Okay, since it has become obvious that people are going to post random trade ideas (involving Yao's contract) in this thread, I'll go ahead and join the party. Here is a slight variation on a proposal I made earlier that would land Melo in New Jersey (and away from the Knicks) and also garner the Rockets a long-term building block: New Jersey gets: Carmelo Anthony (with extension in place) Jordan Hill Denver gets: Derrick Favors Yao Ming's insurance-covered contract Chase Budinger 2011 NJN first round pick (lottery-protected? only top-8 protected?) 2012 GSW first round pick (only top-7 protected) Houston gets: Nene Hilario Troy Murphy's expiring contract 2012 HOU first round pick back 2011 LAL first round pick (top-18 protected) Obviously, the picks could be divided up differently, etc. New Jersey gets Melo, with an extension, and also gets a young PF prospect to help fill the gaping hole the Nets have at that position. Denver gets Favors (a highly rated prospect), Budinger (another nice young player on a cheap long-term contract) and multiple first round picks, representing possibly the two best first rounders in New Jersey's stable. But just as importantly, this trade would net the Nuggets a whopping $19-20 MILLION in reduced payroll, luxury tax savings and insurance payouts (not even counting any cash that New Jersey or Houston could add to the deal). That's not over several years. That entire amount will be seen THIS SEASON. The Nuggets would be able to buy several additional late first or early second rounders with that type of money. More likely, though, they'd stick it in their back pockets and say, "Thank you." Houston gets a top-10 center in Nene, who at 28 should still have plenty left in the tank. They get their own first round pick back, which also greatly opens up the Rockets' flexibility to make other trades over the next couple of years (just look at what the Knicks are going through without their 2012 pick). Also, for their trouble, the Rockets would get what will likely be a pick in the mid-20s of this year's draft. And, by "trouble," I mean the trouble of essentially eating $3-4 million in additional payroll and luxury tax and also missing out on the $8 million insurance payout on Yao's contract. But it does leave the team with the following rotation: Lowry/Brooks Martin/Lee Battier/Williams Scola/Patterson/Hayes Nene/Miller If they can't turn around and try to dump them, the Rockets can always work out buyouts for Murphy and Jeffries after the trade deadline in order for Les to recoup some of that money. Then, Houston will have four first rounders to play with in the next two drafts, plus that Clippers' second rounder in 2011. Not a bad situation to be in.
With NY gearing up to offer the same deal to Phoenix as they offered Denver, we should be doing the same. We may have the assets and players to beat their offer if Morey chooses to do so. I think an offer of Yao's contract + Brooks, Bud and Jeffries expiring should outmatch NY. 1st trade Phoenix gets Yao Houston gets Nash Warrick 2nd trade Phoenix gets Jeffries Brooks(use TE) Bud Houston gets Gortat
Wow Bima, that is pretty good for everybody. I always saw Nene as PF that can do spot minutes at C. Still a huge upgrade for Rox. I would have signed in a New Jersey minute last week, but Bud is finally showing the strides we were hoping. Do you think if he continues to play close to how he has played this last week, that your trade might be selling him short. You really should be working for Morey
LOL... where do I sign? If it doesn’t affect their tax situation Denver possibly demands other expiring for Birdman and/or Harrington, in which case I’d ask them how can they not be so thankful and would only offer to take on Birdman for JJ. Do you see this likely happening in your scenario Bima?
Unfortunately the Rockets ain't going to get what they are looking for a prospect/pick/cap relief just to save 8 million for Yao Ming. Why would a team do such a thing?
Dallas is after Iguodala! http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=23hvmlv Think Phillie would do this??
Only issue I see with this deal is that reportedly (via Nugs4), the Nuggets are wanting to build around Lawson, Affalo, Nene and whoever they get for Carmelo. I'm not sure they would give up Nene just to dump his salary.
Yeah, what owner would want to pocket $8 million into his own pocket.....?? That is just crazy talk. DD
Well i'm just saying in regards to making a move to win why would a team do such a deal just to save money. And it affects any team from winning with a negative impact it makes no sence.
Good stuff, Bima. Although, I must say I still like your Jeffries/Hill/filler for Nene/Balkman suggestion best. If Denver would go for such a deal, that is.
I was literally seconds away from posting this: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2buyzs5 With NJ's first rounders all going to Denver. Harrington's bad contract going to NJ. And Ish Smith and Petro just so the salaries match. If we can pull off what you are proposing, with first rounders actually coming to US... wow. Although, come to think of it, in addition to the prospects we are sending out, and the additional salary, we are essentially paying $8M just to acquire Nene(the insurance money). I guess you are right, we should be compensated for that.
Yeah, the Nuggets would need to decide how much (28-year-old) Nene is worth to them as a rebuilding franchise. In today's NBA ownership landscape, though, $19-20 million is a LOT of money. Yeah, that would be a nice trade for the Rockets. But I think my latest trade idea is more realistic in light of LTF's concerns above. And, of course, all of this hinges on Melo actually agreeing to an extend-and-trade to New Jersey.
I'm only guessing the going price will turn into picks in the end as Bima suggested. That would be a good deal for Nene.
