[DolanCareParticipant]

 As we all know, there is a lot of talk about OKC making a move. It’s weird to think about a team like OKC, slated to take the West,  would make a trade…. I personally believe that OKC should solidify a great team by moving some of their assets.

Bill Simmons proposed the idea of OKC grabbing Afflalo, which is interesting- just not sure it’s what the team needs…. Do they truly need another wing? I would argue no. 

I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but doesn’t this team still lack someone who can score down low? Someone to beat up opposing frontlines so KD and Westbrook don’t have to pull a rabbit out of a hat every possesion in the postseason? Someone to let Ibaka continue his amazing work at the 4? Someone to REPLACE Perkins? Here’s a trade idea (gasp. I know, f**k it) that I think truly makes OKC the favorites of a title. 

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=kkah6dm

It gives OKC Pekovic, one of the top low-post scorers today. It also gives OKC Shabazz Muhammad- a struggling headcasey talent who could potentially thrive under the leadership of KD and Westbrook. 

Minny gets Asik, a defensive center that foils Love very well IMO. Plus great young players. In this trade Minny ALSO GETS OKC’s draft pick that comes from Dallas. 

Meanwhile, Rockets finally get to shed Asik. Whew, dude was simply not playing. In return they get a young center in Steven Adams- someone to learn from Howard. They also get Perkins. Yes, Perkins SUCKS- I am aware. But he does provide leadership and toughness: two things that Houston does indeed lack. 

I’m not trying to push this trade down your throats. Just offering a scenario to get the conversation started….

So I ask the forum — Does OKC need to make a move? If so, who should they go after?

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

That’s a pretty good idea. Everyone seems to have reasons for giving up/acquiring those players. One thing that might turn off Houston from making that trade would be the strengthening of the Thunder. The Rockets want to be a championship contender but by facilitating a trade that makes OKC better all they do is widen the gap in the West.

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

That’s a pretty good idea. Everyone seems to have reasons for giving up/acquiring those players. One thing that might turn off Houston from making that trade would be the strengthening of the Thunder. The Rockets want to be a championship contender but by facilitating a trade that makes OKC better all they do is widen the gap in the West.

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 Rockets say no to that one for sure

[DolanCareParticipant]

 Obviously, the Rockets get the least out of this deal. But honestly, I think they would be the party most likely to approve this trade. The Rockets have zero leverage in moving Asik. 1) He refuses to play in Houston, which IMO definitely hurts his trade value. 2) The $15 million he’s owed. Even if it doesn’t count against the cap entirely, it’s a big asing price. 3) As good as he is, he’s not tearing it up offensively. He’s a good defensive player with good rebounding skills.. A far cry from a Marc Gasol. 

If the Rockets could haul in an eager to learn, young, athletic specimen such as a Steven Adams… I think Morey would be satisfied. As I noted, Perkins would suck to have on the payroll. But he makes less than Asik and would be a good locker room guy. Right now, Houston has no one like that. 

[DolanCareParticipant]

 Obviously, the Rockets get the least out of this deal. But honestly, I think they would be the party most likely to approve this trade. The Rockets have zero leverage in moving Asik. 1) He refuses to play in Houston, which IMO definitely hurts his trade value. 2) The $15 million he’s owed. Even if it doesn’t count against the cap entirely, it’s a big asing price. 3) As good as he is, he’s not tearing it up offensively. He’s a good defensive player with good rebounding skills.. A far cry from a Marc Gasol. 

If the Rockets could haul in an eager to learn, young, athletic specimen such as a Steven Adams… I think Morey would be satisfied. As I noted, Perkins would suck to have on the payroll. But he makes less than Asik and would be a good locker room guy. Right now, Houston has no one like that. 

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 Rockets say no to that one for sure

[ThenilonatorParticipant]

 I really like this trade, particularly for the rockets. I think your selling Steven Adams potential short by saying rockets don’t do this. Works for all teams IMO.

[ThenilonatorParticipant]

 I really like this trade, particularly for the rockets. I think your selling Steven Adams potential short by saying rockets don’t do this. Works for all teams IMO.

[aztwulfParticipant]

Pek, Turiaf, and Bazz are too much to give up for what you have them getting. I get that the deal is “all about the future” for Minnesota. But, the minus 8 wins on trade machine pretty much says it all. If the objective is to entice Love to stay by putting the best possible team around him, this trade defeats the purpose. Sure works nicely for OKC though. But, making OKC better isn’t the Wolves problem.

Asik is a better fit next to Love, but Asik is pretty well maxed out as a player. Pek has been better every year in the league and has a nice long career in front of him.

[aztwulfParticipant]

Pek, Turiaf, and Bazz are too much to give up for what you have them getting. I get that the deal is “all about the future” for Minnesota. But, the minus 8 wins on trade machine pretty much says it all. If the objective is to entice Love to stay by putting the best possible team around him, this trade defeats the purpose. Sure works nicely for OKC though. But, making OKC better isn’t the Wolves problem.

Asik is a better fit next to Love, but Asik is pretty well maxed out as a player. Pek has been better every year in the league and has a nice long career in front of him.

[IknowitallJKParticipant]

Excuse me if I am lost. I don’t remember him doing anything headcasey. Unless you consider having a chick in his room at the rockie meetings headcasey. 

[DolanCareParticipant]

 Hey man, I’m a huge Bazz fan so I’m not trying to intentionally undermine him. I should have used a term like, ‘stubborn’ or ‘thorny’. He definitely rubs people the wrong way it seems. 

Again, I’m not saying my trade idea needs to happen. I just wanted to get a conversation started on moves OKC could make. And while Bazz is getting zero burn in Minnesota, I think he could be a great understudy in a Thunder uniform. The way Reggie Jackson has bloosomed under OKC management is phenomenal, and I think Bazz has more talent than Jackson. 

[DolanCareParticipant]

 Hey man, I’m a huge Bazz fan so I’m not trying to intentionally undermine him. I should have used a term like, ‘stubborn’ or ‘thorny’. He definitely rubs people the wrong way it seems. 

Again, I’m not saying my trade idea needs to happen. I just wanted to get a conversation started on moves OKC could make. And while Bazz is getting zero burn in Minnesota, I think he could be a great understudy in a Thunder uniform. The way Reggie Jackson has bloosomed under OKC management is phenomenal, and I think Bazz has more talent than Jackson. 

[IknowitallJKParticipant]

Excuse me if I am lost. I don’t remember him doing anything headcasey. Unless you consider having a chick in his room at the rockie meetings headcasey. 

[Tune SquadParticipant]

I do think OKC needs to make some kind of move to address their frontcourt depth/ post scoring. Ibaka’s evolution has helped some but thinking ahead to some tough playoff matchups…they could use that player that would give them an additional weapon. This got me thinking on a few different fronts..these aren’t proposals as much as me thinking out loud..

 

1. Would OKC making a play for Monroe work? Adams, Jones and OKC’s 1st rd draft pick? 

2. What about Garnett for Perk and OKC’s 1st? I know Garnett is on his last legs but I think he would add something as a role player for OKC.

 

 

 

 

[Tune SquadParticipant]

I do think OKC needs to make some kind of move to address their frontcourt depth/ post scoring. Ibaka’s evolution has helped some but thinking ahead to some tough playoff matchups…they could use that player that would give them an additional weapon. This got me thinking on a few different fronts..these aren’t proposals as much as me thinking out loud..

 

1. Would OKC making a play for Monroe work? Adams, Jones and OKC’s 1st rd draft pick? 

2. What about Garnett for Perk and OKC’s 1st? I know Garnett is on his last legs but I think he would add something as a role player for OKC.

 

 

 

 

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