With just days to go to the NBA trading deadline...

U know, when the Mavs go small on us, can you imagine a lineup of James, Head, TMAC, Battier, and Yao

 

The only real loss would be Head since Kidd is taking Alston's place and Bonzi's role so far has been almost non-existent(not much depth loss there). This is Kidd we're talking about here...worth taking the risk imo. I do see your point though.

 

I can.

I can imagine that lineup with TWO guys in Tmac and James that can break down people off the dribble and get to the FT line or cave in the defense.

I can imagine 2 guys in Battier and Head that can shoot those open 3ptrs from the drive and kicks we get from Tmac/James.

And I can imagine Yao causing double teams opening up the floor for everyone.

 

Can you imagine James, Francis, TMAC, Battier and Yao?

 

U know i meant that in a positve way right??

 

actually no, LOL. Poor Yao would never see the ball

 

true - there would be seven guys defending yao.

 

I guess this is the "official" tread deadline thread. Here are some various mentions of possible deals involving the Rockets that I came across.

Chicago Tribune

Another intriguing possibility for the Bulls has been talk of Houston's disgruntled Bonzi Wells.

Wells is a post-up guard who is on the outs with the Rockets and again exhibiting unreliable behavior. His contract status, though, is favorable. He has an opt-out after this season he says he will use, and he had a great finish for the Kings last season.

Wells inexplicably rejected an offer of about $30 million to re-sign, and Wells was left to take just $2 million from the Rockets. There's a good chance he would be motivated for two months to get a new contract and could be a weapon for a team like the Bulls if they don't make a major deal. Still, the Bulls have a history of avoiding potentially difficult players such as Wells.

For two months, the Bulls probably could put up with a character. Perhaps Houston would accept salary-cap relief and a second-round pick.

The Sporting News

Bonzi Wells, Rockets. There have been rumors of Wells going to Detroit, and of all the players here, that's one I'd bet on. Wells and Houston coach Jeff Van Gundy just are not going to get along and Wells desperately wants to be elsewhere. The Pistons are looking for guard depth, so it'd be a nice fit.

ESPN Mark Stein

The Wolves, conceding now that signing James was a mistake after drafting Randy Foye, are working hard to move him before the deadline ... with the Houston Rockets emerging Wednesday as a very plausible destination.

James played on Detroit's 2004 championship team and the Pistons have interest in reacquiring him. The latest signals, however, suggest that the Pistons won't be making a deadline deal.

Houston has also previously employed James and still likes him, according to club insiders, in spite of James' decision to spurn the Rockets in free agency last summer when Minnesota agreed to include an eight-percent trade kicker in his four-year contract.

To trade for James now would almost certainly affect the Rockets' future spending and probably force them to part with the virtually expiring contract of injured guard Bob Sura, who can be bought out next season for $1 million. But I get the feeling they're going to go for it.

Hoopsworld

Rockets: Wells for Najera?

By Bill Ingram
for ***************
Feb 21, 2007, 15:12
It seemed like a good idea at the time. The Houston Rockets needed Tracy McGrady insurance and Bonzi Wells was coming off of a stellar playoff showing with the Sacramento Kings. Bonzi came with baggage, as everyone knew, but he seemed to have a tremendous upside if he could get his act together. Maybe some time with Jeff Van Gundy was just what he needed to get his career back on track.

Team after team passed on Wells throughout the prime free agency period, and when the Rockets ultimately signed him they figured out why. He was out of shape and came with a huge chip on his shoulder. He had it out with Van Gundy one too many times and was asked not to return to the team until he was in shape. When he finally got back into shape he had a hard time getting healthy.

The Rockets’ need for what Wells had to offer may be passed. Tracy is playing outstanding basketball again and has seemingly overcome the back problems that threatened to end his career a few months ago. Kirk Snyder is back from a hand injury and is more than capable of taking the minutes Tracy leaves for him. The Rockets would do well to fill one of their other needs and let Wells take a walk to another team with a system that might be able to utilize him – and a coach who might be able to reach him.

The Denver Nuggets might be just such a team. They’re convinced they won’t be able to re-sign Eduardo Najera, and so have been looking for trade partners to get some value before they lose him outright. The Rockets originally drafted Najera with the 38th pick in the 2000 draft, but immediately traded him to the Dallas Mavericks for Dan Langhi. Najera quickly endeared himself to fans and teammates in Dallas with his extreme hustle and willingness to give up his body to save possessions. He’s an outstanding defender and is the kind of player who changes the game from the moment he steps onto the court. The fact that he is Hispanic would make him an ideal fit for Houston, while his style of play is a perfect fit for Jeff Van Gundy.

Rockets GM Carroll Dawson has made it clear that his team is willing to see just how good the current roster can be, but he refuses to rule out a deal if the right one can be made. He has hinted several times that if someone wanted Wells and their offer was right, he would be willing to make the deal. The Rockets could use another intense defender like Najera, but they could also use a back-up point guard. If Denver is willing to take Wells and the Rockets can make the number work, George Karl may be on the phone with Rick Adelman before the end of the week – asking what the former Kings coach did to get such excellent production from one of the league’s historically volatile players.