While I think Utah might consider a deal like that IF they have a deal in place to keep Millsap and IF T-Mac's contract truly is covered by insurance until he comes back healthy, there are still several issues for the Rockets to consider: (1) Is Les Alexander really willing to forego the economic benefits of T-Mac's insurance-covered contract next year and take on what amounts to about the same $12-28M in extra expenses that the Jazz would be saving? (2) What would the Rockets have to take back in addition to Kirilenko and the pick? If it's Okur, then great! The Rockets would strongly consider it. If it's Boozer, what do the Rockets do with their crowded PF crop? Would they look to flip Boozer to another team (Portland?) for another asset? Would the Jazz really be willing to give up that much "basketball talent" just to save a ton of money? (3) As for Kirilenko, where would he fit in? Would he be the new starting PF? (As an aside, having Ariza and Kirilenko as the Rockets' starting forwards would be absolutely SICK from a defensive standpoint. Both are long, rangy defenders who can switch off onto each others man OR switch off onto guards. The Rockets defense would be amazing.) Would he start at SF and move Ariza to SG? What happens to Battier or Scola in the lineup? Will they be traded? (4) What do the Rockets do in the summer of 2010? They likely won't have any cap room, will be close to or over the luxury tax, and if Yao's career is over, won't be contending for a title. Would Les pay up to keep Scola and Lowry when they'd be costing the team double with luxury tax payments factored in? If the Jazz only stick the Rockets with expiring contracts in addition to Kirilenko, maybe Houston has the flexibility to keep Scola. Otherwise, can they AFFORD to keep him? As you can see, there are a ton of questions on both sides. These types of mega-deals are never easy.
I know that these things aren't likely---Morey has probably had substantive discussions with several teams about McGrady---but the more I (waste time) think(ing) about this, well, it does raise some possibilities. Boozer is quite likely to leave Utah via free agency next year anyway, and they don't want to lose him for nothing, but don't want to foot his $12-15 million annual salary. I don't know if the Rockets have their sights set on Bosh---maybe yes, maybe no. Obviously Les wants to sell tickets and maybe Bosh could be the centerpiece of that. And I don't know if Bosh is plain-ass set on playing with LeBron in NY or NJ, but it seems a likely bet. Houston sends McGrady + (Landry) or (Hayes + Budinger or Taylor) to Utah Utah sends Kirilenko to Houston Utah sends Boozer (Duke alum) to Charlotte Charlotte sends Emeka Okafor (Bellaire HS alum) to Houston Utah and the Knicks could also change their draft pick situation. Utah gets Jordan Hill (who might turn out to be a playa) and NY gets back their 2010 pick. Yes, the 2010 pick would be a better one, but Utah could save now IF they also move Boozer. NY saves for 2010, not paying Jordan Hill now, and having a pick in 2010 that has no cap hold until after Bosh and LeBron are signed. OR Get Bosh now. See if Kirilkenko + Scola will get you Bosh (+ salary cap trash like Banks). Toronto needs foreign players who like their city. Even if Toronto doesn't bite, we'd have $35 million in expiring contracts next year (PLEASE don't tell me we're gonna throw the bank at Yao's foot problems).
me to .then we could send the pick and player to minny for Ricky R. then trade batman to Portland for Rudy f. then sign bosh .rebuilding complete
Okafor is too little for us IMO.Bosh needs a big to play along with him. Kirilenko plus Scola is a bit steep as well.
We'd be called the Houston Flopkets. Seriously, I totally agree with cabbage. High draft picks will give us the best chances of getting a franchise player (much better than through the so-called 2010 Fa jackpot). And we really need one to be a contender again, assuming both Yao and Mcgrady are done.
Houston sends McGrady to Utah. Houston sends Brooks to Phoenix. Utah sends AK47 to Phoenix. Utah send Brewer to Houston. Phoenix sends Stoudemire/Barbosa to Houston. I could definitely see Houston doing this deal (Stoudemire/Barbosa/Brewer). I can see Phoenix doing the deal (AK47/Brooks). I find it hard to believe that Utah would do the deal (McGrady), but you never know.
Has everyone forgotten that Tmac had the most team success under JVG than anyone else. If they made this deal, i wouldn't be surprised if this deal went down that TMac would be ok in utah.
JVG on tv is a different animal than JVG as a coach but I see your point. Sloan has little use for a player like Mcgrady (even when he was at his best). Sloan's style emphasizes strength, cutting, and especially cheating - none of that is in Tracy's game.
"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to BimaThug again." I want to give you more rep points. But I can't. Enjoy your posts.
http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wi...90704/no_relief_for_jazz_if_harpring_retires/ No cap relief even if Harpring retires
Wow man, you call one and done success? I understand that some people in H town are still delusionary about McGrady but have we lowered the bar so low that a one and done "superstar's" success is measured in how good his relationship with his coach is. Sloan is a whole different breed from JVG and he will not tolerate a prima donna for as long as he is the coach of his team. He does not suck up to anybody, Stockton and Malone included.
I don't suppose a lot of people have paid attention to the second paragraph of the article... Seems to me that makes a lot of the speculation pointless.
Maybe I leaned a little too much to their point of view to avoid the "Rockets come out like bandits, the other team gets raped" bits. In any case, this is all academic. Still.
No to Kirilenko. He'll whine about shots and he'll want to be the star when he is no where near at that. Skip and yuck.
Houston is a No Extreme Flopping Zone! Minor flopping is acceptable though so keep doing your thing Luis and Kyle.
I would rather have Tracy on the team, and end up injured and never play another minute of basketball, than to have AK47 on the Rockets.
