[Chronicle - Brian T Smith] Durant courtship in Rockets' future

Unless it's Curry/Klay/Durant.

 

Yeah that part definitely dampened my excitement a bit. I'd imagine that a superstar of Durant's caliber wouldn't want to be the last piece on "James' team"

 

If we give up Howard or sign him at a very cheap contract, I would imagine it is. I have no doubt that Morey will make it happen somehow if KD demands Lawson to be on the team when he signs. They could also re-sign Lawson after waiving him. I doubt anyone would want to pick him up with his baggage.

 

I would love four straight finals appearences and two championships.

Sign me up! Even if post bliss we end up rebuilding for ten years.

 

I'm not sure if this has been addressed yet or not, as I haven't read all the pages ahead of this one. However...

What I bolded above isn't true, but seems to be a misconception that some moneyball doubters share.

Moneyball is about maximizing value. Superstars that are worthy of a max contract are generally considered worth more than you can pay them. That makes them undervalued players. Finding a player that's worth more than his contract is a moneyball move.

 

Brooklyn will in about 1 second. Since they will likely be also the worst team in the league next year they will have be the first to call dibs. (and with extramega cap space to spare and with little chance to attract any good FA).

 

What if the Warriors counter by signing DMC?

 

Yep. One ***** post too many. On ignore.

 

Just like with all big name free agents, I think Durant would entertain the possibility but he's not going to make Houston one of his top destinations.

Agent: Hey Kevin, we can get you to Houston to play with James and Ty
Durant: Really? Hmm....lets keep that option open. What about going to DC?
Agent: I'll check
Durant: Look at the Bulls too. Me, Jimmy Buckets, and Mirotic would be nasty
Agent: Okay
Durant: ....Check San Antonio too.
Agent: Duncan and Manu would have to retire....they would have to trade Diaw...move Parker....
Durant: Me, Aldridge, AND Leonard??
Agent: I'll check

 

If he wants a guaranteed ticket to the finals every year, of course he'll go to DC.. especially if they are good. That's his best chance to winning it all.

I don't see how going to the Rockets improves his chances that much more than staying with the Thunder.

 

Agreed. Beal's due for an extension and even if they max him out, Washington has Nene's contract coming off the books and they can decline their options on Webster and Gooden to free up another $10 million.

 

Ready for the "Durant meeting" thread. That's going to be one epic ass thread next summer.

 

There's always Sacramento.

 

Think a lot depends on how well the Rockets do in the playoffs this year. If we make Western Conference Finals again or better, it suddenly gets a lot easier to convince Durant that we are not that far away from a championship.

He'll get the money anywhere, but who is the best team that can offer him a shot at a championship. And that can only be determined at the end of this year.

 

Yes as laid out here there are combos to keep any number of players as long as Howard agrees to less than $20m a year.

http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showpost.php?p=9978323&postcount=137

The version I like is trading away Ariza, Brewer, Bev and Jones and you end up with:

Lawson
Harden/KJ
Durant/Dekker
DMo/Harrell
Howard/Capela

That's a decent bench considering the starting 5 is unbelievable.

 

If Rockets meet the Thunder in the playoffs, Rockets better beat them. If Rockets lose, it makes no sense for Durant to come here.

 

He'd know he would be the final piece to a dynasty...

 

David Aldridge: "Realistically, I don't think he'll be looking at 12 teams. He'll have 4 to 5 teams he'll have on his short list. Oklahoma City(driver seat unless something dramatically happens), Washington, Miami, Houston and maybe Brooklyn(long shot)."

 

No Lakers or Knicks?

 

Does not work for Disney network; not mentioned.

Disney Network will tell you, when the time comes, Durant is considering Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Boston & Dallas.