Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesAfter the February 18 NBA trade deadline, Daryl Morey (general manager of the Houston Rockets) Houston is now more likely to be a participant in the 2010 free agency bonanza than a observer after trading the $23 million expiring contract of Tracy McGrady. With Morey behind the wheel Houston has a legitimate shot at any non Lebron James free agent. The player most linked to joining the Rockets these past few weeks? All-Star power forward Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors. A sign and trade with the Raptors isReebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
the most likely method of acquiring Bosh considering all the assets on the Rockets roster. A quick look at all of the assets the Rockets have at their disposal.Aaron BrooksTrevor ArizaJordan HillKyle LowryChase BudingerJermaine TaylorDraft rights to Sergio LlullHilton ArmstrongRockets 2010 first (lottery pick?)Knicks 2011 (must be swapped with Rockets '11 first) + 2012 first round picksThat is A LOT of attractive assets and plenty of different scenarios for Daryl Morey to play with. It is tough to say what exactly Houston will give up with all the possibilities. However, a look back at the trade deadline in mid-February may give us some clues as to how Houston may proceed. According to ESPN.com J.A. Adande, the Rockets offered veterans Shane Battier and Luis Scola, multiple draft picks and the expiring contract of Brian Cook for Stoudemire(link the article to the whole trade thing). But Adande also reported that Phoenix denied Houston a physical for Stoudemire and Houston backed out because of Stoudemire well known injury history.Who initiated the talks is still unknown but the pieces are whats interesting, namely the multiple draft picks. Is Houston really willing to trade away two draft picks that in a best case scenario are the 2nd and 6th overall picks in 2011/2012? My guess is that Morey will dangle only one of the two and use the other pick later on in the year, perhaps near the trade deadline. The expiring contracts of Battier and Jeffries will most likely be included, but I wouldn't rule out Scola being involved in the trade because I doubt a player as skilled as he is wants to play backup to Bosh. And the final piece, the young prospect, Jordan Hill makes the most sense but Aaron Brooks is by no means out of the question. It really depends on how Morey Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
views Brooks, does he view him as a championship point guard or is he souring on his lack of defense and playmaking abilities? Considering that it will be difficult to replace a player like Aaron, Jordan will be the bait. You have to also consider the fact that Houston, not the Toronto Raptors, has the leverage in the trade talks (again if Bosh desires to go to Houston).I do feel that Bosh is not worth a max contract but I don think there is any way that Houston will pass on Bosh even if he demands the max, which he likely will.All in all I think a package of 2011 and/or 2012 Knicks first + Battier + Jared Jeffries + Hill will be the offer. Im reluctant about adding the second Knicks pick unless we absolutely have to in a trade. Houston may have to add a bit more to up to the ante due to tough competition with the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, but I don think well be throwing all our resources at Bosh.One issue I do worry about is that will Bosh still be interested in joining the Rockets with Yao, Kevin Martin and Brooks on the team? He has said in the past that he wants to be 'the man' and all three of those players will want their touches on a stacked roster. Bosh can probably make the most cash in Houston. We can give him the max and with him playing next to Yao, he would become HUGE in China. Imagine the endorsements and jersey sales and he could be competing with Yao, Lebron and co. for the fan favorite of Chinese fans. The same thing happened with McGrady.Houston's offer doesn't have to be the best, its more about where Bosh wants to go rather than Toronto's preference. If Bosh likes Houston enough and our offer is pretty solid then we could be one of the favorites.Now what if Bosh decides to pass on Houston and goes elsewhere or resigns with Toronto? Considering that Amar was nearly a Rocket two straight years in a row, Id say he our plan B. If Houston strikes out in free agency, then they can pursue a player currently under contract. Morey even has the assets to sneak into the top 5 or 6 picks in this year draft. There is also another option Houston hasstaying put, which would be perfectly fine. Houston has Yao coming back, a pair of all-star caliber players in our backcourt in Aaron Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
Brooks and Kevin Martin, solid veterans in Luis Scola and Shane Battier, an up and coming defensive specialist in Trevor Ariza, very promising rookies in Jordan Hill and Chase Budinger, and a best case scenario of the 2nd and 6th picks in the 2011 and 2012 drafts.No one knows what exactly Bosh is thinking at the moment. Hell, Bosh doesn even know where he is going in the offseason . We can only make assumptions based off the information given to us, and that information points to Houston being a solid candidate in the Chris Bosh sweepstakes.
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