I just saw this in the Real GM clips: But there's also been talk around the league the Grizzlies might be willing to part with Pau Gasol in a larger package. Sources say Portland is trying to put together a package in which Gasol goes there or to Minnesota, if a third team gets involved, with perhaps a change of scenery for Rasheed Wallace or Zach Randolph. I wonder if there is some way the Rockets can acquire Zach Randolph or Pau Gasol without damaging our core.
my 1st answer is NO I thought the Grizz got rid of Gooden because Gasol was their future Future is a bit short these days Gasol or Rasheed .. . would have folx demanding Steve or Yao [which is unrealistic. . but they would ask] Rocket River
isn't zach on this rookie contract what do we have that Portland may want Not Mo or Griff. Not even Mobley [derek anderson and bonzi] Not Posey . . . not moochie .. . . not collier. . . . maybe nachbar? Rocket River
At this point, Rasheed Wallace is way more available than Zach Randolph. Gasol would be nice too, but him and Yao would get tangled up, and they're both a bit lacking in the strength department. Maybe a 3-way can be worked out? Rice & Swift to Portland, Wallace and Dickerson to Houston, Mobley and Griffin to Memphis.
I would willing take on the headache of a Rasheed for one year to get his $18 million expiring contract, if Portland's rich owner would take our Cato/Taylor/Moochie contracts off our hands. Seriously, I would throw in Eddie and our 1st round pick if they would take all four players for Rasheed. Then next summer, when Rasheed/Rice's contracts are off the books, we would be big free agent players. Kobe, Brand, anyone?
You must be dreaming. Portland can get way more from Rasheed's big expiring contract than our scrubs and their large long-term, overpaid contracts. Portland are in the rebuilding mode, they need expiring contracts even more than us and those scrubs of ours are no way building blocks for a rebuilding franchise.
I'd love to swing Mobley/Griffin/Moochie for Derek Anderson/Randolph/Jeff McInnis. Portland may consider it if they're serious about making changes to their squad, especially since Anderson (before getting injured) and McInnis barely got off the bench during the playoffs.
Lets see, Portland gets Rice Swift Memphis gets Mobley Griffin Houston gets Wallace Dickerson Potland gives up Rasheed and gets a young PF with a lot of potintal. They also get a solid guy coming of the bench in Rice, then his contract epires after the season. Memphis gives up Swift and Dickerson and get close to the same thing back in Griffin and Mobley and maybe a little more talent. Houston gives up Mobley, Rice and Griffin and gets Rasheed Wallace and Dickerson in return. We get Wallace, a proven all star whos contract expires after next season. And we get Dickerson who should start for us with Francis in the backcourt. Then we re-sign Posey and we could be looking at Yao Wallace Posey Dickerson Francis for our starting 5. The trade dosent looks pretty good from each teams prespective, am I missing something? I think its to early to give up on Griffin though.
Wallace is too expensive to even contemplate. Randolph shows great promise but may have character problems, which is why Portland is thinking about casting him adrift. Afterall, he did slug a teammate at the pro level unlike Eddie, who reportedly did it at the high school and college levels. Randolph has the bulk and skills to negate an Amare Stoudemire. I'd be very happy if Eddie comes to camp with Amare's fire, but Eddie is not hardwired that way. The only other young PF I'd like to see the Rockets acquire is Troy Murphy of G.S. However, it's too late for that. However, I think JVG will make Eddie the most improved Rocket of the year. I just wish we had a safety net for him in case the Rocks do trade Mo Taylor. Otherwise, I think we are fine.
Gasol can't play D and isn't a great passer. He's one of those guys who can put up a lot of stats but not really make his teammates better.
Gooden left to get Miller and give p/t to Swift. And to balance roster for Gasol. Grizz still lack the 1 and 5 which the Rox have -- merger anyone?
I agree with the D part (although he is not bad; no worse than EG). However, Gasol is not a bad passer for a 4. Without looking it up, I believe he averages around 3 dishes a game. Also, if you watch a Grizz game from start to finish, youll notice that offense is not run through Gasol, or even close to it. Considering he gets those 3 assists without being the main focal point of the offense, that is not bad at all. Right now, Gasol looks like a tweener. He is cut from the KG mold IMO. He would be an awesome 3, yet just doesn't have the range of feet to play there consistantly. Not strong enough to play 40 at the 4. Overall though, I love Gasol. He is pretty well rounded and can do alot of things to help a team win on the floor if surrounded by the right type of players.
I believe Gasol's contract is up next season and he'll be looking for a sizeable contract, a contract the Rockets will not be able to offer him. Therfore, I can't see giving up two players to get Gasol's services for one year or part of one year. We need long term solutions. Gasol is the kind of player a contending team with a one or two year shot at the championship takes a gamble on. Houston's not there yet.
Why is no one interested in Zach Randolph? He is the only PF under discussion with potential, bulk, a nice touch around the basket and a cheap contract. Maybe he's too small at 6-9 and 270? Is that it?
No, its cuase he has potential, bulk, a nice touch around the basket and a cheap contract. Guys like that have too much trade value when the best you can offer is the unfulfilled promise of Griffin.
Sam, you are assuming I wish to trade Griffin. I'd prefer to deal Randolph to the "third" team in a trade so we can get a player we really need. Griffin and Mo Taylor will be vastly improved this year under JVG's tutelage.
Anyone who'd be dumb enough to take Mo or EG or any of the Rockets other than Steve & Yao for Randolph...
If West gets rid of Gasol, it will be a big mistake. The guy is good already despite being 220lbs. Once he really fills out, he going to be a monster. For all of Jerry West good moves, if he makes this one, he'll regret it.
