This is why you take everything that comes from the media with a grain of salt. Teams tell the media what they want to tell them to misdirect them more often than not. Just want to point out this example for emphasis.
The Cavs just suspended Bynum indefinitely for conduct detrimental to the team. I'd say they might have renewed interest in a starting caliber center.
Verajao isn't really a great haul. If we get a pick as well then maybe. It might feel like something is better than Asik's endless injury (for a guy who didn't miss a game last season), but is this really the best Morey can do? If so then it looks like he overplayed his hand trying to get the TT thing working.
Morey lost all his leverage. Teams know that Asik wants out, teams know that the TT does not work. Teams know that the Rockets are wasting 8 mil per year on a disgruntled player who isn't contributing.
Maybe or maybe not...while what you said is true, teams are in different positions now that Morey has waited. Post-deadline, Nets lost Lopez and Hawks lost Horford. They aren't coming back by the Feb. trade deadline...and now we've increased our market of teams that desperately need a player like Asik.
Morey lost no leverage because he didn't deal Asik. Now every day that passes Morey is gaining even more leverage.
Lopez out. Horford out. Bynum wants out. Nope, sorry. Morey's leverage is looking pretty darn good right now...
@clutchfans - twitter account "The Cleveland-Andrew Bynum situation looks like a very good opportunity for an Omer Asik trade." "CLE has all 3 - interesting contracts, young players, picks. +possibilities. What they didn't have (until now) is need for a C."
Cleveland won't be surrendering their own 2014 first rounder and the pick that they're owed from Sacramento has so many protections that it's essentially useless. Maybe a third team like Boston could make this work. Something like: Asik/second rounder (via Cleveland) to Boston, Jeff Green to Cleveland and Bynum/first rounder (via Boston - their own or the Brooklyn pick) to Houston.
Cleveland has 2nd round picks for 2014 and 2016, and their 2016 pick, and the protected 1st from Sacramento. I doubt they'll trade their 2014 1st of course. There's enough to work something out.
DM covets a 2014 first rounder. That much is clear. A third team would have to be involved, IMO. Either way, your Bynum trade suggestion is basically an extreme example of the Battier trade. Everybody knew Thabeet was hopeless and DeMarre Carroll had no place on the team. The real prize was the first rounder. Point being: far from ideal but better than nothing.
I would like to get Zeller and Thompson... however, I doubt Cleveland gives up that much. You never know though. They DO have one of the dumbest front offices.
Not sure since his injury, but Varejao was a very good defender, rebounder and could hit FTs and 10' jumpers. Dude seems very suitable @PF or C.
Might be a good excuse for the Cavs to dump Bynum's contract before it becomes guaranteed for the year. Would they have the cap space to add Asik? He and Varejao could play together. Varejao for the Rockets? Er, uh....
