For S&T, I think both the new team and the player (player being the number 1) has the control. If Rap can't retain Bosh, which I think they will try hard. Their next step would be trading him with other teams that both Rap and Bosh can agree to. Which I think there will be more then just the Rockets. The only thing Rockets can bring to Bosh is endorsements in China, and possible all-star in the west.
I think worzel's point was more about how the Sonics got back a very large trade exception (which is a fairly valuable commodity) instead of having to take back a bunch of salary (expiring contracts or not) in a sign-and-trade deal. The fact that the Rockets will have to send back $13.2M or so in salary, most of which will be "dead weight", is the biggest strike against the Rockets being able to pull off a sign-and-trade for Bosh over other contenders like Chicago or Miami, each of whom could simply offer a future first round pick and a huge trade exception (generated from the sign-and-trade deal).
But if Yao can't go they could send his contract back...as it is being paid by the leagues insurance policy. DD
They'll just have to send actual positive "assets" (sorry Jeff). Scola signed at ~7mill plus Battier or Ariza gets you to the ~13mill you need.
I wouldn't reckon Battier or Ariza as positive "assets" at this point when players like Afflalo and Barnes could be had for a much cheaper price out on the market.
What? Aside from the fact that Afflalo will be staying in Denver for the forseeable future, that approach makes no sense at all. Just because Barnes can be a positive asset doesn't mean that Ariza is not a positive asset. What has Barnes done anyway aside from being a douche his entire career?
Bargnani's playing the three? Seems like Battier or Ariza would be a good complement to Hedo at the 2.
