Is it time to blow this team up, and if so how about.....

Obviously 24 games isnt enough time to be in full out panic mode, but it is quite clear everyone is getting impatient and probably starting to wonder if this Yao/Tmac combo is going to work.

That being said, I dont think bringing in one player is going to make a big difference, especially with how bad and out of sync this team has looked. So if a significant change is to be made to try to make us an elite team, it is going to have to be a big one.

I dont know how I really feel about this proposal, and Im sure I will get completely flamed for it, but I thought about a major trade that might end up helping both teams

Houston trades - Tmac, Brooks, Battier, and Hayes

Phoenix trades - Marion, Barbosa, Diaw

Why Houston does it - If we are going to give up Tmac, we need some star power in return. Our starting five becomes Yao, Marion, Diaw, Bonzi, Barbosa. It still leaves us with Scola, James, Francis, Head, Alston coming off the bench and we can sign a player like Harris back to the team. Marion is the prototype athlete we want next to Yao at the PF, and he can hit the three ball. Barbosa upgrades our PG position and can score which we need. Diaw can play both PF and SF and he is the type of big man that can shoot, pass, and drive that works in Adelman's offense.

Why Phoenix does it - Marion demanded a trade and they have to be worried about losing him for nothing. They were apprently very interested in Brooks at the draft and he seems to fit their offense perfectly. Steve Kerr recently said, Phoenix could not win if they keep playing defense the way they have the past few years. Battier and Hayes give them solid defenders. What offensive game they do have (Hayes around the rim, Battier hitting the three) would seem to still be benficial with the Phoenix offense as long as Nash is there. Tmac and Brooks maintain their offensive power and they can field a defensive lineup of Amare, Hayes, Battier, and Bell to close out games. More importantly, Phoenix is always looking to save salary and Hayes, Battier and Brooks have very reasonable contracts.

Like I said, Im not sure about the trade especially because I fear Nash made Barbosa, Marion, and Diaw seem better then they are. There is also the extension we would have to sign Marion too. But if things stay status quo then something needs to be done and it should be something big. Also, if anyone thinks we are giving up too much we could always try to get one of Phoenix's first rounders since they give them away anyway.

Im sure I will regret asking, but what do you think?

 

I think Phoenix is much more interested in Brooks then they would be in James. James has been terrible and dominates the ball. That wouldnt work with the Suns. Brooks is who they wanted to draft and his speed and shooting would be great for them. I would gladly include James instead of Brooks, but I think we would have to take back Marcus Banks as well to make salaries work.

 

If the Rox do look to trade Tmac, and Im not saying that they would, I dont see many other offers that would get us more in return, especially if we get either theirs or Atl first round pick.

Anyone who thinks we can net a Kobe, Lebron, or Dwade type player for Tmac is nuts. Obviously if we are keeping Yao, a low post big man is not on the shopping list. I think we would look to get quicker, more athletic and hopefully upgrade the PG position.

It would leave us at the end of the year with Yao at C, Marion at PF, Diaw at SF, James at SG, and Barbosa at PG. Scola and Novak as backup big man, Snyder, Head and Alston as backup guards. Deke's contract would be gone, Bonzi would be a FA, Francis may or may not opt out. We would have roster spots and two first round picks.

Again, Im not saying trade tmac, but it wouldnt surprise me if the thought had not at least popped into Les and Morey's heads.