McGrady to Hornets idea

[Jeff]

does NOT include the Celtics (sorry)

assuming the Hornets are toast this year anyway, why not roll the dice on McGrady for Okafor/Peja?

salaries match up, Hornets clear a TON of cap room and a rental to see if McGrady is healthy, and the Rockets get their Yao replacement at center

bonus for the Hornets - they have the right to sign-and-trade TMac in the offseason if they so chose

thoughts?

[Who]

The Rockets are only interested in moves that fit into their long term picture.

I can't see Houston being interested in Okafor's contract unless they think he can play power forward alongside Yao Ming. Which they shouldn't be, but you never know. Scola is a better power forward for Yao and far more cost effective going forward.

I can't see any team being interested in Peja for his talent. Only 12 points in 30 minutes? Very poor rebounding + poor defense. He's a net negative at this point in his career. He's not a rotation worthy player anymore. Anyway, in 7 months he'll become an expiring contract and a valuable trade asset so it's not all bad for New Orleans.

[Chris]

While I am not sure about the actual package, I think there is a great chance that these two teams are on the phone at the deadline.  McGrady's contract could save some team a ton of money, and there is no team more interested in saving money right now than the Hornets. 

[PosImpos]

While I am not sure about the actual package, I think there is a great chance that these two teams are on the phone at the deadline.  McGrady's contract could save some team a ton of money, and there is no team more interested in saving money right now than the Hornets. 

The biggest hangup I see for any team looking to trade with Houston for T-Mac is that the Rockets will want something of value in return for him, since they'll be giving up their ability to go after a free agent next summer.  The Rockets are not stupid - they'll want good players who can fit into their system. 

I don't see that the Hornets have any players that the Rockets would really want (besides CP3 of course).

[Chris]

While I am not sure about the actual package, I think there is a great chance that these two teams are on the phone at the deadline.  McGrady's contract could save some team a ton of money, and there is no team more interested in saving money right now than the Hornets. 

The biggest hangup I see for any team looking to trade with Houston for T-Mac is that the Rockets will want something of value in return for him, since they'll be giving up their ability to go after a free agent next summer.  The Rockets are not stupid - they'll want good players who can fit into their system. 

I don't see that the Hornets have any players that the Rockets would really want (besides CP3 of course).

Well, I see the Rockets being interested if West is put on the table.  So if New Orleans got desperate, then I could see something along the lines of McGrady, Scola, and Dorsey for West, Okafor, and Peja going down. 

[PosImpos]

While I am not sure about the actual package, I think there is a great chance that these two teams are on the phone at the deadline.  McGrady's contract could save some team a ton of money, and there is no team more interested in saving money right now than the Hornets. 

The biggest hangup I see for any team looking to trade with Houston for T-Mac is that the Rockets will want something of value in return for him, since they'll be giving up their ability to go after a free agent next summer.  The Rockets are not stupid - they'll want good players who can fit into their system. 

I don't see that the Hornets have any players that the Rockets would really want (besides CP3 of course).

Well, I see the Rockets being interested if West is put on the table.  So if New Orleans got desperate, then I could see something along the lines of McGrady, Scola, and Dorsey for West, Okafor, and Peja

David West is playing worse than he has in the last few years.  He's also another 6'9'' PF.  Do they really need another?  Also, would the Hornets really be desperate enough to trade away their starting frontcourt?  Might as well just trade CP3 right now since he'll demand a trade soon anyway.

[Who]

Also, would the Hornets really be desperate enough to trade away their starting frontcourt?  Might as well just trade CP3 right now since he'll demand a trade soon anyway.

If the Hornets do undergo a major rebuilding process ... then they need to be able to show Chris Paul when + how things will get better and it'll need to be within 18 months.

I can't see Chris Paul staying put otherwise. I think Paul's level of frustration has been building quite quickly over the past year and change. A trade demand wouldn't be far off under those circumstances (major rebuilding).

[PosImpos]

Also, would the Hornets really be desperate enough to trade away their starting frontcourt?  Might as well just trade CP3 right now since he'll demand a trade soon anyway.

If the Hornets do undergo a major rebuilding process ... then they need to be able to show Chris Paul when + how things will get better and it'll need to be within 18 months.

I can't see Chris Paul staying put otherwise. I think Paul's level of frustration has been building quite quickly over the past year and change. A trade demand wouldn't be far off under those circumstances (major rebuilding).

Well that's kinda my point...getting Tracy McGrady doesn't count as rebuilding, since he's an expiring contract and 30+.

[Who]

Also, would the Hornets really be desperate enough to trade away their starting frontcourt?  Might as well just trade CP3 right now since he'll demand a trade soon anyway.

If the Hornets do undergo a major rebuilding process ... then they need to be able to show Chris Paul when + how things will get better and it'll need to be within 18 months.

I can't see Chris Paul staying put otherwise. I think Paul's level of frustration has been building quite quickly over the past year and change. A trade demand wouldn't be far off under those circumstances (major rebuilding).

Well that's kinda my point...getting Tracy McGrady doesn't count as rebuilding, since he's an expiring contract and 30+.

McGrady the player doesn't bring the Hornets a future ... but the cap space he brings may be able to do so.

The Hornets would have to move a few other contracts though. Mo Pete + Posey + Songaila. Difficult. Hard to see the Hornets getting far enough below the cap in 2010 to sign a marquee free agent. It would really be 2011 at the earliest.

2011 should be soon enough to convince Paul to stay with the Hornets. It's close though. Big risk, if you fail to land that free agent it'll likely be bye-bye Chris Paul.

[scoop]

The Rockets wouldn't do that. They'd rather let McGrady expire than to take salaries for players they dont' need.

I agree the Hornets should focus on 2011. Just trade Posey and Okafor for something and West for picks or young players that can be in position to help by that time.

[ssspence]

it's highly unlikely the rockets take on salary for t-mac, much less two bad contracts. morey's a sharp dood...

[James Haley]

Keep Okefor get rid of injury prone peja not sure if rockets would want another injured player. I heard west may be on the block.

[makaveli]

I don't see rockets giving Scola away anytime soon, but T-Mac for Okafor and Peja would work for them, throw in a pick too

[greg683x]

my money is on T-Mac ending up in Washington.....Jamison I think would be a great fit for them.  I could see them also being interested in Caron Butler.