Zach Randolph to houston?
It's possible they are looking to the future, realising that Randolph is getting older and choosing the younger Rudy Gay. Houston has some great pieces they could replace Randolph with and pair with Gasol; I believe Motiejunas in particular would be a great fit alongside Gasol with his ability to spread the floor and bang inside.
I honestly wouldn't mind their trading Randolph; he did a great job for them, but he's 31 years old, compared to Rudy's 26, it might allow Rudy to finally flourish as undisputed 1st option (with Gasol more of a facilitator than a scorer).
Rudy Gay as a #1 option scares me, if you rely on him for buckets your not going to win alot of games, age is just a number now in the nba; Kobe is 35 yet is second in the league in scoring and Z-Bo hasn't showed any signs that he's slowing down. Yes Rudy is 5 years younger but it looks like he's hit his ceiling as he hasn't improved in the last 3 years
What they are trying to geti n return is still to be confirmed, but I really feel like they are going to make a push for parsons, terrence jones, or Motiejunas, maybe picks? Cole Aldrich? We'll see, but I agree, Z-Bo is far more valauble than rudy, but I do think they can get more in return for Z-Bo
As it stands, this team is exciting and competitive, but at the money being paid, they are not good enough to come out of the west. worst, everyone in their starting lineup has reached their ceiling. Maybe it's time to cut the high priced players and try to rebuild on the fly. Z-Bo to Houston would be more of a salary dump as Houston has the cap space to absorb a huge contract. I see Memphis asking for two of their young pf prospects in return, I'll say Patterson because you know what you're getting and Motiejunas because of his potential. probably ask for some cash going Memphis way as well and future picks. I'll like to see howGay performs with the offense now tailored around him.
I like Z-Bo to the Rockets but wish Houston would target a younger PF to pair with their young core. This trade may make them better today but at what cost. Z-Bo is very valuable and we aint getting him for cheap. Parsons is going to be Memphis main target and he's been the second best player for Houston this year to me. I wouldn't mind getting Z-Bo but hopefully it doesn't come at to much of a cost.
Randolph is easily worth Parsons in any deal. But it's well known how much Memphis needs to shed salary. With that said, Houston can pretty much tell them "no, you cannot have Parsons". Two of their young, cheap pf prospects is the best Memphis can get taking into account that they need someone cheap. The one draw back for Houston is their giving up of potentially going after Howard this off season. I would rather them pursue Josh Smith for that reason.
The Grizzlies should keep their core in my opinion. I think they will give a lot of western teams a problem in the playoffs. I know it's a business first in the NBA but why break up something that you have special? Randolph does mean more to this team than Gay. Remember when the Grizzlies were doing well without Gay and there were rumours of him being traded?
I get why the owners are thinking about this type of move. OKC had to trade Harden for the exact same reason. But just wait for the offseason. Don't mess this thing up right when it is working for you. That is the best way to alienate your fan base.
But maybe they do piss their fans off. I'm for a move back to Vancouver as well.
@Joecheck88
Zach Randolph has had surgery once and that was back in 2005. Last year's knee injury didn't require surgery. Just rest. He's 31, but he's not a player who's ever played athletic. He's all lower body strength, footwork, skill, positioning, etc.
The Rockets were trying to acquire Pau Gasol. I see no reason why they wouldn't look into acquiring Randolph.
My bad on the knee surgery thing but bit just seems like a bad fit. They're a young and athletic team that likes to run. They tried to pull the trigger on Pau last year but that was before James Harden. They could definitely be a good half court team with Z Bo but there has to be a younger option out there. Even Al Jefferson is younger. Idk, I just don't like the idea.
So I have seen via twitter that memphis might keep rudy gay and trade randolph to houston instead.. I would love this to happen, for houston obviously.. If this happens, the rockets could make some noise in the playoffs..