We are pretty much set for years at the C, SF and SG positions now, with Howard, Parsons (if Les hopefully pays him when he comes up), Harden. So the only theoretical spots to upgrade are PF and PG. But of all the PG whom one might consider equal or better compared to Lin, I don't see any of them being available. As to PF - yeah, obviously, Josh Smith is much better than Terrence Jones or Motiejunas, and I wouldn't mind if we were to get him. But I think it is easier to groom Jones or Motiejunas into an adequate option at PF or to trade a combination of them and something for an upgrade than it would be to find a big man like Asik. Asik is a phenomenal rebounder and defender, and few teams could beat our size with Asik and Howard up front. I tend to think that keeping Asik would be even more important than keeping Lin, just because size comes at such a premium in this league (although Lin's marketing value is higher). For short stretches, I think we could play Asik and Howard together. Plus, by resting Howard more because we have a highly capable backup, we will protect the valuable asset () Howard. Also, we don't really need more scoring. Harden might score 25 ppg, Howard 18-20 ppg, Parsons 15-17 ppg. We don't need the starting PG and the starting PF to score a whole lot. You can't have 5 20 PPG starters. So overall, unless we can turn Lin and/or Asik into someone like Bosh or Kevin Love, I wouldn't mind at all if we just kept them. Josh Smith for Asik or something like that would be fine, too, but I think we shouldn't go crazy now just because we are in a deal-making mood right now. Chemistry was great last year, with Lin and Asik, and if we just keep the same team as last year plus Howard, I think we are in a great position to contend. Just add a few three-point specialists (Delfino, Garcia?) at the SG/SF position. PG: Lin, Beverley, Canaan SG: Harden, ? SF: Parsons, (Anderson?), ? PF: Jones, Motiejunas C: Howard, Asik, G. Smith
not sure if this is possible (bima? nike?) but couldn't we hold on to asik and lin, and next summer dump their expiring contracts with pics like GSW did to get 16M under the cap and go after one of the many stars available in the summer of 2014? or maybe trade their expiring contracts to a team who's worried about not being able to resign their star player in either 2014 or 2015? just spitballing. that being said, i'd bet on asik being traded for a PF soon. not sure if we keep lin or not...
Lin can go. Asik would be nice to keep. Would trade both and more for Aldridge to pair along side w/ Dwight.
Lin will stay. Not sure about Asik. He will not be happy as the backup C and is too slow for a PF. i think Morey has no choice but to trade him.
I wouldn't mind either. Hope the rumor about Asik wanting out is fake. Anderson isn't good enough yet, Delfino and Garcia would be great as backup 2 and 3. Hope they are back too. Not sure whether D12's back is fully healed. Would be huge to have Asik if it isn't.
Considering other options I'd rather keep Lin, although I wouldn't mind Bev starting. I don't see them taking Lin and Asik, doesn't really make sense for them to take Lin with Lillard, and an 8 million backup is expensive. On a seperate note, what about the rumors about Asik not being happy about being a back up? I'd love to keep him so we have a legit center at all times, though.
While Lin and Asik may be effective, Asik won't be happy after the season he had last year with going back to coming off the bench behind Howard. He'll surely request to be traded to a place he can start, and right now his stock is as high as it will ever be. Lin on the other hand will be a little harder to trade and upgrade.
you guys are negating what Asik wants, probably the biggest indicator of all... what if he doesn't want to come off the bench?
Why is this one star? Would love to keep both. Excellent players great teammates and played all 82 games. Highly underrated.
1. Aldridge 2. JSmooth 3. R. Anderson In that order. The question is does Morey have enough in his bag of tricks to pull it off a trade for Aldridge that Portland will want. In all honesty this could turn out like last season with Harden (meaning it happens right before the start of the season). When Portland realizes they can't get a better deal and don't want to lose Aldridge for nothing. Side note: Do you think we will work some sort of S&T (ie Lebron) with the Lakers?
I don't think Asik will mind at all. Yeah it sucks that he is no longer the primary center, but the odds of the team getting to the finals and getting a ring is much higher now. He is due his contract regardless if he plays as a starter or a back up. I think if the mgmt has a way to play him and Howard together, they should have him focused on the main goal, which is a championship ring. Once his contract is over, I am sure he can go to any team. Being on a potential championship team is rare opportunity and everyone should set their sight on the ultimate prize. Beside, no one know how DH's back will hold up throughout the season, it would be a good idea to limit him minutes and keep him fresh until the playoffs.
Asik probably has the most trade value right now... and somewhat expendable. I just don't think there's enough room on the court for both Howard and Asik and it's a bit expensive to keep Omer on the bench. It'd be nice to swap him for a PF but really, who knows what we can get... especially since Stein said the Pelicans weren't interested in trading him for Anderson... We'll see what Morey does... Now that the biggest FA is locked up, everything else around the league will start falling into place.
Keep them and run a Asik DMo line up out there sometime and rotate those 3 at the 4-5. Lin Bev and harden and parsons . I'm looking for two/three great role players. Garcia, jones ? .?? I can live with watching that team
