Yet as someone already posted, Ariza turned down an identical offer from a team that advanced to the 2nd round in order to come here. You've created this "setback" in regards to free agents in your own mind.
So Morey now has to recruit complete washed up ready to retire ex-all stars? This is gonna be a looooooooong season for the Rockets.
You do realize several other teams are recruiting these guys as well, right? Actually pretty hard to ID a team that went deep in the playoffs without a few grizzled vets.
That washed up vet can still shoot the three ball with the best of them. So why not, he would be a great additions to our high octane offense, and very viable coming off the bench.
As it was pointed out by the media at the time the Wizards offer was not identical because of tax considerations.
Ray Allen would be a nice addition off the bench, though you have youth in Covington & Johnson who should get solid playing time. If they don't, then package them to get a solid player to replace them.
While I'm not overly hyped on the playing ability of Ray Allen and Marion, I do believe their experience is important for this team. We do need some "championship experience" to give our kids some good advice.
To boot, Allen could help make T"rey" Daniels = Ray Allen 2.0. Teach him how to shoot of screens and such.
You can't teach versatility and athleticism. Troy is nice, but he's pretty one-dimensional. If he gets heavy minutes he will be a huge defensive liability. Whereas with Ray you can leave him on the court and play him a lot of minutes. Of course I still don't think we're getting Ray, but if we do that is a huge upgrade in the backup SG department to the point where I think we're legit contenders; even more so than last year. Harden can get a LOT more rest and now he won't have any excuses to give a half assed effort on D.
Allen and Okafor would make this offseason a success in my opinion. Add in a quality PG and we are better than last season.
