Actually, I think the Rockets (assuming that they re-sign Landry and Deke) have moved about $1M further into shallow luxury tax territory by making the Artest deal. If Landry can take a deal paying $2-3M per year, then I think the Rockets could get under the luxury tax by the trade deadline by making a quasi-minor move (e.g., trading Francis's expiring contract plus cash for a trade exception). As for whether the Rockets still need Carl Landry, you NEVER turn down the opportunity to add a quality asset for below market value. That is the advantageous situation that the Rockets face right now with Landry. Assuming that his knee is okay, then he will likely re-sign to a value deal. If he helps the Rockets, great. If he gets pushed out of the rotation or is otherwise unable to get significant minutes at the F positions behind Artest, Scola and Battier, then the Rockets have a significant trade asset to use this February (again, maybe in a move to get under the LT) or next summer.
At this point we have now vaulted up to the highest expectations. We need to resign Landry to maintain the highest level of play. It gives us incredible strength against injuries. At this point i'd be fine giving him the full MLE, we were happy to give it to Stromile Swift and we all agree Landry is a better player. I just feel at this point with the team we now have, being able to add landry to the bench just gives us such a strong bench. If Steve Francis makes any kind of impact we will be a very tough out.
With the acquisition of Artest, the rockets are definitely in win now mode. The rockets will keep Landry unless some better offer comes to them.
I say give Landry 4M a year for two years, with third year as team option, use the remaining MLE to lock our rookie(s).
