Actually this is not true, Les has always said he would go over the lux tax, but has always managed to get UNDER the tax line to avoid paying it. Yes, he has paid for draft picks, but those are one time costs, and not really that expensive when looking at it from a team perspective. The Rockets generate a lot of cash giving them the ability to make that one time move where they spend some, but usually they win in the end. Last year, they paid Francis' contract out in the deal with Memphis but got back more than that from the league by being under the tax line thus making it a net gain. Les has NOT proven to be a Mark Cuban type of owner that is willing to spend to win it all....he has said he would...but if you believe actions speak louder than words, he has not exactly been screaming on that end of the equation. DD
Does anyone feel as if Caron Butler will be a huge trading chip next season towards the deadline? With his very reasonable contract expiring next season, I can see a few contenders or borderline contenders trading some young assets for him, as he can be a valuable piece to any championship contending team? I would consider trading him just for the opportunity to flip him next season to a contender.
I'm sorry, I must have glossed the S&T part of your OP. So you think Toronto would do a deal not involving Aaron? I can see a Brooks, Landry, Battier, and the rights to Lull, but who knows they may get desperate. There will be a lot of teams pursuing him over the summer, so I think you might have to give up a little more than your original trade suggestion.
Maybe its better to be prudent and be fiscally responsible in preparation for re-signing Yao or our other players. I am sure if there were a move to put us over the top and into the finals, Les would be willing to ignore the dollars and cents underlying such a move.
TMac for Butler and Haywood is a pretty good deal at this point, all things considered. You know, the only reason why we are so "happy" to see this deal is because TMac has become such a waste. Can you imagine what we would be saying just 1.5 years ago if Morey traded McGrady for Butler and Haywood (not to mention we may have to throw in a young talent like Budinger or a 1st round pick)? Butler is a nice player. But unless Yao comes back in MVP form, adding Butler isn't going to push us over the top. We need a star.
Mark Cuban has NOT proven to be a Mark Cuban type of owner that is willing to spend to win it all.... Cause he has never won it all. lol. So does that make Cuban the type of owner to imulate? Throwing as much money as you possibly can has not proven to be a winning model for an NBA franchise if you ask me.
to be honest, i am sick of the Mcgrady stuff and wish it would end. I am sure the players feel the same way. Either they will be here and be a factor or they won't. Morey needs to make a decision soon, unless of course he's aiming for the best draft pick possible.
Well, the NBA Cap (which is the biggest farce in pro sports) allows some teams to do things that others cannot.
I take that back. The biggest farce in pro sports today is steroids testing in the NFL. 2nd is the supposed NBA Salary Cap.
Tell us DD how many rings has Mark Cuban won by doing it the "Mark Douchan way"? Point is there has been no move recently that would make us feel, that will propel us into chamionship status. At least nothing to need to absolutely go into lux tax hell. Unless there is a Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant, or Lebron James trade none of us have heard about. He's spent money & will spend if Morey says this will take us to the promised land. We haven't had that opportunity yet.
If a team wants to trade for Caron Butler, DeShawn Stevenson may be coming with as well. - Rumor Central(ESPN Insider). Looks like the Wizards would like to send Stevenson along with Butler if he's traded. (Don't have insider so I can't post. Sorry )
Never been a big fan of this trade. Only good thing I can think of is haywoods contract is up this year and butlers next.
