This may have been posted before, so forgive me. Do you think a trade of KT, Collier, Langhi/Brown to the Clips for Odom would work. I understand that Langhi/Collier/Brown would have to get a sign and trade. Just an idea, any thoughts? KT and Odom, are statistically similar, that's why I think the Clips might look at it.
That's WAY too little for Lamar Odom. Odom is a much better player than Kenny Thomas, and the Clippers would rather have two sacks of potatoes than Collier/Langhi/Brown
While I agree that is not enough for Odom, the Clips want him out to open up more PT for Miles and Maggette. Plus add in the factor of the off-the-court problems that have surfaced the last year or so....it may be that they are desperate to unload him. KT alone will not do it but KT, #15, and Norris could do it ( although I think that other teams can offer more, but this package fits their needs too a certain extent). KT will provide depth in the frontcourt and Mooch would start for their nearly departed free agent McInnis. The 15th pick would be icing on the cake for them to package their 8,12, and 15 to move up.( not that they would be able to do it....even if they could not, it is a pretty deep draft and could pick up 3 quality{cheap} players with the picks) Again I think other teams can offer more, but it is still a good deal for both teams...considering the risks that Odom represents...( drug problems, team chemistry, etc). Ming + Odom = GREAT OFFSEASON!!
I started looking closer at the stats on both players and noticed that Odom's carreer numbers were a lot higher scoring wise than KT's. Based upon last season they were very close, but I guess that was due to Odom's absence for much of the season. That being said, I agree with the previous idea that KT can be paired with either the 15 or Moochie for Odom. It would probably be a good idea to check the salaries on this one.
You would think the Clips would send him East, but this IS the Clippers we are talking about. They have a history of letting a lot of good players go. If the Clips think they have a consistent player in Kenny Thomas and like their options with the 15, it may be something they would consider.
The Clippers have less use for Thomas than they do for Odom. Some guy named "Elton Brand" comes to mind. What would the Clips want with Moochie Norris? They're looking for a premiere type of PG-they've got plenty of backups and fringe starters with Jaric, Dooling, and McInnis, why would they add Moochie's bloated contract? Teams usually don't like carrying lots of rookies. The Clips already have picks 8 and 12, and Jaric expected to come over. Why would they want 4 rookies with guaranteed contracts? Odom is already a better player than KT, is younger, and has a WHOLE lot of upside left.
The more I think about this, the only way that we could get Odom is possibly thought a three way, since the Rockets do not seem to have anything that the Clippers would want. At first I thought it would be conceiveable, but the upside factor for Odom is a lot greater. I just don't think that trading the pick that we have for Odom and whoever, is the best for the team. Odom is not worth the #1 by any means. I still can't belive Mobley suggested that on Fox. The Rockets management have gone with several players that Francis and Mobley. For example, Walt, Moochie, Terrence Morris and Cato. Interesting choices, none of them are very essential to the team. Time for the Francis and Mobley to play with the team that the management puts in place.
A very quick look at the EC rosters and the Cavs and Heat are the only teams I can see with a SF opening. I don't think either the Heat or Clipps would do Anthony Carter + #10 for Odom + #8 (Wagner). The Cavs don't want to Max Miller. Would this fly? Miller + Jumaine Jones + #6 for Odom + #8 + #12 Although I don't think #15 + KT and/or Moochie and/or Collier is enough to interest the Clipps, the larger issue becomes - what team has a better offer when you may lose Odom in a bid war next summer and receive nothing?
I suspect you woudl have to throw in Moochie for the Clips to be interested. Moochie woudl give them the freedom to gamble on picking a rookie point guard in the draft.
Since he is primarily a SG, he isn't a solution to the Rockets primary need beyong Ming - SF. If the discussion rages as to whether or not #15 + KT is worth Odom, surely #15 + KT + fill for Odom + Maggette is even more arguable. Unless you want to trade #15 + KT for just Maggette. In this case, the Rockets would probably just keep KT and use Oscar Torres as the backup SG. Given that Cuttino and Francis play major minutes at SG and that Maggette is a qualifying offer FA next summer there is just not much upside to Maggette alone in a trade.
All this depends on how much Sterling will pay. If he doesn't pay Kandi, Brand walks. Then the team falls to pieces. Potential max deals on Clips already: Kandi (doesn't deserve it but will demand it because he wants to leave anyway), Brand, Miles...and Odom. Odom has to go, but for whom? for what? Tough predicament for the Clips. Rockets? They have max deals waiting in Steve, Griff, and Yao. We need a less-than-potential All Star small forward, very good but not great or near-great, who won't expect big $$$.
Points to consider: 1) Rice will be off the books before Griffin and Yao become eligible. 2) Collier is a team option next summer which probably won't be taken thus eliminating ~$4m for 2004-2005. 3) Griffins Max will be for 2006 - the same summer that Cato comes off the books and MoTs last contracted season. The only issue is Mobley has a player option for 2005-2006. IMO, if the Rockets are winning (a cure for many ills including attendance) maybe management could ask Cat for a little patience and remind Cat how they went to bat and got Odom for him in the summer of 2002. I generally agree that we don't need an All Star though. I am eating alot of Crow but Najera would be a nice fit. (Not that he'd do it or Dallas would let him go).
