Rockets consider amnestying Scola

[Indazone]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

With the Brooklyn Nets going another direction, the Rockets could be in the driver’s seat to land disgruntled Magic star center Dwight Howard. The problem, as it has been for months, is getting the continuing talks to go far enough.

Talks on Wednesday grew “serious,” and at one point seemed close to an agreement, according to a person familiar with the process, but the Magic backed off to consider their options.

Rockets are open to the three-team deal in which they would receive Lakers center Andrew Bynum with Howard going to the Los Angeles Lakers, but are primarily working directly with the Magic to acquire Howard, the individual with knowledge of the talks said.

Getting in position for the planned next move will be difficult. To create enough cap room for the kind of blockbuster trade that has been proposed, the Rockets are considering making veteran forward Luis Scola an amnesty cut, likely in the next 48 hours, a person with knowledge of the move said. That would create enough cap room for the Rockets to take on the additional contracts necessary to complete a trade for Howard.

Scola, 32, is due $21 million guaranteed over the next three season. The Rockets could wait until July 17 to make Scola an amnesty cut, in which he would receive his full guaranteed salary but not count against the salary cap or luxury tax figures, but received information that he would have a better chance of moving to a stronger team if the move was made quickly.

The Rockets’ chances to land Howard greatly improved on Wednesday when Brooklyn, Howard’s preferred destination, removed itself from the race. The Nets signed center Brook Lopez to a four-year deal, worth $60.8 million, duplicating the max offer he could have gotten elsewhere and taking Brooklyn out of trade talks with the Magic.

Orlando general manager Rob Hennigan called reports that the Magic had broken off trade talks in general “false.” The Rockets have been in frequent talks with the Magic throughout the day on Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the process said.

For the Rockets, a key to either deal would be the ability to take on the contracts of as many as three Orlando veterans.

To trade Howard, the Magic will seek to move some of the long-term contracts they had collected when trying to surround Howard with veterans Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu and Chris Duhon. Richardson, 31, has three seasons and $18.6 million remaining on his contract. Turkoglu, 33, is signed for two more years and is owed $23.8 million. Duhon has two years and $7.5 million remaining on his contract.

The Rockets could make a minor move in free agency, including potentially signing former Rockets guard Aaron Brooks, but will be careful about using too much cap space, even if they do cut Scola.

They completed the trade to get the draft pick they would need in a deal, officially sending guard Kyle Lowry to the Toronto Raptors for a first round pick. The Raptors will convey the pick if it falls between four and 14 next season. If the Raptors are either in the playoffs or picking in the top three picks, they would convey the pick the next season if it falls between the third and 14th picks the following two seasons. If they still have not moved the pick, it would be protected for two more seasons only if in the lottery but not among the top two picks of the draft.

If after five seasons, the Raptors have still kept the pick, they would convey the pick the following season no matter where it fell.

The Rockets’ sign-and-trade deal with New York, with Marcus Camby signing with the Knicks and New York sending the Rockets guard Toney Douglas, Josh Harrellson and Jerome Jordan, and two second-round pick, was also approved. Harrellson will join the Rockets summer league team today.

The trade is not considered complete until the players involved all pass their physicals, forcing the Rockets to hold off on signing Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik to offer sheets. The Knicks have said they will match Lin’s offer sheet, with New York coach Mike Woodson saying on Wednesday he is the Knicks starting point guard. The Bulls are expected to match Asik’s offer sheet. That deal is not expected to impact the pursuit of Howard, no matter what the Bulls decide.

The priority remains the pursuit of Howard with the Rockets moving in that direction on Wednesday until ending the day with the deal still stuck in neutral. http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterocket...c-grow-serious (http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2012/07/rockets-re-emerge-as-contender-in-howard-sweepstakes-as-talks-with-magic-grow-serious)

[Venti Quattro]

:lmao :lmao :lmao Rockets

[Indazone]

Cheap ass owner!

[Kai]

Cheap ass owner!

Amnesty Scola in order to take on salary to get a top 5 player. Somehow, this is cheap. hmmm....

[Indazone]

No it's not like Les is like Cuban. Hell, Cuban would just eat the extra salary and assemble the best team possible. To hell with the salary cap.

[Kai]

No it's not like Les is like Cuban. Hell, Cuban would just eat the extra salary and assemble the best team possible. To hell with the salary cap.

what is this I don't even

[Indazone]

Ok, well I might be a bit over the top but Scola!!! Hell no!

[Indazone]

Don't want brokeback Howard that bad.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

you'd rather keep Scola than get Dwight Howard :lmao

[slick'81]

nono please keep scola fck dh12

[Indazone]

I would rather pair Scola with Bynum and the incoming Mojeuntas for our front line with a much more reasonable price and motivated player.

[Trainwreck2100]

even if they get Howard he won't be there long enough to make a difference

[Indazone]

even if they get Howard he won't be there long enough to make a difference

This :tu

[ElNono]

Howard isn't signing an extension in Houston :lol

Plus they would get a one year rental of Howard and 2-3 years of the same oldies that have been mailing it in for a while in Orlando.

[phoenix219]

Houston should just ask Phoenix about Antonio McDyess at this point.... *never* trade for a player without an extension!!!! How many years back did that put us? And got stuck with Luc Longley and Tom Gugliotta instead, while giving up a bunch of assets.... If Houston wants to be this stupid, its their own fault and they deserve whatever they get!

[djohn2oo8]

you'd rather keep Scola than get Dwight Howard :lmao

Indazone is a special kind of tard. Rocketfans are just tards in general. One actually thought Scola was better than Bynum. :lmao

[djohn2oo8]

Howard isn't signing an extension in Houston :lol

Plus they would get a one year rental of Howard and 2-3 years of the same oldies that have been mailing it in for a while in Orlando.
They have to take a chance. What are Howard's options next year in free agency? The big market teams won't have room, they could possibly clear cap space however he's still losing money if he walks. He doesn't want Houston because he'd get more money elsewhere for his shoe deal. I'd call his bluff.

[Pelicans78]

Scola needs to go. They should have amnestied his ass already.

[Clipper Nation]

The funny part is that Lakerfans still argue that Odom and Scola would have been a fair return for CP3... :lol

[weebo]

Jumpin Jesus are the rockets some kind of stupid or what??? They totally dismantled that team for like the third year in a row to go after a guy with an iffy back on the last year of his contract who may or may not re-sign?

Typical Houston loser mentality.

[Andrew Bynum]

The funny part is that Lakerfans still argue that Odom and Scola would have been a fair return for CP3... :lol

:lol bandwagon Kings/Clippers fan

[djohn2oo8]

Jumpin Jesus are the rockets some kind of stupid or what??? They totally dismantled that team for like the third year in a row to go after a guy with an iffy back on the last year of his contract who may or may not re-sign?

Typical Houston loser mentality.
Yea, dismantling a non playoff team is loser mentality.

[Clipper Nation]

:lol lifelong Kings/Clippers fan
Yes, I am one... :king

[racm]

:lol Rockets
:lol Daryl Morey
:lol advanced stats
:lol 14th pick

[Andrew Bynum]

Yes, I am one... :king

Who just happens to show up right when the Kings win the cup and the Clippers become relevant :lmao

[Sportcamper]

I had no idea that Scola was 32 and gets paid $21 million….Seems like just yesterday Coach Pop discarded him for nothing…Dwight-Mare saga continues…

[Pelicans78]

A contract like Scola's is a killer for the Rockets. Gives them less cap room to add quality players and it makes it harder to rebuild as well because the team can't trade him and they won't pay him 30 million to sit the bench. Whether they can acquire Howard or not, they need to amnesty him. He just isn't very good anymore, especially considering his salary.

[Clipper Nation]

Who just happens to show up right when the Kings win the cup and the Clippers become relevant :lmao
I registered last October, dumbass :lol

[weebo]

Yea, dismantling a non playoff team is loser mentality.

Yeah you're right the revolving door attitude that happens in Houston is a recipe for success.

But I forget how in Houston teams and their fan base are always quite happy just making it to the playoffs.

[racm]

They're a team that thinks a seven footer leads them to the promised land, tbh...

[djohn2oo8]

Yeah you're right the revolving door attitude that happens in Houston is a recipe for success.

But I forget how in Houston teams and their fan base are always quite happy just making it to the playoffs.
Revolving door because it's the 14th pick year after year and nothing but average players. If you want great players, you have to get off that treadmill, either one way or another. No more of this in the middle bullshit.

[Pelicans78]

If I was the Rockets, I wouldn't even deal with Orlando. They're trying to make teams collect their bad contracts even though the Chris Paul trade set some precedence last year where the Hornets got draft picks, expiring contract, and young players but couldn't dump Okafor or Ariza. The Magic need to realize they can't unload their bad contracts and need to settle for young players, expiring contracts, and draft picks. Until the Magic change their stance, the Rockets should amnesty Scola, let Martin expire, play their young players and tank to get two high draft picks in next year's draft.

[djohn2oo8]

If I was the Rockets, I wouldn't even deal with Orlando. They're trying to make teams collect their bad contracts even though the Chris Paul trade set some precedence last year where the Hornets got draft picks, expiring contract, and young players but couldn't dump Okafor or Ariza. The Magic need to realize they can't unload their bad contracts and need to settle for young players, expiring contracts, and draft picks. Until the Magic change their stance, the Rockets should amnesty Scola, let Martin expire, play their young players and tank to get two high draft picks in next year's draft.
Unfortunately, I think that's the only way Dwight gets dealt, is if they unload contracts on some team.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Turk is the only really "bad contract" Orlando has left at this point. J-Rich at $6M a year isn't a bad contract at all and Glen Davis is good enough where they'd be able to unload him. All the other ones are amnestied or expiring.

[Indazone]

Morey isn't going to take Orlando's bad contracts and create Orlando II.

[Pelicans78]

Then I wouldnt deal with Dwight. What's the point of taking on more contracts if there's a high chance he will move on after a year. Just tank and start over and hopefully one of their young players break out.

I wouldn't take Turk's contract unless Dwight signed an extension.

J- Rich's contract is ok, but still wouldn't take it.

[pass1st]

Somehwere out there a spurfan is praying to Jesus that this happens and they pick up Scola.

:lol rockets
:lol shitty brass
:lol all in for a rental

[djohn2oo8]

Morey isn't going to take Orlando's bad contracts and create Orlando II.
Then why do you think they'd consider amnestying Scola?

[djohn2oo8]

Somehwere out there a spurfan is praying to Jesus that this happens and they pick up Scola.

:lol rockets
:lol shitty brass
:lol all in for a rental
You used to be a good poster, but you fell off something viscious.

[pass1st]

You used to be a good poster, but you fell off something viscious.

You seem to be in denial that Dwight would indeed be a rental for Rockets. Hell, there is a fair chance he would be a rental for LA as well :lol

:lol thinking he would literally lose 30 million

[djohn2oo8]

You seem to be in denial that Dwight would indeed be a rental for Rockets. Hell, there is a fair chance he would be a rental for LA as well :lol

:lol thinking he would literally lose 30 million
I acknowledge that he may indeed be a rental. But it's a win win because if he leaves, then the Rockets will be bad enough to get a top pick, if he stays, it's a win too. I've been saying this shit for weeks now.

[Bill_Brasky]

Scola was so shitty last season.

[weebo]

Revolving door because it's the 14th pick year after year and nothing but average players. If you want great players, you have to get off that treadmill, either one way or another. No more of this in the middle bullshit.

The process of building great teams take time. What the rockets are trying to do is hit the lottery by blowing up its team year after year. And the 14th pick is a viable pick. A lot of good players can be had at that spot (reference the Spurs and KL).

[pass1st]

I acknowledge that he may indeed be a rental. But it's a win win because if he leaves, then the Rockets will be bad enough to get a top pick, if he stays, it's a win too. I've been saying this shit for weeks now.

Then we're on the same page now, finally.

But you see, after dealing with Magic, it would take longer for Rockets to rebuild because they would have bad contracts and less picks. The deal makes no sense unless Dwight will stay.

The only times a rental makes sense is if you're going for a title run. Rockets will need quite a bit more for that, namely less PFs and more PGs :lol

But I'm just poking fun, if you firmly believe it's smart for Rockets to go after Dwight then enjoy the possibility :toast

[djohn2oo8]

The process of building great teams take time. What the rockets are trying to do is hit the lottery by blowing up its team year after year. And the 14th pick is a viable pick. A lot of good players can be had at that spot (reference the Spurs and KL).
To have a great team, you need to have a superstar. To have a superstar, you need to have a top 5 pick. Role players are useless when you don't have the main piece to build around. When was the last superstar drafted in the teens? Kobe in 96?

[ElNono]

They have to take a chance. What are Howard's options next year in free agency? The big market teams won't have room, they could possibly clear cap space however he's still losing money if he walks. He doesn't want Houston because he'd get more money elsewhere for his shoe deal. I'd call his bluff.

Mavericks? :lol

Plus it's not like S&T don't exist... IMO, Dwight is going to end up a Laker or a Knick sooner or later...

[Mel_13]

Mavericks? :lol

Plus it's not like S&T don't exist... IMO, Dwight is going to end up a Laker or a Knick sooner or later...

This is the last season that taxpaying teams can participate in a sign and trade.

[ElNono]

This is the last season that taxpaying teams can participate in a sign and trade.

That's ok, but teams like LA or Knicks don't have a problem eating up $10-$20 million cutting a few players to get under the lux tax in order to land Howard.

[weebo]

To have a great team, you need to have a superstar. To have a superstar, you need to have a top 5 pick. Role players are useless when you don't have the main piece to build around. When was the last superstar drafted in the teens? Kobe in 96?

Very good teams can be built through the draft and you don't necessarily have to get a top 5 pick to do it (Indiana Pacers).

[Mel_13]

That's ok, but teams like LA or Knicks don't have a problem eating up $10-$20 million cutting a few players to get under the lux tax in order to land Howard.

They'd have to use the amnesty on Kobe or Pau to do that.

[weebo]

Mavericks? :lol

Plus it's not like S&T don't exist... IMO, Dwight is going to end up a Laker or a Knick sooner or later...

...or mavs

[djohn2oo8]

Very good teams can be built through the draft and you don't necessarily have to get a top 5 pick to do it (Indiana Pacers).
A 5 or 6 seed in the East(whatever seed they were) is a non playoff team in the West. And Indiana is a mediocre team at best. They have good players, but no stars. Which is why they have peaked.

[djohn2oo8]

Then we're on the same page now, finally.

But you see, after dealing with Magic, it would take longer for Rockets to rebuild because they would have bad contracts and less picks. The deal makes no sense unless Dwight will stay.

The only times a rental makes sense is if you're going for a title run. Rockets will need quite a bit more for that, namely less PFs and more PGs :lol

But I'm just poking fun, if you firmly believe it's smart for Rockets to go after Dwight then enjoy the possibility :toast
After all the shit sandwich 14th picks they've been feeding us, I'm ready to take a risk.

[Pelicans78]

Honestly Djohn, it's time to rebuild. Time for Les and Morey to stop trying to settle for a 7th or 8th seed. Dump Scola, play the young guys, and tank for two top 10 picks.

[ElNono]

They'd have to use the amnesty on Kobe or Pau to do that.

Not really... right now Bryant, Gasol, Nash, and Bynum add up to $72 million... that's 2 million over the lux tax line, which next year might be just about the tax line... Bynum comes off the books, so that's $16 million going away...

Then they can amnesty MWP for another $7 million... that would put them at about $20 million under the luxury cap, probably enough to cover whatever other contracts they'll have at the time (right now they only have Blake and Eyenga, which add up to $6 million)...

[Mel_13]

Not really... right now Bryant, Gasol, Nash, and Bynum add up to $72 million... that's 2 million over the lux tax line, which next year might be just about the tax line... Bynum comes off the books, so that's $16 million going away...

Then they can amnesty MWP for another $7 million... that would put them at about $20 million under the luxury cap, probably enough to cover whatever other contracts they'll have at the time (right now they only have Blake and Eyenga, which add up to $6 million)...

Well, if you assume that they will let Bynum walk....

[pass1st]

After all the shit sandwich 14th picks they've been feeding us, I'm ready to take a risk.

:lol Hopefully that risk comes with a PG

[weebo]

A 5 or 6 seed in the East(whatever seed they were) is a non playoff team in the West. And Indiana is a mediocre team at best. They have good players, but no stars. Which is why they have peaked.

Yes and they're one player away from being a legit contender and Indiana would have been a PO team this year in the west. They went 13-5 against the west this year and were the third best team in the east all year long.

They took the eventual NBA champs to 6 games. They played better than OKC and you say they wouldn't have made the playoffs in the west?????

:lmao:lmao

[ElNono]

Well, if you assume that they will let Bynum walk....

If they're getting Dwight, why not?

[pass1st]

If they're getting Dwight, why not?

We're keep him for closeout games & 3pt shooting

[Mel_13]

If they're getting Dwight, why not?

Then what do they have left that Orlando would want? Pau?

They would still have to send out about 20M in salary.

[ElNono]

Then what do they have left that Orlando would want? Pau?

They would still have to send out about 20M in salary.

That's true.

N:lolsh? Pau isn't out of the question either, IMO.

[Kai]

:lmao at all the shitty ass takes in here. I understand the schtick around here is to shit on absolutely every teams decisions and act like we're all better GMs than half the ones in the league, but it's Dwight Fucking Howard. You take the risk. Our team is nothing special right now. The Rockets are not playing with high stakes like Cuban last summer. Plenty of teams blow it up to tank and stay bad for a long, long time. IF Dwight leaves, we can do that shitty plan next year. If you can take a chance on a top 2-5 player in the league, you do it every single god damn time. Retards.

[pass1st]

:lmao at all the shitty ass takes in here. I understand the schtick around here is to shit on absolutely every teams decisions and act like we're all better GMs than half the ones in the league, but it's Dwight Fucking Howard. You take the risk. Our team is nothing special right now. The Rockets are not playing with high stakes like Cuban last summer. Plenty of teams blow it up to tank and stay bad for a long, long time. IF Dwight leaves, we can do that shitty plan next year. If you can take a chance on a top 2-5 player in the league, you do it every single god damn time. Retards.

Not when you don't have a fucking PG and a mess of a roster. If Rockets take on bad contracts then it's going to become a nightmare to build around Dwight if he stays (10% chance tbh). Taking on a player like that is more of a move you do on a clean slate, not one with stains of shit on it.

If you think Dwight is going to solve any problems then you're in the same league as lakerfans who think Dwight + Nash + Kobe = 3peat :lol

[Kai]

Not when you don't have a fucking PG and a mess of a roster. If Rockets take on bad contracts then it's going to become a nightmare to build around Dwight if he stays (10% chance tbh). Taking on a player like that is more of a move you do on a clean slate, not one with stains of shit on it.

If you think Dwight is going to solve any problems then you're in the same league as lakerfans who think Dwight + Nash + Kobe = 3peat :lol

It doesn't matter what else you have on the roster, your very first goal is always to get your franchise player. It is completely laughable to say there is only a 10% chance he stays. He won't have many options, and despite what your brilliant mind thinks, he would be leaving significant money on the table. You shouldn't speak so matter of factly when it's obvious you don't know more than anyone else what Dwight will do. The reward greatly, greatly outweighs the risk here.

The contracts aren't all that bad, and Hedo's (the only real bad one) isn't guaranteed after this year. Team building 101: you get your cornerstone first, figure out the rest of the roster afterwards. Jesus pass1st, what the hell happened to you? I used to think you were a quality poster, now you just spout very presumptive bullshit and laugh at every move a team tries to make. You were the (only) one who said the Rockets' offer was shit compared to Brooklyn anyways, so why should we give a shit if it doesn't work out? IF Dwight leaves, it's not like we'd be players in free agency anyways, so having a bad contract on the books for a year or two in JRich's case won't affect our tanking.

Just to be clear: The Rockets are a bad team right now, without any semblance of a future or a player that could turn into a star. They have the chance to acquire this decade's best center without many enticing teams figuring to have cap room next summer. It is absolutely ridiculous to suggest we don't pull the trigger if we can.

[weebo]

It doesn't matter what else you have on the roster, your very first goal is always to get your franchise player. It is completely laughable to say there is only a 10% chance he stays. He won't have many options, and despite what your brilliant mind thinks, he would be leaving significant money on the table. You shouldn't speak so matter of factly when it's obvious you don't know more than anyone else what Dwight will do. The reward greatly, greatly outweighs the risk here.

The contracts aren't all that bad, and Hedo's (the only real bad one) isn't guaranteed after this year. Team building 101: you get your cornerstone first, figure out the rest of the roster afterwards. Jesus pass1st, what the hell happened to you? I used to think you were a quality poster, now you just spout very presumptive bullshit and laugh at every move a team tries to make. You were the (only) one who said the Rockets' offer was shit compared to Brooklyn anyways, so why should we give a shit if it doesn't work out? IF Dwight leaves, it's not like we'd be players in free agency anyways, so having a bad contract on the books for a year or two in JRich's case won't affect our tanking.

Just to be clear: The Rockets are a bad team right now, without any semblance of a future or a player that could turn into a star. They have the chance to acquire this decade's best center without many enticing teams figuring to have cap room next summer. It is absolutely ridiculous to suggest we don't pull the trigger if we can.


I'm thinking the Magic would want some young talent and/or a boat load of picks for Howard from the rockets. And, if Howard bolts after the year, that'll leave the rockets with what?

[Kai]

I'm thinking the Magic would want some young talent and/or a boat load of picks for Howard from the rockets. And, if Howard bolts after the year, that'll leave the rockets with what?

Well we don't have the details of a deal, but I doubt Orlando takes all of our young guys AND gives us their bad contracts, but if they somehow did we wouldn't have too much less than we have now. We'd be a bad team with all of our OWN picks to build with. If Dwight leaves, which is far from certain, we just simply press the reset button. We don't own any bad contract ourselves, so having 1 or two "bad" deals (Duhon/Rich really don't make that much) wouldn't be a back breaker. Even with those contracts, we could still have room for a max player next year, so it's not like we'd be capped out. Trading for Dwight and losing him only pushes the rebuilding phase back a year. Trading for Dwight and keeping him puts us in a position to compete.

[pass1st]

It doesn't matter what else you have on the roster, your very first goal is always to get your franchise player. It is completely laughable to say there is only a 10% chance he stays. He won't have many options, and despite what your brilliant mind thinks, he would be leaving significant money on the table. You shouldn't speak so matter of factly when it's obvious you don't know more than anyone else what Dwight will do. The reward greatly, greatly outweighs the risk here.

The contracts aren't all that bad, and Hedo's (the only real bad one) isn't guaranteed after this year. Team building 101: you get your cornerstone first, figure out the rest of the roster afterwards. Jesus pass1st, what the hell happened to you? I used to think you were a quality poster, now you just spout very presumptive bullshit and laugh at every move a team tries to make. You were the (only) one who said the Rockets' offer was shit compared to Brooklyn anyways, so why should we give a shit if it doesn't work out? IF Dwight leaves, it's not like we'd be players in free agency anyways, so having a bad contract on the books for a year or two in JRich's case won't affect our tanking.

Just to be clear: The Rockets are a bad team right now, without any semblance of a future or a player that could turn into a star. They have the chance to acquire this decade's best center without many enticing teams figuring to have cap room next summer. It is absolutely ridiculous to suggest we don't pull the trigger if we can.

No, your very first goal should be being able to build around a franchise player. 10% is pretty generous as well, he never mentioned Rockets and the money loss vastly exaggerated by people for some reason.

You're acting like if you get Dwight he will twiddle his thumbs and wait for Rockets to get their shit together. You don't get a franchise player through trade without the room to start rebuilding right away.

Riddle me this: who is going to play PG? Who is going to compliment Dwight's inside game with shooting? Who is going to pressure the D to take the doubles off of him? We're talking about a foul-prone, low BBIQ monkeyballer that requires somebody to run the floor for him. Rockets cannot facilitate that anytime soon. Do you think he's going to wait? Do you think he will trust the Rocket's brass that he won't be playing for another shit team? He's 26, this is his prime, from his demands it's obvious he isn't in the mood to "wait & see".

Magic couldn't fulfill any of that to a significant degree. He was frustrated because Magic just couldn't build around him. You can criticize me for this all you want, but it's pretty much blatant denial to say he's not a rental at this point and time.

[Kai]

The difference between our two stances: I am saying I'm not sure what will happen and it is well worth the risk on a top 5 player. YOU are speaking with assumptions and acting like not making this move will be better for the Rockets.

I'm not saying this is the definite right thing to do for the Rockets. I'm sure as hell not saying he's staying in Houston. All I'm saying is that this plan is a hell of a lot better than staying mediocre. Shits gravy with me if he stays or goes. At least we have a direction and get out of neutral.

[pass1st]

The difference between our two stances: I am saying I'm not sure what will happen and it is well worth the risk on a top 5 player. YOU are speaking with assumptions and acting like not making this move will be better for the Rockets.

I'm not saying this is the definite right thing to do for the Rockets. I'm sure as hell not saying he's staying in Houston. All I'm saying is that this plan is a hell of a lot better than staying mediocre. Shits gravy with me if he stays or goes. At least we have a direction and get out of neutral.

Here's the thing though, these aren't straight up assumptions. If he went to rockets right now, he will be going to a gutted team that desperately needs to fix their roster. If Dwight was patient, he would have stayed with Magic where he gets paid and is basically treated like a god.

This would make rockets better....for ONE SEASON. Actually, it might not, because Rockets gave up a lot already and if they give up Scola, hell, they better make major pickups or run Dwight into the ground trying to get into the 8th seed.

I'm using evidence here from his actions and decisions. Dwight is not patient right now, he wants to go to a team with good players and promise of getting better.

Nets, new franchise with an excellent PG and good (albeit expensive) player in JJ.

Lakers, solid team already with the ability to facilitate him further in the near future.

Mavs, recent champs with one of the best PFs in Dirk and good chance to get D. Will. This is during last deadline, not now.

My only assumption was that the money loss isn't worrying him, I'm just taking a guess at that because the money loss isn't a lot considering how much he will earn from NBA and endorsements.

Now, you on the other hand have been completely ignoring where Howard is at right now. The man is a mess and desperately wants to be on the Nets. He is about to leave a franchise that was a complete mess and for some reason you think there is a fair chance he will stick around in another franchise that's a complete mess. A franchise that will likely have to start tanking for picks.

[Lincoln]

Gotta go with Kai tbh. Worst case scenario is Dwight leaves and you have to rebuild which is pretty much what Houston is trying to do right now. It'd just be 1 year later. The chance that Dwight stays(Houston can offer him a lot more money and money talks) you get a top 2-5 player that you can build around. It'd be different if Houston was in say the Mavs situation with a declining superstar but Houston has been in mediocrity for years now.

Now is the chance to make a splash and if Howard does en up leaving, rockets are pretty much in the same position they are now: stuck in mediocrity where they are a .500 team

[Kai]

Here's the thing though, these aren't straight up assumptions. If he went to rockets right now, he will be going to a gutted team that desperately needs to fix their roster. If Dwight was patient, he would have stayed with Magic where he gets paid and is basically treated like a god.

This would make rockets better....for ONE SEASON. Actually, it might not, because Rockets gave up a lot already and if they give up Scola, hell, they better make major pickups or run Dwight into the ground trying to get into the 8th seed.

I'm using evidence here from his actions and decisions. Dwight is not patient right now, he wants to go to a team with good players and promise of getting better.

Nets, new franchise with an excellent PG and good (albeit expensive) player in JJ.

Lakers, solid team already with the ability to facilitate him further in the near future.

Mavs, recent champs with one of the best PFs in Dirk and good chance to get D. Will. This is during last deadline, not now.

My only assumption was that the money loss isn't worrying him, I'm just taking a guess at that because the money loss isn't a lot considering how much he will earn from NBA and endorsements.

Now, you on the other hand have been completely ignoring where Howard is at right now. The man is a mess and desperately wants to be on the Nets. He is about to leave a franchise that was a complete mess and for some reason you think there is a fair chance he will stick around in another franchise that's a complete mess. A franchise that will likely have to start tanking for picks.

I agree with you to an extent. There is no doubt all of those locations were more enticing than Houston. The fact of the matter is though, if the Rockets trade for him, he can't go to any of those (maybe Dallas but they don't look so hot anymore). His choices will be more like Utah, Atlanta and Dallas. None of those will get him the big shoe deals LA or NY would.

We don't know Morey's plan after he acquires Dwight, so I'm not going to pretend like I know what the roster will look like after a deal, and I don't think it's fair to just look at our roster of 13 PF/SFs and assume whatever doesn't go to Orlando will stay on the team. Getting him for a year to establish a comfort level with the guy, talk big picture with him, let him get a feel with the city and organization is paramount for the Rockets. I honestly don't think convincing him to stay is as tall of a task as you seem to think it is. All it took was Joe Johnson (who more or less anybody could have traded for) to get Deron to stay.

[Lincoln]

Doesn't the new luxury tax hit after next season as well? That may change a lot of teams payroll as they don't want to be fucked by paying the luxury tax. No way NYK is going to be able to afford Melo, Amare, TC, Kidd, and Jlin. Something gotta give

[Latarian Milton]

Gotta go with Kai tbh. Worst case scenario is Dwight leaves and you have to rebuild which is pretty much what Houston is trying to do right now. It'd just be 1 year later. The chance that Dwight stays(Houston can offer him a lot more money and money talks) you get a top 2-5 player that you can build around. It'd be different if Houston was in say the Mavs situation with a declining superstar but Houston has been in mediocrity for years now.

Now is the chance to make a splash and if Howard does en up leaving, rockets are pretty much in the same position they are now: stuck in mediocrity where they are a .500 team

houston are so desperate for a franchise player, something that has been absent on this team since olajuwon's departure, that they wouldn't scruple to pull the trigger once there's a chance to get one even if that's probably gonna be a one year rental

[pass1st]

I agree with you to an extent. There is no doubt all of those locations were more enticing than Houston. The fact of the matter is though, if the Rockets trade for him, he can't go to any of those (maybe Dallas but they don't look so hot anymore). His choices will be more like Utah, Atlanta and Dallas. None of those will get him the big shoe deals LA or NY would.

We don't know Morey's plan after he acquires Dwight, so I'm not going to pretend like I know what the roster will look like after a deal, and I don't think it's fair to just look at our roster of 13 PF/SFs and assume whatever doesn't go to Orlando will stay on the team. Getting him for a year to establish a comfort level with the guy, talk big picture with him, let him get a feel with the city and organization is paramount for the Rockets. I honestly don't think convincing him to stay is as tall of a task as you seem to think it is. All it took was Joe Johnson (who more or less anybody could have traded for) to get Deron to stay.

The thing is, a lot of enticing pieces have already been snagged. Nash, Deron, Dragic and Lowry are off the table. What I've been trying to say is that Rockets need a big move to keep Dwight and they probably will need to make it by this deadline because Dwight, from all I have seen, will probably want at least a minor guarantee things will be better.

I say 10% rockets keep him, which I thought was generous, because Rockets need a big signing or several good signings. It's being too optimistic he would stay for anything less than a solid PG and strong bench additions with serviceable shooters. If Scola is actually gone then it just makes it a more dire situation.

That being said, Dwight might stay, but Rockets are taking a huge gamble since there is no evidence he wants to even be there.

At any rate, hopefully the team gets their shit together before the deadline. They might entice Dwight if they landed a big name, looks like monkeyball dwight isn't being moved until later.

[Mel_13]

That being said, Dwight might stay, but Rockets are taking a huge gamble since there is no evidence he wants to even be there.

The Rockets have won one playoff series in the last 15 seasons. The current roster doesn't appear poised to better that recent history anytime soon.

I don't see the huge gamble. If Howard stays, it's a huge win. If he leaves, they're the same mediocre mess that they are now. Even if they're worse, I doubt much of the fan base will notice and they'll be closer to the only other way to get a franchise player, sucking enough to get the #1 pick in the draft.

[djohn2oo8]

The thing is, a lot of enticing pieces have already been snagged. Nash, Deron, Dragic and Lowry are off the table. What I've been trying to say is that Rockets need a big move to keep Dwight and they probably will need to make it by this deadline because Dwight, from all I have seen, will probably want at least a minor guarantee things will be better.

I say 10% rockets keep him, which I thought was generous, because Rockets need a big signing or several good signings. It's being too optimistic he would stay for anything less than a solid PG and strong bench additions with serviceable shooters. If Scola is actually gone then it just makes it a more dire situation.

That being said, Dwight might stay, but Rockets are taking a huge gamble since there is no evidence he wants to even be there.

At any rate, hopefully the team gets their shit together before the deadline. They might entice Dwight if they landed a big name, looks like monkeyball dwight isn't being moved until later.
Gamble they HAVE to take. Let's say they acquire Dwight, if Griffin fucks up his knee again, would CP3 stay with the Clippers beyond next year, or bolt to play with Dwight? (Providing they have good pieces around Dwight)

[pass1st]

Gamble they HAVE to take. Let's say they acquire Dwight, if Griffin fucks up his knee again, would CP3 stay with the Clippers beyond next year, or bolt to play with Dwight? (Providing they have good pieces around Dwight)

That's just hopes and wishes, if that's what Rockets want then Dwight will fill that role :lol

Not trying to troll or anything, but Rockets need to work on their gameplan if they really want Dwight. A lot to consider, like how many minutes will Dwight be playing considering he's off back surgery and who will fill in for him. Who will be the brains on the floor since Dwight is all brawn and no brain. Are they going to be able to afford another big signing? Dwight is pretty expensive.

Let's face it, Rockets have a terrible track record since their hay days when it comes to managing the team. There is a whole lot to do in a fairly short amount of time. Options just seem to be dwindling as well, the way I see it is that Rockets should gamble on Dwight being traded closer to the deadline instead of getting him now. Now should be making the moves to accommodate Dwight and make noise. From the looks of it, there is time to get Dwight.

[Kai]

Scola will be amnestied per Woj. Shit just got real sons.

[Mel_13]

Houston has decided to use the amnesty provision on Luis Scola and will likely file with NBA on Friday, league sources tell Y! Sports.

Scola has three years and $21 million left on his contract. The Rockets are clearing space in pursuit of a Dwight Howard deal.

The Rockets will soon have the space to absorb Orlando's Dwight Howard, Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, Chris Duhon and Epcot Center.

https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA

[djohn2oo8]

Tony Mejia (http://twitter.com/TonyMejiaNBA): Dwight Howard-to-Houston rental idea looks like it's coming together, as I've said all week. Luis Scola gets amnesty -won't be jobless long. 2 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/TonyMejiaNBA/statuses/223544659857768449)

[Kai]

Let's face it, Rockets have a terrible track record since their hay days when it comes to managing the team. There is a whole lot to do in a fairly short amount of time. Options just seem to be dwindling as well, the way I see it is that Rockets should gamble on Dwight being traded closer to the deadline instead of getting him now. Now should be making the moves to accommodate Dwight and make noise. From the looks of it, there is time to get Dwight.

pass, we are 1 year removed from Yao's contract coming off of our books. The Rockets have a terrible track record trying to win a championship with broken goods, which Morey inherited, and was hired to build around. He did a very good job surrounding T-Mac and Yao with role players, but health dictated our season year after year. We have had 1 year to actually operate as a team that didn't have 50 million dollars of dead weight on the roster. No one could have done shit with two corpses eating up the majority of the salary cap. Morey has since purged the roster of all ugly contracts and created a smorgasbord of assets in order to trade for a star. We'll see how it turns out.

[Kai]

Can't imagine us amnestying Scola if we don't have a sure fire deal going down, Dwight or not.

[djohn2oo8]

Hardwood Paroxysm @HPbasketball
Rockets: We will literally take all of your crap for Dwight Howard. If you have bastard children or bodies in suitcases, send them along.

:lmao

[pass1st]

pass, we are 1 year removed from Yao's contract coming off of our books. The Rockets have a terrible track record trying to win a championship with broken goods, which Morey inherited, and was hired to build around. He did a very good job surrounding T-Mac and Yao with role players, but health dictated our season year after year. We have had 1 year to actually operate as a team that didn't have 50 million dollars of dead weight on the roster. No one could have done shit with two corpses eating up the majority of the salary cap. Morey has since purged the roster of all ugly contracts and created a smorgasbord of assets in order to trade for a star. We'll see how it turns out.

Welp, hopefully this finally gets you guys out of the funk. Don't really see how, but I'm not a GM :lol

Seems like a 50/50 where Howard will go, Magic might gamble on Bynum or settle of getting rid of contracts. Tbh, neither team would get much better if at all:lol

At any rate, g'luck to Rockets, don't fuck up again :lol :toast

[Kai]

At any rate, g'luck to Rockets, don't fuck up again :lol :toast

:lol We can only hope.

[djohn2oo8]

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA
Once Houston amnesties Scola, Rockets will be able to absorb 2nd max deal next summer in addition to Howard now. Gives them chance for CP3.


Fuck it. Go for it.

[Indazone]

Then someone tell Olajuwan to convince Dwight that Houston is a great place and to stay more than one year.

[Kai]

Fuck it. Go for it.

At least we wouldn't be risking breaking up a championship roster for it

:lol Cuban

[djohn2oo8]

At least we wouldn't be risking breaking up a championship roster for it

:lol Cuban

Gooottdaamn that was low :lol

[djohn2oo8]

tommy beer (http://twitter.com/tommybeer): houston's sales pitch to dwight will be similar to what the nets did w/ d-will. Gut the roster and bring in players the star approves of... 2 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/tommybeer/statuses/223551406903279616)

[djohn2oo8]

FWIW

https://p.twimg.com/AxpbAC6CIAErnsE.jpg

[Kai]

FWIW

https://p.twimg.com/AxpbAC6CIAErnsE.jpg

Literally the only other non-Rockets they follow are Durant and LeBron. Hmmmm

[TIMMYtoZO]

:lol Lakers
:lol stuck with a pissy Bynum
:lol false hope
:lol still old and slow

:lol Rockets
:lol basically bringing Orlando to Houston

[InRareForm]

Rockets twitter trolling, nothing to see.. tbh..

[TIMMYtoZO]

:lmao Now that Howard is going to Houston, Laker fans can jerk off to going after two washed up turds in Antawn Jamison and Grant Hill.

[Kai]

Rockets twitter trolling, nothing to see.. tbh..

I hope so, Davis' contract is worse than Hedo's a year from now. Hedo doesn't have a (verified) twitter though, so who knows, they could conceivably take him on as well :wow :vomit:

[djohn2oo8]

Tony Mejia (http://twitter.com/TonyMejiaNBA): Aside from Hedo Turkoglu, who comes off the books as nice expiring chip in '14, JRich, Duhon & Baby are contracts #Magic (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23Magic) most want to move. about 8 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/TonyMejiaNBA/statuses/223600318615789568)

Read more: http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html#ixzz20SuHQXCq

[TIMMYtoZO]

When this move goes down, how much capspace will Houston have next summer?

[Kai]

When this move goes down, how much capspace will Houston have next summer?

We don't know the deal yet, and I'm not sure either way :lol I'll let you know when somebody on Clutchfans posts that shit.

[TIMMYtoZO]

We don't know the deal yet, and I'm not sure either way :lol I'll let you know when somebody on Clutchfans posts that shit.

I can't blame Houston for doing this move, tbh. They are better off taking this risk than being conservative. After years of average play, a shake up is necessary.

[Indazone]

http://blog.chron.com/randyharvey/2012/07/rockets-fans-prefer-bynum-over-howard-but-i-dont/

Rockets fans prefer Bynum over Howard, but I don’t
As far as I can tell, the headline above is correct.

More than 3,000 readers responded to the Chronicle’s poll Wednesday and 68 percent said they would rather the Rockets land Andrew Bynum than Dwight Howard. I tweeted the same question and most of the responses I got also favored Bynum.

Most pointed out he’s younger, not coming off back surgery and more likely to extend or re-sign with the Rockets so he won’t be a one-and-done here.

Some readers like Sean Burns said they’d like to see the Rockets forget about both and continue to rebuild around what they have.

That’s showing confidence in the young players the Rockets have. Throw in two or three more lottery picks, preferably higher than 12th, and the Rockets might contend in, oh, five or six or seven years. While waiting, the Aeros will topple them as the No. 1 winter sport in town. As it is now, the only reason to go see the Rockets at the Toyota Center is if there’s someone on the opposing team you want to see, like LeBron or Kobe or Kevin Durant.

As for me, I’d be in the 32 percent. I prefer Howard, if he would agree to stay more than one season in Houston. I’d be worried about his back, but Bynum has had only one healthy season because of his knees.

And as immature as Howard has acted in recent months, he’s a rock compared to Bynum.

Everyone remembers the Lakers’ final game in the 2011 players when he got tossed for an unnecessary flagrant foul against Dallas’ J.A. Barea, long after the outcome was decided. That cost him a four-game suspension at the start of last season.

Since then, he has gotten caught parking in a handicapped spot so he could unload groceries, talked about how closing games are easy when the Lakers were up 3-1 on Denver only to have the Nuggets take thems seven games and, after the Lakers lost to Oklahoma City in the playoffs, further agitated Lakers fans by saying, “I’ll play anywhere.”

Houston is somewhere. Now if only the Rockets can convince Howard of that …


Not disagreeing with him, but I"m with the majority of Rocketsfans. Bynum over Howard!

[TIMMYtoZO]

http://blog.chron.com/randyharvey/2012/07/rockets-fans-prefer-bynum-over-howard-but-i-dont/

Rockets fans prefer Bynum over Howard, but I don’t
As far as I can tell, the headline above is correct.

More than 3,000 readers responded to the Chronicle’s poll Wednesday and 68 percent said they would rather the Rockets land Andrew Bynum than Dwight Howard. I tweeted the same question and most of the responses I got also favored Bynum.

Most pointed out he’s younger, not coming off back surgery and more likely to extend or re-sign with the Rockets so he won’t be a one-and-done here.

Some readers like Sean Burns said they’d like to see the Rockets forget about both and continue to rebuild around what they have.

That’s showing confidence in the young players the Rockets have. Throw in two or three more lottery picks, preferably higher than 12th, and the Rockets might contend in, oh, five or six or seven years. While waiting, the Aeros will topple them as the No. 1 winter sport in town. As it is now, the only reason to go see the Rockets at the Toyota Center is if there’s someone on the opposing team you want to see, like LeBron or Kobe or Kevin Durant.

As for me, I’d be in the 32 percent. I prefer Howard, if he would agree to stay more than one season in Houston. I’d be worried about his back, but Bynum has had only one healthy season because of his knees.

And as immature as Howard has acted in recent months, he’s a rock compared to Bynum.

Everyone remembers the Lakers’ final game in the 2011 players when he got tossed for an unnecessary flagrant foul against Dallas’ J.A. Barea, long after the outcome was decided. That cost him a four-game suspension at the start of last season.

Since then, he has gotten caught parking in a handicapped spot so he could unload groceries, talked about how closing games are easy when the Lakers were up 3-1 on Denver only to have the Nuggets take thems seven games and, after the Lakers lost to Oklahoma City in the playoffs, further agitated Lakers fans by saying, “I’ll play anywhere.”

Houston is somewhere. Now if only the Rockets can convince Howard of that …


Not disagreeing with him, but I"m with the majority of Rocketsfans. Bynum over Howard!

:lol Dude, it is done. Howard is coming to Houston, and you fucked over the Lakers in the process.

[Indazone]

Morey will not going to be done. Lots of players gonna get waived and more trades on the way.

Will be interesting to see what the final result will be when the season starts. What this Rockets team looks like.

[Indazone]

Now all we gotta do is sign Oden for the Brokeback Frontcourt

[djohn2oo8]

Hope this gets done tomorrow.

[Indazone]

Friggin Scola! New Avatar. Going with G. McGinnis until the season starts.

[Kai]

When this move goes down, how much capspace will Houston have next summer?

Early report from some yahoo on Clutchfans is that if we take on JRich/Duhon/Baby, we will be able to re-sign Dwight and still have $20 mil to throw around next summer. No idea if accurate though.

[djohn2oo8]

And FUCK Ric Bucher.

[Kai]

Now they're following Hedo. I think they might be trolling at this point.

[djohn2oo8]

Now they're following Hedo. I think they might be trolling at this point.
:lol

[TIMMYtoZO]

They are following Hedo? That is a ton of salary Houston will receive.

[OKC Thunderstorm]

Yall Rox bitches hoping and praying. Why would Dwight re-sign in Orlando Magic Southwest?
if you have to eat those contracts to get Dwight, it wont be worth it.

[TIMMYtoZO]

Yall Rox bitches hoping and praying. Why would Dwight re-sign in Orlando Magic South?
if you have to eat those contracts to get Dwight, it wont be worth it.

Sup Luva?

[OKC Thunderstorm]

Stop calling me Luva, he is a Laker fan.
I rep that new dynasty, Dat Thunder.

[pass1st]

Stop calling me Luva, he is a Laker fan.
I rep that new dynasty, Dat Thunder.
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kx4ww5oanA1qa0mg7o1_500.jpg

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

lol naruto

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Sup Luva?
sup Daunte?

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

:lmao uh oh, killakobe just exposed himself :lol

[Venti Quattro]

Yall Rox bitches hoping and praying. Why would Dwight re-sign in Orlando Magic Southwest?
if you have to eat those contracts to get Dwight, it wont be worth it.
Sup KK81, I thought you never did trolls?

[IronMaxipad]

:lol

[TIMMYtoZO]

sup Daunte?

Sup Deandre? How is the family doing?

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

:lol good

:lol your post triggered a series of posts that exposed OKC Thunderstorm as KillaKobe :lmao

[TIMMYtoZO]

:lol good

:lol your post triggered a series of posts that exposed OKC Thunderstorm as KillaKobe :lmao


:lmao I just saw the thread. I thought that was luva.

[OKC Thunderstorm]

Sup KK81, I thought you never did trolls?

I never had ... thought it was silly, I have to admit it was fun. Back to bball takes.

[djohn2oo8]

@ZachLowe_SI
Of note: HOU could have kept Scola and Lowry and had max cap room next summer. They clearly don't think that's best route to D12/star.

[djohn2oo8]

Brian K. Schmitz @MagicInsider And all this time Magic were leveraging BRK against HOU, which is now willing to throw in everything for Dwight but Nolan Ryan

[VBM]

http://media.lockerdome.com/uploads/82d662bed10249a62824d81fe6130b0c_large

[djohn2oo8]

^ Think they were just trolling. May be coincidence.

[Killakobe81]

Make it happen. Dallas, ATL would be some of the only legit teams with cap space to sign Dwight. That Rox supporting cast would suck balls. Even if Dwight is 90% of what he was that is too much. If they give up their 2 highest drafted rookies, eat 3 shit contracts AND include multiple first rounders Magic need to accept that now.