i almost missed this the first time i read it. no way EG is included in any deal for odom. in my book, EG is already more valuable than odom, so i'm certainly not throwing in other goodies. hell i don't want EG included in any deals for anyone, with the exception of garnett and that means mobley can't be had if griffin is taken.
OK, after reading through <a href="http://bbs.clutchcity.net/showthread.php?s=&postid=448639#post448639">all of ROCKET!!!'s posts and clues</a>, I have come to the following conclusions to what ROCKET!!!'s inside information on trades are: 1 - Try to get something from Chicago, who REALLY wants Ming, even though they are trumpeting they want JWil, hopefully Curry, perhaps Crawford, and then ship them in the deal to LAC. 2 - First Trade: LAC - #1, Rice, KT, Collier (and whatever we get from Chicago), possibly #15 and/or 38 for Brand, Odom (or Maggette), #8/12. That sets us at PF for many years to come. 3 - Second Trade: Memphis - Taylor/TMo/#8/12 (possibly #15) (possibly relieve them of 2nd round obligation) for Battier/Swift/#4. 4 - Draft: Caron Butler or Mike Dunleavy at #4. Rockets believe that their #38 pick would stick with the team. 5 - Let go of Williams, Langhi, Willis, Brown, and maybe even Torres, if needed as last minute backup... 6 - Keep Francis, Griffin, Mobely, Cato, Norris, and possibly Torres.
The small forward spot seems a bit overcrowded with Griffin(since Brand will play the 4), Battier, Odom(or Maggette), Butler/Dunleavy, and possibly even Swift. I can understand the Bulls trade if Krause really loves Ming. I can even undertand the Clips trading Brand if they really covet Williams, but that Memphis trade is horrible. I don't think there's any way the Grizzlies would do that trade.
I think ROCKET!!!'s lineup would look something like this: Cato/FA/possibly #38 Brand/(Griffin)/Swift Butler or Dunleavy/Odom or Maggette/(Griffin) Mobely/Battier/possibly Torres Francis/Norris with Swift at the 4/5 and Battier at SG. I think the logic that ROCKET!!! has been stating is that Taylor is better than any of their PFs and is an upgrade for them, TMo is a good young all-around defensive backup, able to cover 3 positions, and they get 2 or 3 top 15 picks, instead of 1, providing significant depth for their team, and they are unloading extras on their team in Battier and Swift.
