I'm still p---ed he opted in. The C's could be making a run at him right now. I think you said mid season we'd need to make a run to convince him we could win it all with him. I think taking the Heat to 7 games would have qualified giving us a shot at him. ARGH
Same here. The media pressured him to stop the bleeding, but it actually caused more stress in his life.
Howard opting in doesn't mean he's still not going be a UFA next year, nor does him being traded to Houston (or anywhere else). I think Howard is going to play out the string, no matter where he is, and make his splash next summer.
So, Houston going all in for Howard now is more a one year rental than anything else. It might be worth it if they can convince him to sign with them next summer, and going after Deron Williams might be what does it.
Except for trying to nibble on the edge, I think the C's are out of it...well, out of it.