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Bosh with the Rockets
They'll become a top 4 team in the West
They'll become a top 4 team in the West
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By Chris Broussard
While the Houston Rockets realize that trading Tracy McGrady will not be easy, the club now believes it has a better than 50 percent chance of moving the fading superstar before the Feb. 18 trade deadline, according to league executives.
The Rockets are in discussions with several clubs about McGrady, but sources say two of the teams near the top of their wish list are Washington and Chicago.
Nothing is imminent with either team, but there are potential deals with both clubs that Houston would be interested in pulling off.
Washington, which league executives believe is in cost-cutting mode after the Gilbert Arenas disaster, could have McGrady for a deal featuring Caron Butler and some expiring contracts, perhaps Mike Miller and Randy Foye.
Chicago, which has definite interest in McGrady, also has the combination of young talent and expiring contracts the Rockets are looking for. There is a Bulls player Houston covets, but it's not clear who that is. Since the Rockets surely realize that Derrick Rose is untradeable, logic suggests it's Joakim Noah.
A package of Brad Miller, Jerome James, both of whom have expiring contracts, and Noah would work financially, but sources say the Bulls have no desire to part with Noah. The player the Bulls would like to move is Kirk Hinrich. He's even ahead of Tyrus Thomas on their list of players they'd love to trade. Thomas is being offered around the league as a sweetener in any Hinrich deal. But with two years, $17 million left on his contract after this season, there's not a great market for Hinrich.
Believe it or not, sources say Philadelphia has not completely ruled out a McGrady-for-Andre Iguodala deal, if only because if the losing continues Sixers ownership may order a fire sale.
Talks between the two teams have taken place but they have not reached the serious stage. Philadelphia hinted at a package of Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert for McGrady. But while Houston loves Iguodala's talent, its not sure such a deal would make it a legitimate championship contender. To take back the four years, $57 million remaining on Iguodala's contract after this season, Houston has to be convinced it would become an immediate title contender once Yao Ming returns next season.
Originally Posted by blackxme
Looks like we're getting a nationally televised game, the game on April 7th against the Jazz will be on ESPN via the rockets' twitter
[/td][/tr][/table]McGrady
2. Tracy McGrady, G, Rockets
While it's unclear what McGrady has left as a player, his contractmakes him a superstar at the trade deadline: A team trading for T-Maccan wipe $22 million off its 2010-11 books.
The Rockets are still trying to figure out how to use this asset -- isit a trade piece or an expiring contract to benefit their own capsituation?
The hottest McGrady rumor involves the potential acquisition of AndreIguodala (along with Samuel Dalembert). If they can get a player ofIguodala's talent for McGrady, that might be too much for the Rocketsto pass up.
Haywood
4. Brendan Haywood, C, Wizards
With the Portland Trail Blazers, the Houston Rockets and other teams inneed of a big man, it could be Haywood, not Butler or Jamison, whodeparts the Wizards first. Washington needs more than just cap reliefto move Haywood's expiring contract, but not much more.
Iguodala
5. Andre Iguodala, G/F, Sixers
I've struggled to accept the idea that the 76ers would give awayIguodala, their best player, no matter how desperate they are to cutpayroll. But in NBA front offices, the word is that he is very muchavailable. Of course, Philly's hope is to get rid of the contract ofSamuel Dalembert in such a deal.
A source told ESPN.com on Wednesday that the Houston Rockets haverecently renewed discussions with the 76ers about a deal involvingIguodala and Dalembert for the expiring contract of Tracy McGrady. Andas I reported above, the Suns have also entered the mix, offering AmareStoudemire for Iguodala and Dalembert. The Cavs and Dallas Maverickshave explored Iguodala deals as well.
Slowing discussions at the moment is the fact that the Sixers reallywant to get some talent back in such a deal. The Rockets have playersto offer, and the Suns might be willing to throw in Leandro Barbosa,I'm told.
Dalembert
10. Samuel Dalembert, C, Sixers
For the most part Dalembert has been paired with Andre Iguodala in trade talks with the Rockets, Suns and Mavs.
Mac's contract comes off after this year. Its the only reason a team would trade for him at this point.Originally Posted by jayt206
Glad to see the Rockets finally get a nationally televised game. It's hard being a Rockets fan in Seattle. To make matters worse I don't even have NBATV, a local team to watch anymore (still miss the Sonics), and ESPN/TNT seem to play Lakers, Celtics, Cavs, or Magic 75% of the time. Also, I would like to see the Iggy/Dalembert for Tmac trade go down but it still seems like a tough sell with macs high salary until 2011.