I really think Rush will be there at 30, and he provides us a smarter version of Tony Allen, which enables us to cut him loose. I suspect that he won't be the only roster player we won't invite back. That's the best option, in my view, although I am not at all in favor of drafting a European to stash. If the pick can't be used for a contributor next year, then move it with an eye toward the next year or two.
As for trades, there are a couple of situations I'd like to monitor: Kirk Hinrich?Ben Gordon in Chicago and Marcus Camby in Denver, the latter being a bit of a reach and the former tied pretty clearly to whether Chicago goes for Rose with the first pick. I'm a little bit more of a strategy wonk than a salary capologist, but I'm assuming neither would be particularly cheap. I'm a little cloudier on the possible bigs out there because like you, I'm not focusing quite yet on the off-season.
I do think there's one major on-roster priority: to resign Posey. I recognize that we're probably going to have to pinch the roster a little bit from the back end to make it happen.
I love Camby, and despite the age (and former injury) concerns, at a reasonable price, it would be nice to see him in green. But I don't see the reasonable price happening too quickly -- and ultimately, for the first time ever, I almost feel bad talking about potential centers when Perk is in the midst of the best stretch of his career at the perfect time. Go Perk, go!
I'm not sure I see the utility in a guy like Hinrich, if only because his contract makes him quite pricey as a back-up, and I'm in no rush to yank Rondo. Perhaps I'm seeing things in green-colored glasses, but particularly in light of Hinrich's poor campaign this year, he doesn't really hold much allure to me. The only possible way I'll be a booster of Gordon is as a sixth man "instant offense" type guy. I've always believed Chicago has over-valued him, largely because he is a two-guard who is undersized, doesn't handle or pass the ball particularly well and doesn't guard anyone. In any other words, he's a 6-3 streak shooter. So I'm leery of paying too much for him. Certainly interesting thoughts though, and I hope it doesn't come off like I'm 'tearing the ideas down' -- clearly, I haven't thought up anything much better. Just my knee-jerk reactions to the guys you mentioned.
I'm with you beyond belief regarding Rush and TA. I think Rush is probably an upgrade right out of the gate, and if the knee isn't a killer, I believe he could be a huge improvement there in the long run. It's going to be all about health with him.
And no question about Posey. The man needs to be in green.
-sw