This is an opportunity for this team to forge an identity. Of course, PG is the first concern but if that doesn't work out (or even if it does) it's time for this team to see about getting another athlete who loves to run the court. This team needs someone other than Von who loves to run the court and finish and it needs someone other than Landry to finish under the basket. Yao is great in the half court but if that is all this team has offensively then it's doomed. This team needs easy buckets and without McGrady to kill all things fast paced the opportunity exists to do a bit of a makeover on the fly.
I agree that they should try to move Shane over Ron, but I don't think Shane has a lot of value around the league right now. If the Artest for Vince rumors are true, it would almost have to be both Battier and Ron just for him. Otherwise, there would be too many contracts going to the Nets for it to be feasible. Something like Shane and Rafer for Hinrich would be nice, but I don't know if the Bulls would bite on that.
If Rafer plays like he did without McGrady in January, I wouldn't be so quick to agree. This squad, this year, has the best chance to gel and play strong if we stand pat (minus McGrady). It will take significant time to gel if we are replacing 3 (2.5?) starters (McGrady, Rafer, Battier) after the All Star break. If you're making a move, you need to feel extremely confident that it will be a substantial boost - that's going to call for someone more than Hinrich. If I'm Morey, honestly, I either pull major moves off the table or I see if the first block in the post McGrady era is out there. Because if there is microfracture surgery, there's no McGrady in 09/10. I doubt anyone is confident in Artest getting us through potential Yao injuries, so that means another franchise/near franchise go-to guy. Evan
His trade has fallen this year because he can't defend like he used to do so because he has ankle problems. His shooting has gotten bad as well.
if we can trade Battier, fine. if we can trade Rafer for a better PG, fine. but i think the best trade on the table (hopefully) is Tracy for Marbury. the Knicks are desperate - i repeat, DESPERATE - to trade Marbury away, and the fact that they'd be getting a former superstar back, a superstar whose contract expires by summer 2010, would be a perfect 'get' for them. of course, it's perfect for us, b/c that means we have $21 M to play with this summer, meaning we're under the cap. if we do another trade (for Hinrich, etc.), so be it. but this seems like a no-brainer. if we don't play Marbury, it's the same as if we don't play Tracy.
Hold up if T-mac is indeed done for the season due to a medical issue don't the Rockets get to take out insurance on him? And also with him costing as much as he does wouldn't that be something the Suns would like to look at since they are wanting to get Portlands Lafrentz contract just for the insurance money coming in alone. The Suns would bank on T-mac if this happened. And since the Suns are needing cash more then anything then T-mac would be the biggest cash cow there is on the market. Only if the insurance thing is a real possibility. Just something to consider on moving forward with a trade.
Just thinkin out loud... If Tracy is out for the year, later, doesn't that mean he can't pass a physical and get traded?
NO! More than ever we need to make that deal for Vince Carter. We need Shane Battier, he's the glue guy. TMac and Yao never had any locker-room beef, its Artest beefing with everybody. I used to be a proponent for a low risk move for Mike Miller, but now we need to trade Artest and make a play for Vince. Ron Artest, Carl Landry, Luther Head for Vince Carter, Sean Williams. Get it done, Morey.
I think Shane can be , but won't be moved. I think there are a few interesting prospects that would be a good look. Morey needs to identify a team with a 4 yr contract and offer shanes 3 yr contract. Mike Miller might make sense now as opposed to trading Artest for him. Say Miller and Booth for Battier and head. Also, Jackson,Crawford, or Maggette from GSW makes sense. Because , a 30 yr old Mcgrady isn't coming back from microfracture. That's a 2 yr injury. Look at zach randolph,penney, allan houston. It would be nice to get outlaw, but I'm not sure if portland will put that deal back on the table.
I'd keep Rafer. He's shown that he's a good player when McGrady isn't in the lineup. The Rockets need more offense in the starting lineup without McGrady. I'd see if the Blazers take Battier for Outlaw + the draft rights to Joel Freeland. With only the MLE next season Freeland being a former first round pick won't eat into that.
But would a team like Portland still be interested in a veteran like Shane to place around their youngsters.
Exactly! You think other teams haven't noticed what we've been complaining about this year with Battier. His trade value is probably at an all time low right now. We definately would have to take back a longer contract or include someone like Landry to entice another team to take him.
