If T-Mac is going to be traded.

[ramzaruglia]

I'd been wondering, for a while now. What if the Rockets let go of McGrady since he had some issues with Coach Adelman. Who do you think is the best player in exchange of him? Who is that player that might give the Rockets another boost on their team? Any ideas?!

[durden_tyler]

I'd been wondering, for a while now. What if the Rockets let go of McGrady since he had some issues with Coach Adelman. Who do you think is the best player in exchange of him? Who is that player that might give the Rockets another boost on their team? Any ideas?!

Thing is, the Rockets might not want a player with a large (long-term) contract in return. McGrady makes roughly 20M++ if i am not mistaken, meaning if it's for a star player it better be someone who is worth contract (there are a few good players out there) and that will immediately fit in with the Rockets.

A few names crop up: Caron Butler, who is known as Tough Juice, will probably fit the bill though i the twist here is that he basically plays the same position as Ariza (Houston's highest paid player next to Yao Ming) but then again, maybe Caron and Trevor are versatile enough to play both the SG-SF spots and at the same time. Another is a guy like Kirk Hinrich (around the midlevel i believe, 8-10M?) who can play the PG-SG slots--- the problem here is that the Rockets are loaded with players in that position particularly the effective Kyle Lowry.

Butler and Hinrich will be needed to be packaged with some other players that will expire this year so that the Rockets are not tied up to a long-term deal.

Theoretically, it could be Butler, Oberto (quick fix, expiring) and another big man/guard for Mcgrady. Or Hinrich and Brad Miller (i believe expiring as well) or even Hinrich and Tyrus Thomas (though i don't think Adelman and/or the Rockets want low-basketball IQ'ed players)

Another would be to flip McGrady to a bunch of role players with rather long-term but easily tradable contracts like Marcin Gortat and some other pieces. Getting a player like Gortat will address a few problems for Houston this year--- as they target a postseason berth and if and when they get there--- like their thin frontline.

Theoretically, Rockets get Gortat (around 7-8M ?) a guard/forward (Pietrus probably) and another trade fodder.

The Rockets could also trade for an expiring contract or expiring contracts for TMac's expiring one PLUS future first round picks. That way, they get something (at least the picks) for the expiring of McGrady.

Clearly, teams will target McGrady for his expiring contract and NOT his use inside the court. It's even a thought that he'll settle for a buyout if he wants to play for a contender this year (then again, a career loser like him would probably want to keep every penny of the 20M contract)

So there.

[Joe Yabuki]

there's some talks of Bosh going to the Rockets, but obviously Toronto would've give away Bosh with just a limping unhappy Tmac.

With so many superstars becoming a free agent this summer, it would be hard for the Rockets to give some of their role players for, lets say.... a guy like Bosh who would just stay in the lineup for half a season. The Market for this summer will be very competitive.

I think Houston's best bet is to convince a superstar this summer,make him feel that they have the best supporting cast in the league, together with the eventual return of Yao Ming.

[durden_tyler]

there's some talks of Bosh going to the Rockets, but obviously Toronto would've give away Bosh with just a limping unhappy Tmac.

With so many superstars becoming a free agent this summer, it would be hard for the Rockets to give some of their role players for, lets say.... a guy like Bosh who would just stay in the lineup for half a season. The Market for this summer will be very competitive.

I think Houston's best bet is to convince a superstar this summer,make him feel that they have the best supporting cast in the league, together with the eventual return of Yao Ming.

But what is the logic for Toronto in even just showing an interest for TMac? Contract-wise, the expiring contract is a wash since Bosh is an expiring anyway? Even Rockets' picks will not be too high. If there is any interest in Toronto, it would be to get role players from the Rockets? But why? That will just tie them up with more long-term contracts without a superstar in return.

i could see Bosh considering Houston though but that would be when his contract expires at the end of the year..

[BBallfanJ]

I've heard Andre Iguodala's name mentioned in trade talks for McGrady.