http://blogs.chron.com/nba/2009/07/p..._future_w.html
The Rockets have worked on ways to get Ariza and keep their mid-level exception. That would seem to mean coming together with the Lakers on a sign-and-trade exchange, with Ron Artest going to LA for the same money. There are apparently other ways.
The Rockets likely won't do much with that money if they get it, at least not right away. Anybody that they sign with mid-level money will still be on the books next summer. They are unlikely to get in the way of having spending room next summer unless for a player that could be a key part of a championship contender. The free agent centers out there don't qualify as that.
The same goes for trades. The Rockets are much more likely to fill the Yao Ming void through a trade than with one of the free agent leftovers. But they are unlikely to mess up next summer and years to come to get a few more wins next season, meaning any center they get will likely either be for one year, or someone they would want to have around for years. They won't let themselves be stuck with someone for years for the sake of next season.
It helps, however, to have options. They do have a trade exception worth about $2.5 million until late December. They might be able to get Ariza and keep their mid-level. Whether they pull that off or not, the idea is not to go on a spending spree to collect the sort of contracts that teams are now so desperate to give away. You never know what might come up, but anything they do will be done with the life of the contract in mind.
if im the rockets, i will try to get a 2nd round pick out of this at the least. and if the lakers are thinking about this, that means they dont think they can sign lamar. or at the least want a safety gap to have the ability to sign someone for MLE if lamar goes to portland
I'm leaning more towards Houston doesn't want to go from 7games against the defending champs to d-league team as opposed to LA is afraid they can't sign Odom. Unless Portland scoops him up, I doubt he takes a deal somewhere else when he can sign on the cheap for one year and reevaluate his worth when everyone and their mother has capspace in 2010. He's sure to go for more.
Don't help LA out by letting them keep their MLE.
Smart move. I was wondering why this was not being discussed. It makes sense; just a strange case of swapping players for the same money.
just means the rockets are hoping gortat comes along with ariza, 4 the lakers having the mle mid season is always good
no i think it's more so the rockets can use it on their 2nd round draft picks so they can have them wrapped up with a team option for the 3rd year.
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