a bad team all star. He can be the best player on a team like the Jazz. Or can be the 3rd best player on a good team. Price tag would be too high for that caliber of player imo.
