We would have to get rid of EVERY single player, and pick on our roster outside of Howard, Harden and Ariza just to offer Aldridge a starting year of under 16.5 million. To simply put it, no way in hell that ever happens.
This post needs to be stickied for the next week. So much truth. The challenge is going to be convincing Aldridge that Houston is the best fit for him. If the Rockets can do that, the remainder is very doable.
This is to sign him outright, if POR knows he's leaving, in a S&T we would have to give up a lot less, basically Ariza, Papa, Prigioni and may some 2nd rounders would probably do it if LMA puts us as his clear #1 choice.
Is our lineup that good that outside of Harden, Howard, and Ariza. That we are going to pass on LMA. Yes, we went to the WCF, but we lost 3-1. We couldn't hit shoots. I know we were without Bev and Dmo, but I am not so sure they would of put us over the hump. Maybe DMo would of helped, but not Bev.
I think you're underestimating Portland. Lillard is a solid second or third star. LMA is a solid second, maybe even a franchise player. As an individual, I don't think he's too different than the best player on the Warriors or last year's Spurs and they just won rings. Why can't Portland acquire someone in a sign and trade? Yes, we're in a better position to do that but their owner at least appears willing to spend any amount of money to win it (though Les' appetite for luxury tax hasn't really been tested recently) I'm kind of playing devil's advocate here. I agree with most of what you say, but I don't think it's that simplistic. Despite what the league has turned into, I am still a believer that any TYPE of team can win - whether it's 3 stars, 2 stars, 5 really good players, etc. I think we've seen all of those models win in recent years. I do think the Blazers could use better coaching and management, but that's something LMA easily could have demanded and gotten IMO. Then again, I would say there's probably a shortage of great GM's right now. Maybe we're just spoiled. If he's looking for a significantly more solid and promising situation, I'm not sure it's us. We just made the semi finals - something the Spurs have done consistently for over a decade. The Spurs have been perhaps the best team in the NBA on average for the past 10-15 years due to top notch management and coaching. Kawhi Leonard is a beast. Tony Parker is still a very good player. Duncan and Ginobili could come back for peanuts. Green, it sounds like he wants to come back. Patty Mills. I think they'd only lose Splitter who has been forgettable. They can bring back virtually the same team and add LMA. We would have to lose a KEY player in Ariza, and at least one other rotation player to bring LMA in. I do hope you're right though. If I was Lamarcus, I'd choose the Rockets. But that's what I said about Melo and Bosh too. What if Lamarcus is chasing fame? Why is he in Los Angeles anyway? Ok now I'm just messing with my own head.
I was replying to a post stating they hope Aldridge takes less to sign with us so we can keep Ariza. I was stating that's incredibly unlikely, I know S&T is a viable option for us if he where to choose the rockets though.
I am not going to respond to all of your post, but the point you made about LMA chasing fame I am going to comment on. LMA does not come across as someone who is fame hungry. I do not think he is in Melo's territory as fame seeker.
If LMA wants to go to the Spurs, he can I just believe he will be in the same position he is now. At least with the Rockets he will have Harden and Howard. I believe if LMA comes Howard will sign back with us for the cheap.
If I'm LMA, the Spurs also have a downside in terms of a long term view. Duncan is 39 and will likely only play one more year. I think Pop, at his age, also leaves when Duncan leaves. Leonard is a good player, but not yet great, and may never be great. Parker and Ginobili have slipped A LOT. Both are older high mileage players. Splitter, Green, Diaw, and Mills are good role players in the Spurs system, but Diaw is old too. No team stays great forever, including the Spurs. The Big-3 and Pop may only have one more year together. LMA would have to have faith that the Spurs rebuild with enough key pieces around him and Kawhi (along with a new coach) to compete in the NBA West over the next 5 years. Wishful thinking on my part, because I wouldn't mind seeing LMA as a Rocket.
I did not know Howard had a (ETO) option. If LMA would come here I am sure Howard would pick that up. We would have two seasons with Harden-Howard-LMA. I know losing Ariza is a problem here, but to get talent you have give up talent. As I said before, lets hope Portland does not want Ariza.
I don't want to give up ariza I'd rather give up dekker.... BUT if we have to we have to bite the bullet. LMA will win us a title of we are healthy. And if we keep dmo how crazy will an Aldridge dmo front court would be offensively.
I do not know why Portland would want Ariza. Losing LMA would put them in rebuild mode. They would only have Liilard as their center piece. Ariza is not young and he has a big contract that would hinder their rebuild.
