What's stopping the Lakers and Magic from dealing for Howard?

I'm wrong Bynum wants assurance from Orlando, that he's more than one season rental.


http://www.latimes.com/sports/laker...e-lakers-not-so-fast-20120703,0,7220021.story

 

1 wrinkle that has been lost recently: Orlando held onto Howard a little too long because the owner is old and wants the team to win right now. Aware of his own mortality, he isn't too keen on rebuilding for a future he might not be around for. I think that weighs in the favor of acquiring Bynum/getting rid of bad contracts rather than taking Houston's young talent.

Still, if I were a Magic fan I'd be rooting for a Houston trade, they could turn around trade Lowry, Martin or whatever vets we send them for more prospects and keep their vets for a few years, hoping that they are still useful enough in their contract years that some playoff team would take them at the deadline for a pick or two. That's a 3 year return to respectability with some fun young guys to watch grow up in the mean time. Not the end of the world.

 

The answer for Dwight, and the most legitimate threat to him coming to Houston, is not the Lakers but the Clippers. The Clips give him what he wants, a major market for his shoe deal, a chance to establish a legacy, a young top-notch point guard to play with for a decade, and the opportunity to win multiple championships. The Clips have it all right now. All they have to do is be willing to give up Blake and Deandre and possibly Bledsoe.

 

LOL at those who continue to believe Orlando wouldn't take Bynum in a second over anything the Rockets have to offer.

 

How does Blake Griffin's contract extension affect a potential trade? In particular, can he be traded against his will after signing?

 

Griffin can't be traded for another 6 months.

See: http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q91

 

That's true and it's a complication that has to be dealt with. Wouldn't surprise me if trade talks started and Blake was asked to approve a trade prior to signing an extension and then waiting to sign his extension in Orlando.

And don't be surprised if nothing gets done until February of 2013 and the Dwight saga drags out until Blake can be traded. If Dwight is not traded on July 11, then I will personally be suspicious that there is already agreement on a deal between Orlando and the Clippers that is being kept under wraps until Blake can be moved.



(Shhhhhhhhh, oh, by the way,....if we trade for Dwight and he's still throwing a fit and not cooperating at the deadline, then Morey may have a deal with the Clippers that could be consumated..........shhhhhhhhhhhh!)

 

That makes a lot of sense and is very possible. Really don't want Blake, but would put the spotlight back in Houston's direction for a change.