Well... this would give Yao Ming someone to talk to about his foot injury, but otherwise, I don't see the Rockets making this trade.
I would consider packaging Shane for a big expiring deal like Ilkauskus (I am sure I spelled that wrong), or to get one of those wing players with upside in Portland. With Ariza on the team Shane's skillset is sort of redundant and his value has peaked. On the other hand, he's a good guy to have around a young team.
But, but, but what about that team identity??? I also would trade Battier for Rudy Gay, but I doubt Memphis would be stupid enough to do that.
I wouldn't. Reason 1. With Big Z we won't be contenders He is older than Shane and I would want a relatively young Center We retool for the future.
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you a Cleveland fan? another for your face perhaps? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trading defense for offense... Hmmmm this is a hard choice . Shane is needed. Big Z isn't needed. Mind me Yao is coming back next season. No need to have 2 centers with the same type of surgery who can break down at any given time. Keep Shane and call it a day
Alot of you guys are missing the point of this thread. It is as much about a freaking GIANT 11 milliong dollar expiring than anything. I for one think that this would let us deal Landry, and upgrade our C by FAR... We could have Tracy, Bosh, Yao, Brooks and Ariza next year with this deal...
Fair idea but no thanks. He doesn't fit in with what Morey is clearly trying to do with this Yao-less team by making each position faster, younger and stockpiling upside. Plus, Big Z isn't exactly known for his defense. I'm more concerned with remaining competitive and fits/cohesion than I am about acquiring yet another expiring contract -- at the expense of our best defender, no less.
Could the trading of Battier for Big Z means we're going to get Ramon Sessions? Sorry, I feel guilty for that one
Another point to make is I'm willing to bet that Morey and Adelman feel if Andersen is the real deal (as expected) that he's perfectly capable of matching Z's level of production from this past season. 12.9 PPG 7.5 RPG If Andersen can do that, Morey deserves a statue for all this talent he is heisting from teams. If he's even close to that mark it's good enough for me.
The fact that Ilgauskas has an expiring contract increases his value, so I don't know that they would make the deal. I like the deal, though I wouldn't if his contract weren't expiring. For this season, we need more at the center position than we have. We could always make another trade to even things out in the 2-3 positions. Having that extra cap space next year is pretty exciting, especially knowing that Morey won't go overboard if he doesn't find a deal he doesn't like. OTOH, I kind of like the idea of tanking this year, and the best way to do that is to accumulate chips in ways that don't help us win this year. I.e., inexperienced players, or multiple players at the same position (such as we have at PF). Maybe we can trade Shane for another PF?
Morey should look for picks and young players who can help,if he can't get that I would be less inclined to trade vets like Shane or Luis.
