Let's say the deal was Vujacic/Murphy for Scola/Martin. With those guys on the roster, it's a sure thing that the Nets would win at least a game or two more than they would without those guys. That could change the value of the NJ pick we would be receiving, if only by one or two picks.
In my opinion, that trade just isn't realistic. Rockets would never trade two borderline all stars that are in the top ten @ their positions for those two players. Morey would never hear the end of that. They would have to give up something significant. If the trade would happen soon, Morey could flip the pick to New York maybe... For Randolph? To help facilitate the Melo deal to New York. As long as Lopez and a pick or hopefully two are included.. I say do it regardless of the possible outcome on the Nets record
Maybe Morey was never going after Melo... Maybe he's just been trying to convince the Nets all along that they'd win more games and have a lot more flexibility if they deal for Martin/Scola instead They are real high on Scola... And probably want him even more now... Scolas' contract is probably less than what they were going to offer him as a RFA
I've comented the rumour with a reliable Nets fan, he says Lopez is almost untouchable for their GM. He says that is very likely to see Devin Harris traded before the deadline. His relationship with AJ is not really good, he's upset for the negotiations with Denver (his name has been always included), and it seems like all parts feel that it's time to move him.
I firmly believe Morey feels Patterson is the future (near future?) starting power forward. Since Yao is now out of the picture, I'd bet Morey's main target at the 5 is Brook Lopez. A combination of Lopez and Patterson seems like a Morey combo, especially if we're not looking to seriously contend this year. If my assumptions are true then Brooks is probably a keeper. So I see Brooks and Patterson as untouchable, at this point but that's just my opinion. cmiller
Digressing for a moment, we're not getting Favors. Maybe I'm a homer, but I think Scola and Martin are a good bit better than this. At least Lopez plus two number ones.
The trade is Martin and Scola for a top 5 draft pick, another 1st rounder, possibly a lottery pick, and a buttload of cap room in the form of expirings. After a few years when the pick becomes a star and we get something nice with the cap room, people would be happy with it.
Scola and Martin? Hmmm... Dont know about that. Sounds like we should get as much back as they have been offering for Carmelo in that deal. That means their draft picks, Favors, and someone else.
I'd rather have Favors. Lopez is a finesse player, and PP already has that type of game. More importantly, Lopez isn't a defensive presence in the paint at all, and he's not that explosive so he can't match up with the league's best. I'd rather get Favors and let CD work his magic. Martin+Hill for Favors and Anthony Morrow. They upgrade at two positions and still get a lottery talent back. We get Favors to buld around, and Morrow who's an underrated shooter to serve as a 6th man.
Haha, you do realise their role players right? Hell, I'd even include Aaron Brooks if it meant getting Derrick Favors in return..
WojYahooNBA Adrian Wojnarowski Sleeper team in 'Melo pursuit: Houston. Picks, young players and most of all, sources say, a willingness to do trade w/o Anthony extension.
We've been a sleeper team the whole time, IMHO. If Denver doesn't like what NY can offer and Chicago won't give up Noah then we should be the favorite not just a sleeper.
I completely agree, I guess I was going on the assumption that Lopez was more expendable and available thus costing less than Favors. A Favors Patterson combo would be awesome! Especially with Brooks at the point and Williams at the 2. We'd have to upgrade the three but that's a good start.
To my surprise, I have read a few things lately that haven't made it into this thread. 1) Avery recently said that what he dreams about is his center getting him ten rebounds a game. Not in a good way, either. If you look at Lopez' numbers, his rebounds have dropped this year. 2) There have been articles recently that Prokhorov would come across as a fraud if the Melo deal fell apart. They've been talking about how all the players would want to come and play for him and Jay-Z, and Melo's been playing him for a fool. Especially with the bit about New Jersey was going to have to convince him. 3) Avery is tight with the owner. Prokhorov is not going to come back to the table unless Denver and Melo beg him. I think he is likely to wait 2-3 days, then trade some of those assets (burn his bridge with Denver). Scola and Martin for Lopez and a number 1: OK, if it's a high number one. I wouldn't do it if the pick was # 13-14.
