With Daryl MoreyHouston is never a calm summer. For several seasons, the GM of the Rockets has often been one of the main agitators of the market with spectacular trades that have had the gift of reshuffling the cards in the Western conference. This 2019 offseason should be no exception. In this edition, the case of Chris Paul is the most cited. Houston only has 6 players under contract right now, but a salary cap explos. The fault (in part) of Paul who receives nearly 40 million salary cap. A described salary, and far too important in view of its impact in this 2018/2019 season. So the hour when things need to move, it seems to be the first fuse. To recover it, 4 franchises have manifested themselves in recent days. But to interest Houston, we will have to send talented players back. Overview.
As soon as we talk about rumors, transfers and All-Stars, the Lakers are never far away. Once is not customary, the band LeBron James and Rob Pelinka has therefore shown a certain interest in recovering a full member of the famous ‘’Banana Boat’’. When we know the decisive importance that LeBron James has in the sporting decisions of the front office, this is only a half-surprise. To interest the Rockets, one cannot imagine a transfer that does not involve Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. The latter would fix the Rockets’ lack of depth on the wings, and Ball could improve the defense. The Lakers’ 4th draft pick could also complete the deal. In this scenario, however, the Lakers would no longer be able to offer a max contract to anyone at the time of the free agency. Will they want to waste their flexibility for Chris Paul? That is the whole point. If Paul is to go to the Lakers, then it is likely that this transfer will not take place until the end of July and that it will only be seen as a simple plan B.
On the other hand, a trade could take place more quickly for teams sure not to attract an All-Star during the free agency. This is the case of the Charlotte Hornets. The team of Michael Jordan will not have the necessary course to offer a maximum contract this summer. Only Kemba Walker exception is bird rights. At least they have no headache to match Chris Paul’s salary as there is no lack of big toxic contracts at home. But who could help Houston become competitive again at the highest level? If we follow the logic followed by the Texan franchise in recent years, the 3&D their eyes will be attractive to surround at best James Harden. Nicolas Batum, Marvin Williams, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Miles Bridges could therefore be concerned. However, the Rockets have no assurance of getting better with these very average players. Not sure Daryl Moray presses the red button for such a modest consideration, even surrounded by a few draft picks.
Always looking for a new lan to give his franchise since the end of the LeBron James era, Pat Riley also remains attentive to the file of Chris Paul. The Heat lost their last icon with the departure of Dwyane Wade retirement and is now desperately seeking renewal. Their salary situation is similar to that of the Hornets with no flexibility. Except that the players they could offer Houston seem on paper more attractive. Goran Dragic, James Johnson, Justise Winslow or Josh Richardson have already proven their worth and could make Chris Paul’s messy match. With this possible deal, Houston would record no deficit in the lead by recovering a more discreet player and therefore more doomed to step aside at the expense of James Harden. Then, Winslow and Johnson are 3&D they too capable of evolving without the ball by punishing effectively. The Heat profile could be a very credible option for the front office Texan. In a logic where one would give even more roughly the keys James Harden, these players would they be sufficient?
Finally, the Suns are never far away when a leader is mentioned lately. With Elie Okobo, De’Anthony Melton and Tyler Johnson as the only representatives of this post, the lack of talent is obvious. Chris Paul would then come to fill this gap, and bring experience to a workforce far too young to elbow in the Western Conference. In addition, the Suns have a certain wage flexibility that would not require them to match Chris Paul’s salary in negotiations. Again, it is the wingers capable of defending and sanctioning distance that would be in the equation, which Phoenix has. T.J Warren (physically fragile and unwanted for months Phoenix), Josh Jackson (stops a festival in Florida), and Mikal Bridges (everything is fine with him) could be interesting counterparts. However, these young players have not yet proven themselves at the highest level despite undeniable talent which could worry the Rockets.
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