Marc Stein: Christopher Paul is already recruiting Lebron

I think Carmelo did say something about how them 3 did get together and talk about teaming up in Houston. @J.R. can you find where Melo said something about that?

 

Don’t see how that contradicts what I said

 

there it is

 

Because that would involve you admitting you were wrong

 

If it’s the Warriors you are obsessed with beating KLove can’t be an option because he cannot switch on D. He likely wouldn’t be on the floor much during a WCF matchup and DAntoni would likely need to make changes to the offense to make sure Love isn’t just a high pnr 3 point shooter like Ryno is.

 

I just don’t see where they all agreed to come to Houston. That said, you did produce a link and I suppose Begley did seem to have insight with Melo’s camp, so I’ll agree I’m more or less splitting hairs here.

 

We wouldn't lose Tucker. The key piece we'd lose is EG. Green is probably back on a cheap deal since this is his hometown and I imagine he's had enough of the journeyman career. Luc likely cost himself some money with his playoff performance, so he can be brought back on an affordable deal. Ariza theoretically could return. I'm just not sure why he'd be needed if LeBron, Luc, and Green are on the roster. That's enough wing players. Especially if Morey can find a replacement for Gordon.

 

The agreement was contingent on us actually acquiring Carmelo, which didn’t happen. Like I said in the original post.

 

The shooting is a big question. Will be very interested to see how Morey gets shooters. We needed better shooters this year and we would be losing our best one

 

The NBA is afraid to talk about houston as a perfect place. If they talk to much itll speak it into existence. They are pushing LA hard because they know it wont affect their beloved GS, and gives ESPN LA something to hype about. They did the same thing with dwight. If lebron opts out youll know houston is out. Thats the only thing Im looking for. The longer he takes to opt out the more likely the opt in and trade to houston is attempting to be made.

 

Take from it what you want

 

I more or less understand you now, I just have a problem with the word “agreement”, but it’s more my problem with semantics.

 

There is no reason beyond Fertittas pocket book that ALL of those guys can't come back, even with the addition of Lebron.

The ONLY question, from a pure cap perspective, is whether Luc would accept our non-bird offer, rather than taking the taxpayer MLE. That would then free us up to go get a replacement for Gordon. Its entirely possible that a guy like Reddick takes a deep discount to come here for our taxpayer MLE IF we get Lebron:

CP3 / Green
Harden / Reddick
Ariza / Mbah a Moute
Lebron / Tucker
Capela / Wright

 

Sacramento might be the only team that will take on Ryno.

They don't have much salary committed beyond next season and will gladly take our 2 first rounders as ransom for having to deal with Anderson .

https://hoopshype.com/salaries/sacramento_kings/

 

From a basketball perspective, the Rockets are clearly the best choice. LeBron wants to win more championships and be thought of as the best player of all time. If he pairs up with Harden and CP3 in Houston, he has the roster to beat Golden State and accomplish his legacy goals.

The question is, can Houston find a suitable sign and trade for Cleveland. Which I think is yes, especially considering the Cavs would definitely have interest in a sign and traded Capela if it came to that.

 

Contingency plan would be a more encompassing phrase

 

Man that Lebron presser was cryptic as all hell...

 

We need
LeBron James Harden
Chris Paul George
Carmelo Anthony... Davis?