Hakeem doesn't owe the Rockets anything, in fact the Rockets owe him all!!!!

Hakeem a Coach, I never heard that before. I don't think he's a coaching type of person.

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Cuttino Mobley Online

 

I just want to push the envelope.

Exactly how much do the Rockets owe Hakeem? Is 16 million dollars this year not enough? The fact that they have paid him generously throughout his career and has been treated like a king by Les and Rudy not enough?

Situation 1) What if Hakeem averages 4 points and 3 rebounds this year and says that he wants to resign for 6 million dollars next year?
That seems kinda easy: No, the Rockets don't owe him that much. It would ruin their chances of resigning Mo and Shandon, the teams future.

Situation 2) What if Hakeem averages 8 points and 5 rebounds this year and says that he wants to be resigned for 9 million dollars over the next 3 years and that the Rockets are disrespecting him by not giving him the opportunity to finish his career in Houston?
It gets a little more complicated: Maybe, Hakeem is just getting older and things could get pretty ugly in two more years. BUT, it probably wouldn't mess up the team salary structure too bad and we wouldn't want to piss off the king. Heck we're paying Maloney that much to play for another team.

Situation 3) What if Hakeem averages 12 points and 8 rebounds this year and says that he wants to resign for an exception and help the Rockets off the bench when they go to the playoffs?
It's getting easier: Hel1 yeah! Who wouldn't take that sweet deal. Even if he is half cripple next year it is worth the money.

Situation 4) What if Hakeem says that he would like to go play in another city his last year because he is getting bored and doesn't relate very well with the young Rocket players. In the process he could give a gift to the team for all they have done for him over the years.
????????????????????

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We owe two championships to Hakeem! I agree, we owe the Dream, not the other way around. I think this year's salary shows the appreciation, and if healthy who knows. Never let it be said Rudy and Les don't appreciate Dream - now, if they had traded him to Toronto I would be dissing them.

I think Dream finishing out his contract this year and then doing whatever he wants would be considered "doing right by him."

Dream would never ask for too much money next year. He has always been reasonable on salary and has stated he can't believe how high the salaries keep getting. There will be no problems for Rudy and Les concerning Dream.

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The Rockets owe Hakeem his salary for this year, respect, admiration, and a hearty hand shake on the way out. The Rockets are a business first. The only goal should be to win championships. Hakeem can never say that he was treated unfairly here, and if he pulls any tricks to get more money or a longer contract to the detriment of the Rocket's future, then he will lose my respect.

Let's enjoy Hakeem's last year, and unless he wants to sign for the minimum next year, let's wish him good luck as he starts a new journey in his fantasticly interesting and fortunate life.

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