Orlando Sentinel: Magic want Francis, Mobley and Cato

Correct me if I'm wrong. But doesn't McGrady have the last word on where he goes? I mean, if he really wants to go to Houston because of Yao, which he has stated already, all he has to to say is, "Trade me to Houston...You guys hash out the details..."

Right?

Not sure why Phoenix/Indiana is in the equation. Not unless the Orlando management have some type of say in the matter.

 

Yea... nobody expects him to break a story... but CP is the most even-minded, knowledgable (even though he is arrogant), and logical sports-caster this city can offer.

Normally, his take on the situation, is most likely the right one. He won't get caught up in homerisms and popular opinion... if the team sux, he'll say so... and if you're making an idiot point ("Why can't we just trade Bagwell and Biggio for a guy like Mark Prior?")... he'll call you an idiot.

Berman has dirty pictures on every GM in this city. I appreciate his inside info, but I don't want to hear what he has to do to get it...

 

Actually, I expect people like these guys to be 'connected' to sources and get news first others cannot. I don't recall that ever occurring.

I respectfully disagree that his take is so right on. He can cow Rich 100% of the time, and his erudition and mike command allows him to sound right. I would disagree with him more often if I didn't just dial away to Afternoon Edition.

The pix are probably pretty ugly. Keep flashing 'em, Scoop! Inquiring minds want to know.

 

I wish I could have the 30 minutes of my life back that I spent watching Extra Points. Boy Charlie sure looks miserable up there with a "are these guys really saying this stuff?" look on his face. He's definitely the best sports mind in the city and is usually right on with his takes. Ralph Cooper and Kenny Hand are absolute idiots. I have trouble deciding who's worse.

 

Oh yea, I forgot to add that Kenny Hand said he wouldn't do the deal. That in itself should be enough reason to know that the Rockets would be making the right decision pulling the trigger on this one.

 

Kenny Hand also said that if the Astros fire Williams, he'd want Gene Lamont to take over.

Huh?... yea.

 

IMO that is way too much to give for McGrady.

I like TMAC, but three starters for him? I don't know about that.

Also, does TMAC have to agree with the team he will be traded to? I mean, if they don't trade him then they will lose him with nothing to gain when he leaves them next season.

 

Absolutely. No team will trade for McGrady unless he agrees to sign an extension with them which is why Tracy holds all the cards.

 

Yeah it doesnt really make sense to me for Houston to give up their WHOLE starting backcourt...i thought it'd be either/or...and I hate to see Cato go...but I think the rumor is Francis/Mobley/Cato for TMac/Howard...I'd rather see Gooden in here than Howard, I wonder if the Rockets mite ask for that and throw in their second-rd pick this year and have Orlando add reece gaines or pat garrity (3-point specialist)...

 

My 2 cents. I think McGrady is good, but I don't think he is worth that much.

 

What kind of guarantees can McGrady make? Is it just his word or is there a legal way that T-Mac can guarantee he will sign the extension?

 

It's really two starters, and a backup center. Cato wouldn't be a starting PF on any other team, besides ours.

And.. (as I'm pretty neutral on the trade... if it works out, great, if not, oh well), seeing the problems at times that this team had to find a CONSISTENT scorer, T-Mac would be a welcome addition.

Then again, Steve could become that player again... but he wasn't last year.

Then again, T-Mac could get injured... but he's been relatively healthy his entire career.

Then again, SF3 and Cat are young... but T-Mac is younger than both of them at 25.

Then again, we still don't have a PF... and this is a problem that has to be addressed.

Then again, it shouldn't matter who we have as long as Yao continues to develop into a monster... and this is true regardless of the trade.

There's valid arguments both ways on this trade, but neither of the scenarios have this team being "worse off". But, if you look at the possible payoff... you have to admit that this team has a much higher ceiling with T-Mac and Yao, rather than Steve and Yao (and that's just based on age, and the player's current skills)

 

I'm not sure how it works in the NBA so i'm just going to use the Clinton Portis to Washington scenario. Both the Redskins and Broncos set the parameters of the trade then Washington was granted a window in which to negotiate a new contract with Portis.

I know there is someone who knows how it works.

 

McGrady is not eligible to sign an extension.

Any deal worked out now would be under the table and in violation of the CBA rules, like with Joe Smith.

He can give his word that he wants to stay and the two sides can negotiate, but no deal can be agreed to until after he opts out of his contract. Doesn't work the same as the NFL.

 

I thought he can only sign an extension after this season, since next year is his opt-out year.

 

My mistake on the extension. Extensions can be signed after four years in a six or seven year deal. The fourth year just ended, meaning this offseason is the first in which an extension can be signed.

(Checked the above with Larry Coon's CBA FAQ.)

 

heh this is all moot, I'm pretty certain he's signed through 06 or 07. he simply CAN opt out next year.