I see where you are coming from but bringing in a 37 year old Miller who would play probably around 15 minutes WITH LA isn't going to effect LA's decision. I see the Asik angle as well but I think he can be had for less than Batum with the right third team involved. I honestly believe Leonard may be a stretch four that would fit fantastically next to Howard. We would just need a team that could sacrifice a backup center (the Bucks?).
I think Houston is going to be picky because they don't have to move him. He's locked up for at least another couple years. They can wait and move him for the right deal, and Houston has always had a hardon for Nic. We could probably see if they'd send back Chandler Parsons though, but I really like Motiejunas. Also, I think Dre could play for at least another couple years, but this would be a move to get us to that next level. I can totally see why you would be reluctant to give up Nic. It would be a big gamble.
I wont lie, I have no idea what Montiejunas brings to the plate... If he were good I'd imagine he would be getting PT as a much needed 4 on the Rockets but I've been wrong many a times about players. I just think this team ultimately needs time to gel and we will be fine. Mo and Wright were brought in to get us to that next level as they actually know what it's like to go deep into the playoffs.
I just think we're so strong at the wing position, but our center position is still a bit of a question mark. I like RoLo but I'm not convinced yet that he's a starting center. Asik is a proven commodity. Dude is a legit big man.
Oh I know Asik is good. But I think keeping Batum is more valuable to this team. Like I said before we need a backup center like that Biyomba guy in Charlotte who just cleans up the boards and is a shot effector. Center by committee IMO is the way to go for this team unless of course we got Asik for peanuts.
I'd still do that. We could move Batum to the 2, Wright to the 3, and sign Rip Hamilton until CJ is back. It would also open up playing time for Claver who could become a rotational player OR trade bait. IIRC Claver actually started at the 2 for a game or two last year.
I think the fans vastly overrate Claver. I like him, but the guy doesn't really do anything well. I would rather see Barton get minutes over Claver.
Miller had his chance in Portland, had a line-up of Wallace/Camby/Roy/LMA/Matthews/Batum/Pryz to work with, and nothing happened in the playoffs. He'd be a decent 10 mpg guy off the bench, I suppose, at this stage of career. He had some very good strengths as a player, but he also had glaring weaknesses. Now he's just an old guy who will be on team that vastly underperforms this season without Karl as their coach.
Well, that's really the point. Bring him in to backup Dame and maybe play with him for a few minutes every game. We don't really have a pure passing point guard right now and Dame played very well when paired with Maynor last year.
I think his shot improved over the summer and he is a decent defender (great for a Euro). He has "glue guy" written allover him IMO. He kinda reminds me of Quincy Pondexter.
Don't get me wrong. Miller has his strengths, but his salary is $5m this year, which just is not worth it for a guy that is a back-up.
How has Miller ever won big? Mo Williams at $2.6m is a better player, and actually can play at least a little bit of defense.
The deal isn't just about adding Miller though, is it? It's about adding Asik AND Miller. Williams would essentially take over as the backup shooting guard.
Wait. What's the proposed trade again that brings both Miller and Asik to Portland? I'm confused (yes, I know I'm typically confused).
I was throwing out Batum, Claver, Leonard in a threeway that brings back Miller, Asik, and Motiejunas. They probably wouldn't want to give up Motiejunas though if we aren't sending back a big. Maybe Parsons instead?
