We can do both. Sign former lottery players like 6'8 Josh Jackson and/or 6'9 Harry Giles to BMac like prove it deals. Trade for James Johnson then his 16M comes off books following season, Rockets can sign another potential star. In interim, James Johnson adds another Jeff Green to Rockets roster. Except JJ is better 3P shooter and defender. Brodie Beard PJ RoCo JJ With Nwaba, House, Green (re-signed to vet min), BMac, Rivers (sign with Bird rights, trade asset option) off the bench. Bruno, Josh Jackson and/or Harry Giles as development players. Rockets also still have Clemons and Frazier. But I'd rather have Luc over either.
You can make it an 8 team trade if you want. It doesn’t change the fact that the Rockets would have to clear about 50 million of their salary in order to perform a S&T deal.
There is no way the NBA and the other major sports don't find a way to have fans in the stands. Too much money on the line as you pointed out. My guess is it will be a set max capacity and increase when the COVID numbers really go down.
But the bubble has its upsides too, many in media have touted the competitiveness and some of the best basketball being played in long time. The play in for example is great for the NBA because it dis-incentivizes tanking and adds drama to that 8th spot. The different camera angles, using remote tech for interviews (we can actually hear both questions AND answers), virtual fans (maybe commercialize in future), etc. have all been good additions to game.
6'8 James "Bloodsport" Johnson can defend 1-5, shoot 3ball at 36%, rim protect and facilitate like a guard. Essentially a better Jeff Green. https://www.canishoopus.com/2020/2/...-james-johnson-is-minnesotas-swiss-army-knife
I think he'd be a great fit here ... But I don't think he's a reasonable get. They just don't have the assets to make that kind of deal unless the player forced a trade specifically to Houston.
Makes sense financially and Wolves get the younger near all star level player in EGo. Plus EGo fits their need for starting guard that can space, score and play high level defense. JJ will be a back up to KAT and Naz Reid.
I’m sure the wolves plan on bringing Beasley back and he can start but he is only 23 years old and probably won’t get offered the contract that he is expecting. IMO they need a more experienced Guard to play with DLo and Gordon does fit that need perfectly. Beasley could use a year or two backing up Gordon but it depends on which direction the wolves want to go. The issue for the wolves is if they make the trade then who starts at the 4? They could probably find someone out in FA but they won’t be as good of a fit as JJ. JJ on the other hand would probably love to get out of Minny. That team isn’t going anywhere for at least a year or two by which time JJ will be a FA. He could raise his FA value in Houston or decide to remain there on the cheap to chase rings. Going to Houston would be a win win for him.
They could also use Beasley's money to pick up a better fit at 4 spot, e.g. Jerami Grant. Grant would be a better younger starting option at 4 spot than JJ. Milsap could also fill that role, so could Bertrans. Minny will have options if they decide to use Beasley money elsewhere. I think it's a win-win trade for both teams. Minny may need to add Omari Spellman or a 2nd actually, EGo is more valuable asset than JJ.
James Johnson is a prime buyout candidate this year. Doubt we would give up EGo to get him when he could free up at the deadline also, any time JJ is brought up, this video must be posted
Buyout would be perfect. But just in case that option is available for Morey. But signing JJ after buyout and using EGo to pick up a Kelly Oubre or AG would be ideal.
A buyout is risky. Johnson will get a chance to explore his options and Houston might lose out. Rockets will be undersized so they have to find players with unique skill sets for their size...bring the X-Factor in what @D-rock said: intimidation. Tucker has some but not really especially the bigger players. Schroeder just low blowed him so clearly it ain't a lot. That's not happening to Johnson nor likely to happen to his teammates by proxy.
