Because ERob makes 6M while MoT makes 8M. ERob has 2 years, MoT has 3 years. MoT does a lot of what Howard does. So we need to bring some athleticism, some shotblocking off the bench to help Yao. Keon Clark and Juwan Howard are contrasting players, they could be great in different matchups. We save tons of money on this deal, while improving. Next summer, we can trade E-Rob's expiring contract for something. We can probably package him and Spoon for some damn good disgruntled star player, as they both make around 6M and ar expiring contracts.
I have had a bad feeling after the Grizzlies gave a big contract to Posey when it appeared he would be back in Houston. Jerry West is a good GM and hard to deal with. I think he won't give up Jake if the Rockets were interested in him.
I have come around to the idea that having Mutombo won't be enough as a reserve center. He can still get some points,shotblock and rebound but neither he or Yao have any lateral quickness. Getting Clark in addition to Mutombo is highly unlikely. Getting Boumtje-Boumtje as a 3rd center along with Mutombo might be possible. I don't think Boom Boom can be a primary backup to Yao because he can't score but he can run quickly and block some shots and rebound. In a worst case situation the Rockets should go after Scott Williams and Boumtje-Boumtje. Willams can get around 10-12 minutes and get a few points and boards.
