While a number of teams around the NBA may be hoping LaMarcus Aldridge reaches the buyout market, all indications for now are that the Spurs will be able to make a trade, writes Sam Amick of The Athletic. Sources tell Amick that general managers inquiring on Aldridge have been told that five teams are “firmly in the mix.”
As Aldridge and the Spurs prepare to part ways, the team’s other former All-Star, DeMar DeRozan, remains a focal point of the team’s offensive attack, having averaged 20.3 points and 7.3 assists per game this season. San Antonio isn’t actively seeking a DeRozan trade, per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. However, Haynes says that could change if the two sides don’t agree to an in-season extension before the trade deadline. Currently, no extension negotiations are active, Haynes adds.
Here’s more from around the Southwest:
- A source with knowledge of the Rockets‘ talks tells Sam Amick of The Athletic that about 70% of the league has inquired on P.J. Tucker. The Nuggets, who are seeking a forward capable of guarding multiple positions, are no longer believed to be in the mix for Tucker, since the asking price is so high — Amick says Houston has sought a young impact player and a first-round pick. The club would be doing well to acquire one or the other for the 35-year-old.
- Rockets guard John Wall, who recently suffered a left knee contusion, is expected to have that knee scoped later this year, league sources tell Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. Wall should be able to return soon from the contusion, but will have to undergo the scope eventually, says Haynes, noting that the veteran has previously undergone surgery on that knee.
- According to Amick, Pelicans guard Eric Bledsoe is thought to be “very available,” but interest has been minimal so far. Bledsoe’s contract, which pays him $16.9MM this season and $18.1MM next year, will be an obstacle.
As a Rockets fan, I would be thrilled with a young player AND a 1st for Tucker. But there is no way they will manage to get that, imo. I guess you shoot for the stars if 70% of the league has checked in on him.
Not too bad for a player that many people on the internet are convinced is a washed up bum that is worth next to nothing..
Well, they haven’t actually gotten either yet. The problem with a negotiating strategy that starts with the moon and compromises down to the real value is you lose negotiating partners early and end up with only the 1-2 willing to stick it out, and you get whatever they happen to have to offer. Rockets will end up either with a mediocre young-ish player with the right salary (if it’s a team without a TPE) or a 2nd rounder (if it’s a team with a TPE). They aren’t sniffing a first rounder.
70% checked on him but for all we know they offered disappointing young guys and second round picks
Milwaukee had to attach half a decade of 1sts to Bledsoe just to get Jrue Holiday – and Bledsoe has been significantly worse this year than last.
NO would probably have to attach a pick to dump
him by the deadline
OR they could take back a different equally bad deal. Just at a different position where they might have more need.
Perhaps to the Wizards for Davis Bertans. The Wizards would probably love to get out of that deal ad Bledsoe could be useful to them as a 6th man. Bertans could be the great shooter for NO enabling them to trade JJ Redick for future assets.
JJ is hurt at the moment. I don’t think Bledsoe is traded this year, may be easier as an expiring deal next season. Also, if Ball is gone, they’ll need a point.
They also have Kira Lewis who may or may not be the guy for them. But he was drafted high enough that I believe he will at least be given a shot to take the job next year.
True that could be a possibility. Bertans next to Zion would be interesting
Bledsoe and Westbrook have quite similar skillsets (and weaknesses). I wouldn’t want both of them in my team (actually I wouldn’t want either, but certainly not both).
No one is giving up a 1st rd pick for PJ. Rockets are as ludicrous as the Rocket Homer on this board. They’ll be lucky to get a good young player. Bad news on Wall. I hope it’s not serious. Always bad when you have to scope same knee you hurt before. God speed
That’s why they call it negotiating, you start off with the highest offer (even if it seems ridiculous) just like they do on Pawn Stars. The Rockets know they’re not getting a first round pick and a good young player. Maybe they get a halfway decent young guy and a second round pick, but there are plenty of teams out there willing to give them something worthwhile at least.
2nd rd pick and a player would be excellent. But you could land a young player other team is giving up on or can’t wait on.
Always thought DeRozan would leave SA. But it makes sense for him to stay and finish his career there. You add Collins to this team. And who knows. Pops always has something up his sleeve.
I, as well, am wondering what Pops next move is…have speculated Collins myself but no clue what’s going on in Pops mind- They gotta little wiggle in the cap