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March 15th Trade Deadline Countdown

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Da_Spark, Feb 25, 2012.

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teebone21 Member

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I posted about thomas weeks ago and no 1 replied I knew he would be a good fit rockets being a rebounder and shot blocker

#241 teebone21, Mar 8, 2012

davidio840 Contributing Member

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I cannot believe no trades have happened yet!!

#242 davidio840, Mar 8, 2012
haydenfisher342 Member

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http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7dcul6p

#243 haydenfisher342, Mar 8, 2012
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haydenfisher342 said: ↑

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7dcul6p
Click to expand...

Do that by sundown! 1 week left!

#244 haydenfisher342, Mar 8, 2012
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ESPN: Most likely to be traded

With the trade deadline just a week away, we should be in high gear. Instead, a number of GMs are reporting trade deadline gridlock.

Part of that has to do with the Dwight Howard saga. The on-again, off-again nature of Howard's trade status has not only captured most of the headlines, but has held up teams such as the Lakers, Nets and Bulls as they wait to see where he will land.

Impact Players Most Likely To Be Moved
(Ranked from most likely to least likely to be traded)

1. Rajon Rondo, G, Celtics
I know the Celtics are saying Rondo isn't going anywhere. But there are two problems with that. (1) It doesn't jibe with what a number of NBA GMs are saying based on conversations they've had with Celtics president Danny Ainge. (2) Ainge isn't stupid. He doesn't want to trade Rondo, but Rondo is the best chip he has to play right now.

If Ainge waits and does nothing, the Celtics will be a middling lottery team without much hope next season -- in the same spot where Ainge inherited them a few years ago. He doesn't want to go back there. If he can get two pieces back for Rondo, I think he'll do it. Atlanta, Portland and Indiana are interesting destinations if they are willing to pay.

2. Josh Smith, F, Hawks
Again, I know what the Hawks are saying. "We're not shopping anyone ... yada, yada, yada." The truth is, Rick Sund has been exploring possible Josh Smith deals for the past few years. If he could get a legit point guard and a credible forward to replace Smith, he'd do it. If the Celtics would offer Rondo, I think they'd have a deal. Ditto if the Suns would offer Steve Nash.

3. Chris Kaman, C, Hornets
It's no secret that Kaman is on the block. Given that the Hornets really don't want much in return, I'm surprised he hasn't found a home already.

The Warriors, Rockets and Heat have shown a lot of interest. And with Jeff Foster still out in Indy, Kaman could be a great fit with the Pacers as well. He has no long-term future in New Orleans. This one is a no-brainer.

4. Monta Ellis, G, Warriors
Ellis is a dynamic scorer, but it just isn't working in Golden State and probably never will as long as Ellis and Stephen Curry are in the backcourt together.

The Warriors really need a big man, which makes a deal tough because most GMs aren't willing to trade big for small. But if the Warriors would be willing to take back Amare Stoudemire from the Knicks or if the Hawks were willing to swap Smith for Ellis, I think there's a deal to be had.

5. Pau Gasol, F, Lakers
Gasol is playing better and so were the Lakers, until this week. That's got to hurt the chances that the Lakers move him for anyone other than Dwight Howard before the deadline. But the Lakers have to be looking at the Celtics and sweating a bit. They don't want to be the team that is on the verge of plummeting into lottery hell next season.

Kobe Bryant won't be playing at this level forever, and neither will Gasol. Gasol can fetch the Lakers some good young assets now. In another year, I'm not sure we'll be able to say the same.

6. Gerald Wallace, F, Blazers
The Blazers balked a bit at moving Wallace at the start of the season, but they seem more open to it now. Nicolas Batum is their long-term answer at the small forward position, and they aren't really competing for a title.

A few long-term assets might be all that's required to pry Wallace from Portland. I could see the Magic making a big push in this direction.

7. Eric Gordon, G, Hornets
Gordon was supposed to be the centerpiece of the Hornets' new rebuilding effort, but injuries have kept him out of the lineup for all but two games this season. With Gordon hitting restricted free agency this summer and preferring to play elsewhere, do the Hornets cut their losses and try to make a deal now while they can?

The team has coveted New Orleans native Danny Granger in the past, and the Pacers would love to bring back one of Indy's own as well. It would be a risky move for the Pacers, as Gordon is still several weeks away from being ready to play. But it could be a great move long term.

8. Dwight Howard, C, Magic
Howard should be atop this list. All signs point to his leaving Orlando this summer if he makes it to unrestricted free agency, where the Nets and Mavs will throw money at him, and the Knicks and Lakers could find ways to get involved, too. Alas, Magic GM Otis Smith thinks he has a shot at keeping Howard and is telling GMs he won't move the All-Star big man before the deadline.

While the offers the Lakers and Nets have put together for Howard won't blow anyone away, they are better than the zero Howard could leave the Magic with this summer.

9. Deron Williams, PG, Nets
If Dwight Howard makes his way to New Jersey, all is well. The Nets would re-sign both Williams and Howard, and suddenly have the best point guard-center combo in the NBA. But if Howard doesn't end up in New Jersey, the Nets will be in danger of losing Williams for nothing. After all they gave up to get him, that has to keep Billy King up at night.

The problem for the Nets is they are paralyzed until they know what's happening with Howard. If the Magic move him to the Lakers or Bulls, Williams moves to the top of this list. If Howard isn't traded and remains on track to become a free agent, Williams will stay put.

10. Steve Nash, PG, Suns
The Suns continue to insist they're not trading Nash, which might be true. That's why Nash is at the bottom of the list. They even believe they have a chance at re-signing him this summer, which is a pipe dream.

The Suns are no longer a playoff team and are on the verge of a major rebuilding project. While Nash has publicly supported the Suns, it doesn't make much sense for either party to keep the marriage alive. Nash is still playing like an All-Star and could have a chance at winning a title elsewhere.

At this point, the Suns won't get much for him. His contract expires in a few months, and Nash has made it clear he'll shop the market. But if the Suns lose him for nothing? They would join the Cavs and Raptors as teams that let their fantasies get in the way of reality.
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#245 J.R., Mar 8, 2012

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JuanValdez Contributing Member

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hsf09 said: ↑

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/stor...iem-120307&_slug_=nba-players-teams-trade-for
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Some of those guys might be good pick-ups for incremental improvement, but I have a hard time caring until we get the centerpiece.

#246 JuanValdez, Mar 8, 2012
davidio840 Contributing Member

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hsf09 said: ↑

ESPN: Most likely to be traded

Click to expand...

Good read, I am surprised Kevin Martin isn't on that list.

#247 davidio840, Mar 8, 2012

Aruba77 Contributing Member

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hsf09 said: ↑

ESPN: Most likely to be traded

2. Josh Smith, F, Hawks
Again, I know what the Hawks are saying. "We're not shopping anyone ... yada, yada, yada." The truth is, Rick Sund has been exploring possible Josh Smith deals for the past few years. If he could get a legit point guard and a credible forward to replace Smith, he'd do it. If the Celtics would offer Rondo, I think they'd have a deal. Ditto if the Suns would offer Steve Nash.
Click to expand...

i would trade Scola and Lowry for Josh Smith

#248 Aruba77, Mar 8, 2012
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Man, this season's trade deadline is probably the most nerve-racking trade deadline in the last few years.

#249 stylus8088, Mar 8, 2012
Rudyc281 Member

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Having 2 wait till da 15th sucks

#250 Rudyc281, Mar 8, 2012
cod Member

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hsf09 said: ↑

ESPN: Most likely to be traded

Click to expand...

There's no chance of a high lottery pick. The Rockets should go all in for Wallace and Kaman. Kaman is expiring and Wallace could be too.

#251 cod, Mar 8, 2012
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Aruba77 said: ↑

i would trade Scola and Lowry for Josh Smith
Click to expand...

If you knew that Howard and DWill were waiting in the wings to sign this summer. But you would also have to dump Martin for expirings to have the cap room to sign both, or move him in a sign and trade this summer, perhaps along with Dalembert to Orlando.

#252 JoeBarelyCares, Mar 8, 2012

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Seems like most predicting a quiet deadline.

Chad Ford: With the trade deadline just a week away, we should be in high gear. Instead, a number of GMs are reporting trade deadline gridlock.

John Hollinger: First, the bad news: I'm not sure we're going to have as many trades this year as you might have hoped.

Chris Mannix: Odd vibe leading into this trade deadline. Lot of uncertainty among GM's as to what will happen. Lot of teams reluctant to take on salary.

@SamAmicoFSO
After making & receiving some calls today, I think a lot of NBA fans will be disappointed at trade deadline. "Fans want trades. GMs don't."

Ken Berger: With seven days to go before the trade deadline, either this is the calm before the storm or there simply won't be a storm this year. NBA team executives are torn over what kind of frenzy the March 15 deadline will bring. "It's all over the map," said one team executive who believes that all but the best of the best -- the Bulls, the Heat and the Thunder -- will seriously pursue trades, but perhaps only 3-6 teams actually will make one. "Teams are really reluctant to do anything that's going to cost them anything beyond this year," one executive said.

------------------------------

More rumors for you to chew up and spit out

• The Rockets and Warriors continue to be open to landing Howard in a rental deal, hoping they could persuade the All-Star center to stay beyond the six-week finale to the season. Houston, whose acquisition of Pau Gasol in the ill-fated trade that would've sent Chris Paul to the Lakers, also remains in hot pursuit of the Spaniard, sources say. So are the Timberwolves, who would like to pair Gasol with Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio. The Lakers, however, are unwilling to trade Gasol unless they get a comparable All-Star in return -- preferably one who could provide the guard penetration they're so sorely lacking.

• The Celtics are prepared to entertain offers for Paul Pierce, whose subtraction from the Boston core would be the most advantageous to the post-Big Three rebuilding effort given his age (34) and the $32 million he's owed over the next two seasons. And for those same reasons, he'll be the most difficult of Boston's top four players to move. The Clippers, indeed, have interest in Ray Allen, but little in the way of movable salary to make a deal work. Rival executives believe Celtics president Danny Ainge would have to be blown away by an offer to move point guard Rajon Rondo.

• The Trail Blazers have been among the most active teams, seeking to move Jamal Crawford and acquire a big man -- either in the same or separate deals. The asking price for Crawford, however, includes a first-round pick in addition to Luke Ridnour (Timberwolves) or Eric Bledsoe (Clippers). Depending on what point guard the Blazers can bring back in a deal, they'd also be in a position to put Raymond Felton out of his misery. Felton's up-tempo style and Nate McMillan's deliberate offense clearly are not fitting together. "They've got to make major changes," one executive said.

• The Hawks won't find a taker for Joe Johnson and the $90 million he has coming to him over the next four years, but rival executives believe Kirk Hinrich could be on the move -- perhaps filling the gaping two-guard hole on the Clippers. That depends on the asking price, as the Clips' assets were diminished in the Chris Paul trade. Execs are torn on what strategy Atlanta ownership will pursue after the sale of the team fell through in November. With a healthy Al Horford, the Hawks almost certainly would be the third-best team in the East. But at some point down the road, a league source said, ownership may "keep Horford and try to dump the rest."

• Flush with cap space and flexibility, the Cavaliers have been actively expressing a willingness to take on money for the right assets. Cleveland already is loaded with draft picks (two first-round picks in each of the next two drafts) and has a valuable commodity in Antawn Jamison -- a veteran stretch forward with an expiring contract. The problem is, contending teams that would be the best fit for Jamison -- such as Orlando or Boston -- don't have room for his $15.1 million salary or pieces they're interested in moving to make a trade work under cap rules.

• The Bucks have fielded what one source described as an "amazing" number of inquiries about Stephen Jackson, who has clashed with coach Scott Skiles. But the offers for Jackson, owed $10.1 million next season, have included Milwaukee being asked to take on future salary or include another player or draft pick to sweeten the deal. "It's going to be hard to move him by himself," the source said.

• It's no secret that Minnesota is likely to trade Michael Beasley, with the most interested potential suitors being the Boston, the Lakers and Orlando. The Magic are pursuing multiple avenues in an attempt to improve the team in the hopes that a long playoff run could persuade Howard to stay. If Orlando holds off on trading Howard at the deadline, sources say Beasley could be a viable piece for the Nets to add as they try to upgrade their talent to make the team more attractive to Howard and Deron Williams.

• Steve Nash is said to be "pretty content" with staying with the Suns, but that's more due to his personality and "not wanting to be the bad guy" than his belief that he can finish his career on a winning note there, a person connected to the point guard said. "He'd like to go and win," the person said, "but he's not prepared to play the Carmelo [Anthony] card." It is believed that the Suns would respectfully try to honor a trade request if Nash made one, but it's not his style to ask out and he feels tremendous loyalty toward the organization.
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#253 J.R., Mar 8, 2012

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If we were able to nab Gordon from NO I'd be willing to give up literally anyone but Lowry in a trade for Pek.

#254 HorneR, Mar 8, 2012
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CDave said: ↑

Hard to justify giving up a first round pick for a player on an expiring contract.

Conventional wisdom says that Dragic is no more than a backup player to begin with so there is not a strong likelihood he's going to be a considerable difference maker down the stretch.

Why not wait until summer when he's a UFA and then pursue him on that basis. Trading for him now just means you lose a number one for a player who signs and plays somewhere else next season.

Not very much foresight in deciding that way.
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Assumption is based on history. You look at the Battier deal as an example of what a player like that can mean to a team who is heading towards the playoffs and need that missing piece. Keep in mind I put major lottery protection on that pick.

A team like the Lakers, if they fail to make the Mega deal, would be wise to spend that to pick up either Dragic, Ridinour, DJ Augustin, or Ramon Sessions for that price. Getting a late first round pick for Dragic is not out of the question at all even being an UFA.

#255 dobro1229, Mar 8, 2012
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dobro1229 said: ↑

Assumption is based on history. You look at the Battier deal as an example of what a player like that can mean to a team who is heading towards the playoffs and need that missing piece. Keep in mind I put major lottery protection on that pick.

A team like the Lakers, if they fail to make the Mega deal, would be wise to spend that to pick up either Dragic, Ridinour, DJ Augustin, or Ramon Sessions for that price. Getting a late first round pick for Dragic is not out of the question at all even being an UFA.
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Thabeet was included as a salary dump.

#256 cod, Mar 8, 2012
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Oops, it was posted. Deleted.

#257 Icehouse, Mar 8, 2012
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Josh Smith (still) wants to be traded

#258 J.R., Mar 8, 2012

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Aruba77 said: ↑

i would trade Scola and Lowry for Josh Smith
Click to expand...

The Hawks wouldn't do that trade because of their salary situation.

#259 cod, Mar 8, 2012
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haydenfisher342 said: ↑

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7dcul6p
Click to expand...

Hollinger predicts we'd lose 6 more games with that trade. Nice work!

#260 don grahamleone, Mar 8, 2012

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