just read a little nugget on hoopsworld.com about the rockets getting "thier claws back into "the cat."" the article was for paying members only so that all i saw.
I talked to him regarding the Utah rumor. He dismissed it as if it was the first time he heard someone talk about that destination.
check the "major changes" thread, last page (pg 8). someone's source confirmed cat will opt-out w/ Sac and take the MLE here. make of it what you will....
Expect that thread to keep going at least until shorty after daft day since it's talking about 2 trades that supposedly will happen on draft day.
last time I checked - Cat will make more money than the MLE by NOT opting out of his contract I thought that he wanted to get paid now... he needs to go sign with the Cavs (they need a shooting guard). I doubt he is coming back to Houston (although he lives here) it is interesting how some players willingly go back to their old teams after a trade (see: Alan Henderson, Gary Peyton) - and others hold a grudge (see: Jim Jackson) ... Cat said a couple of things that indicated he was hurt, but I know he lives in Houston and he played better for JVG than in Rudy's system...
He just had a pretty good year and next year is the last year of his contract. He doesn't want to take any chances and will probably get a full 5 or 6 year contract if he opts out.
I will make him give me his top 3 choices the next time I see him. I also dont think that draft night rumor is true. I spoke to another player that is supposed to be involved in the deal and he dismissed it.
I think they keep most trades a secret from the players. Remember the suprise KT, JJ, and Cat got when they were traded. The only player that was ever told before it was done was Francis, and considering how that went, I doubt they will ever do that again.
Cat isn't going to make what he would have next year by opting out. But he will get a long term contract while his value is high and be in control of his own destiny. He will take a multiyear MLE from someone, only much younger (Simmons, Swift) or superstar players (Ray Allen, Redd) will get more than the MLE this offseason.
