Random Forum "Insider": Houston is on Aldridge's list...

Noah is better than Asik, so if Portland is truly interested in trading Aldridge we might have to sweeten the deal. We need some of our young guys to break out next year and really increase their trade value.

 

There's no shame in dreaming guys. Lol

 

Yeah but what would you expect him to say when he runs into a Rockets fan in Houston?

 

Honestly, if POR is willing to trade LMA, then we need to trade Lin to a third team and make it happen.

Portland won't want him because they have Lillard. They do want Asik. They would want another of our PF's. They would want a pick from us. We could reduce what we're asking for in the Robinson trade.

We urgently need to deal Lin for 2-3 cheaper players, at least one of which would be of interest to Portland.

There is a serious chance of getting Howard and LMA if we could get, in exchange for Lin, a backup PG and moderately talented young guy.

 

Noah > Aldridge .... I can see why Chicago doesn't do it. Aldridge is a jump shooting power forward, that is an all star but not superstar. Noah plays a tougher position and is just too important defensively.

 

What would Sam Hinke have to offer?

 

Since when an over-paid backup PG worth 2-3 cheaper asset?

 

I used to watch Aldridge be injured at UT. I remember thinking what a perfect Rocket he'd make. That jumper is so sweet with it's high release point. He just needs some Icy Hot and he's good to go.

 

After we get Howard we might do Asik, Jones and a pick for Aldridge - Aldridge as e third star? I'd call that the best big three in the league...

 

Best thread I've seen this off season.

 

Remember a couple things:

1. If we sign Dwight outright, there is no Royce White or Greg Smith or James Anderson too add to in a trade. If we traded for LaMarcus it would have to be Asik AND DMo (or possibly TJones).

2. A trade for LaMarcus is not going to happen this off season. Portland is going to sign a center and start the season with that club and see how it goes. They are much more likely to trade LaMarcus at the trade deadline or possibly after this coming season if they trade him at all.



With that in mind we need to look elsewhere, either Josh Smith or Paul Millsap.

 

How about trade for smith, try him out for a year. If it doesn't work out trade him to Portland + one of our young players + whatever picks it takes (our next two tradable firsts/2nd's).

Should know if smith can work out by next summer or even by the trade dealine perhaps.

 

I would too, Harden next to the two best low post players in the league would be unstoppable.

 

I'd rather have Aldridge than Josh Smith anyday. Better fit with Dwight. Better fit without Dwight.

I generally hate hearing Asik used like a disposable trade filler around here, but I would damn sure trade him and more for Aldridge.

 

Noah is a monster. Love his game.

 

Portland has been looking for a C since Sam Bowie. They've always had bum luck getting one that is dependable. Asik would be perfect for them. He's a rebounding machine with great size, young which would make a great anchor in the middle. LMA is not happy and teams aren't willing to give up good Cs readily.

Asik + DMo + Jones + 1st = LMA

 

I'd rather have Millsap than either one. He'll have a much more reasonable contract. He's a better floor spreader around Dwight than LaMarcus, won't take touches away from Dwight. He's very good defensively on the perimeter AND in the post and he's a far superior shooter to Josh Smith. Oh....and he can run pick and roll OR pick and pop very effectively.

 

Noah is also an underrated passer.

 

Frankly have no time for someone who calls Lin a backup PG. He is a starting PG, even if there are plenty of areas where he can improve. If there is a team that values Tyreke Evans at $11m per year, then there are at least a few teams who value Lin at $8.3m especially after his performance in the second half of the season, and considering his marketing potential.

Not sure what Hinkie can offer. He knows Lin's value on the court really well, and he just traded away his starting PG for a C. I think it's a good fit. Given our desperation to get this done, I think we would be willing to take very mediocre players in exchange. I would probably be happy with Kwame Brown, Lavoy Allen and Arnett Moultrie. That would allow us to keep Kwame 2nd or 3rd C on the team.

We could then deal Asik (8.3m) + Lavoy Allen (3m) + Terrence Jones (1.5m) + protected future first + the 2 2nd round picks they sent us for T-Rob for LMA.

That would give us something like

Howard/Smith/Kwame
LMA/DMo/Moultrie
Parsons/Anderson
Harden/Anderson
Beverley/Probably need 2 FA signings willing to sign for minimum

I know the depth would not be ideal, but damn. We're talking about Dwight Howard, Lamarcus Aldridge and James Harden. Throw in two hard working promising young players in Parsons and Beverley. Smith and D-Mo could surprise. Anderson can provide some decent minutes.

But I'm sure there are other teams out there who would be willing to trade 2-3 otherwise insignificant pieces for Lin.

 

Morey needs to do a Beverley-like discovery of a shooting guard. That'll get us in the mix. I don't think Blazers would even want Parsons. Batum is their guy. Lilliard is there, so no Lin or Bev needed.