I agree with you. I think Luther is going to be packaged in some kind of trade. With the signings of VSpan, Lucas, and trade for Snyder along with the prospect of Sura returning and the fact that Head wasn't involved in the summer league makes me think the same thing. So besides the rumor with the Lakers I wonder what is brewing with Luther being dangled?
Novak is a drafted rookie. So we can sign him for as much as 4 years, with the 3rd and 4th year of team option.
That's only for first round picks. Novak is a second round pick so either we can sign him to the minimum for up to 2 years or break into our MLE for a longer contract. There's really no reason to give him more than 2 years at the minimum, and quite frankly a one year contract with team option for the 2nd is the most likely deal.
It's a good news!! we have too much player in the backcourt now. Go and make some trade! GO ROCKETS!!
Which rumor are you referring to? Please don't tell me its the "Lakers close to trading for Howard" thread that gave you this idea.
Yeah I doubt the Rockets are actively shopping Head. V-Span, Lucas III, and Snyder are all on the unproven side of things and even though Lucas had time last year none have that much experience with the team. Sure if something comes up were they can get a proven guard in return but otherwise I would imagine Head is atleast being penciled in as first guard off the bench. As for Lucas its good to see him here, I think he will be a very solid three guard, and who knows, if the Rockets can get an upper-tier PG one day he could even be a 2nd.
If they wanted to trade him, wouldn't they have wanted him to play in the Summer League? He probably would have played really well since size wouldn't be as much of an issue. Coming off of a strong Summer League performance would have boosted his value a bit.
You could have a point. Perhaps they really wanted to see what JL could do, among others, and an average performance from Head, an injury, or lack of playing time due to seeing the others play, might have lessened his trade value. I was still surprised. He could use the experience, IMO. Pure speculation on my part.
He is signed through next year, will be a FA in 07 (next offseason). I agree, I think the JL3 situation (2nd or 3rd string pure PG) has little relevance to do with plans for Head (1st or 2nd string SG). I think Lucas is coming. I think we have assured him of no worse than a 2 year guarant. min contract (maybe player option) but let him know if he hangs on tight we might do better (might use part of the MLE for a tad more money or extra year). A tad more money (say start him at 800K) and a 3rd year team option would give the Rockets more flexibility). But let's be honest, the likelihood JL3 becomes so good an early bird after 2 years is too little to resign him is barely more than nil (slim to none), I think it is close to unheard for a non-drafted player since the last two CBAs have been in existence (yes it has happened for 2nd rounders like Arenas, Manu, Brad Miller, etc).
I agree with Desert Scar's take on the 3-year deal. The Rockets are taking a small gamble that JLIII turns into a quality NBA player, perhaps even a top-notch change-of-pace backup PG. By giving him a 3-year deal (subject to any player option) instead of a two-year deal, the Rockets assure themselves that they will have JLIII's FULL Bird rights, as opposed to just his "Early Bird" rights. This means that, IF (and it's a big "if") JLIII turns into a true gem, the Rockets can re-sign him for any amount. Plus, I'm assuming that the starting salary for JLIII will be less than $1M, so they should still have at least $2.5M of the MLE left after this signing. The only downside is that it would make a signing of Lorenzen Wright, Melvin Ely or Fred Jones less likely. Still, the Rockets have their $4.2M TPE to use in a sign-and-trade with Charlotte or Indiana for Ely or Jones, respectively.
Glad to hear this is coming close to being wrapped up, from the sound of it JLIII has grown quite a bit since his stint with us last year. A guy with that kind of speed can make a very nice career in the NBA if he can hit the open jumper
