What is in McGrady's future?
The summer of 2010 will be the biggest free agent frenzy in the history of the NBA. First, how about we focus on what is going to possibly happen before the February 18th trade deadline. The majority of teams will try to free up cap space, and/or acquire a player with an expiring contract, so they can make a push for a big time free agent this summer. With Tracy McGrady not being a part of the Houston Rockets anymore, and having the biggest contract in the NBA (at $23 million) coming off the books at the end of the season, he has been the main topic of trade talk in the NBA. Especially in the city of Houston. So, shall we begin with the realistic trade rumors or unrealistic? Well, I would like to clear up the unrealistic rumors, and they are normally more exciting to imagine anyway. So I’ll start there.
2010 free agents Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, and Joe Johnson are without a doubt staying put for atleast the rest of the season. So, I wouldn’t even think of mentioning their names in any trade scenario. I said I would talk about unrealistic rumors, not impossible rumors! On the other hand we have 2010 free agents Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire. Which have both been rumored on wanting to pack up and move to another NBA destination. Toronto Raptor’s Chris Bosh, averaging 24.3 ppg, 11.5 rpg, and 1 bpg, without a doubt would be an unbelievable addition to the Rockets. The front court of Chris Bosh and Yao Ming, returning next year from foot surgery, would be the most amazing front court tandem Houston has seen since Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson paired up to make the twin towers. But, unbelievable is just what this trade is. Toronto has already said unless Bosh says he won’t return to the team this summer then they will not trade him. Besides, they would be more interested in trading for young talent, such as L.A. Laker Andrew Bynum. Maybe there is a chance at seeing Bosh in Rockets red next year, but not before the February 18th trade deadline. Next on the list is Phoenix Sun’s Amare Stoudemire. Stoudemire, averaging 21 ppg, 8.4 rbg, and 1bpg, has been rumored to leave Phoenix for quite some time now. Although, the Sun’s power house all-star has been said to show a lack of effort, and has had some injury problems in the past, he would also be a great addition in Houston. But, again Phoenix is looking for young talent in return. Which, the Rockets rather aren’t willing to give up, or Phoenix is more interested in other team’s offers. Such as, the New Jersey Nets, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs. Just to name a few teams rumored to be in close touch with the Sun’s front office. Last year the Rockets were supposedly going after Stoudemire, and as it didn’t happen last year, it won’t happen this year either. Houston fans can dream all they want about getting either of those players, but unfortunately it just won’t happen. Now that I’ve crushed all potential hope on trading for Stoudemire or Bosh, I say let’s talk about some realistic rumors.
The Rockets have been linked to discussions with the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and Washington Wizards. With the Knicks in desperation mode to clear up cap space in hopes of signing current MVP Lebron James this summer, they would love to get McGrady’s $23 million expiring contract. However, they would also love to dump some bad contracts at the same time. Which, Houston has absolutely no interest in taking on a bad contract, or at best “good” players. With $23 million to play around with, they want to bring in a top 10 type of player. The New York Knicks CAN NOT provide a top player, so scratch the big apple off the list. Next, are the Chicago Bulls, who are also looking to clear up cap space to acquire someone this summer. The problem with the Bulls is that besides Derrick Rose(who is basically untouchable), the only other player that the Rockets have said to possibly be interested in is Joakim Noah. But, Chicago is not looking to get rid of Noah. The Bulls would have to throw in some other key players in that deal for me to be interested anyway. So, don’t expect T-Mac to have a statue outside of the United Center any time soon. Well what about the Philadelphia 76ers? Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert are who the Rockets would get if Houston were to be involved in a trade with the 76ers. Although this is probably the most likely trade to happen, Iguodala’s moments of superstardom and Dalembert’s interior defense and athleticism just won’t be enough for Rockets GM Daryl Morey. Iguodala is a pretty good player, but not yet the type of player the Rockets are looking for. As far as Dalembert, well Philly is just trying to get rid of his $12 million contract. Plain and simple. And, yes i know his contract expires in 2011, but Houston still won’t be willing to pull the trigger on this deal. Last but not……….well with their record at 16-32, and Arenas and Crittenton being suspended for the season on gun charges, you might be able to say least for the Washington Wizards, but what the hell. Last, but not least the Washington Wizards. With talks of the owner selling the team, they are looking to dump salaries before they do so. Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood are the two that would be exchanged for Mr. McGrady. Yes, they would fit well in Houston, but AGAIN the Rockets aren’t wanting well. Unless Butler shows in the next few games he is a great NBA player, then this trade won’t happen either.
The Houston Rockets have been in talk with many teams, just none of them worth while. There have been many names thrown around, but unless those names are droppin’ some serious numbers on the court then I don’t even want to hear it. So, would you say Houston should make a move on any of those scenarios, or should they continue to hold on to McGrady until his $23 million contract drops off the books, and right into Daryl Morey’s lap? Either way, I am confident that whatever decision they make will be the right one. If you have a trade scenario or a comment to make, then speak up and LET’S TALK HOOPS!
