Dwight Howard to Golden State?

[TobyTyler]

Honestly not one team will take biedrins but i can see some teams being interested in bogut and jefferson

I'm interested in keeping Bogut if he can get healthy. He looked downright effective in a couple of games in the playoffs this year.

 

[ColinCoby]

Honestly not one team will take biedrins but i can see some teams being interested in bogut and jefferson

I can. At least Beans can rebound and play a little D.

The Warriors, of course, would have to take back someone else's big contract/limited-skilled player.

 

[ColinCoby]

I'm interested in keeping Bogut if he can get healthy. He looked downright effective in a couple of games in the playoffs this year.

It will be interesting to see what Bogut's next contract looks like. He's still relatively young, and like you said, when he's remotely healthy he is damn effective. The dude was a beast defensively in the playoffs, and his elbow and leg were all screwed up.

Very risky to sign him, but I can see it being risky to NOT sign him (assuming Ezeli's offensive game doesn't improve). There just aren't that many centers available that can affect a game like he can.

 

[TobyTyler]

It will be interesting to see what Bogut's next contract looks like. He's still relatively young, and like you said, when he's remotely healthy he is damn effective. The dude was a beast defensively in the playoffs, and his elbow and leg were all screwed up.

Very risky to sign him, but I can see it being risky to NOT sign him (assuming Ezeli's offensive game doesn't improve). There just aren't that many centers available that can affect a game like he can.

Yep. A good big man commands a lot of salary and Bogut, when healthy, is very good. Each step he takes or jump he makes though he could come down on someone's foot and that is all she wrote. I have the same worry for Curry. He is a maniac with the threes and driving the line with the floaters. I've never seen anything like it, at least not in a Warrior uniform. But one false step and we see the guy we saw at the end of the Spurs series. It puts the Warriors front office in a very tough spot.

 

[justforkicks]

Bogut(top 8 C - when healthy), Klay(top 5 SG), RJ(Amnesty fodder), S&T Jack(legit backup PG) for Dwight and Blake or Duhon.

Warriors might have to throw in a #1 pick, but that shouldn't be too bad, since the owners are willing to buy picks late in round one and because with Dwight, this team should have a pick in the mid-late 20's anyways.

Warriors starting 5:
Curry, Rush (unless they can somehow sign Tyreke), Barnes, Lee(I'm not a Lee fan, but Dwight would finally have a PF that he can play with) and DH12.

As for the Lakers, they can amnesty RJ and save some money on their luxury tax. Essentially save $10mil in luxury tax, since they'll still owe RJ $10mil.

They'd have a competitive lineup with Nash, Klay, Metta, Pau and Bogut. They'd have a good back up PG with Jack who can run D'Antoni's uptempo offense. They can move Klay to SF when Kobe comes back. They'd still have a lot of holes, but not as many if they made this trade.

 

[TobyTyler]

Bogut(top 8 C - when healthy), [B]Klay(top 5 SG)[/B], RJ(Amnesty fodder), S&T Jack(legit backup PG) for Dwight and Blake or Duhon.

Warriors might have to throw in a #1 pick, but that shouldn't be too bad, since the owners are willing to buy picks late in round one and because with Dwight, this team should have a pick in the mid-late 20's anyways.

Warriors starting 5:
Curry, Rush (unless they can somehow sign Tyreke), Barnes, Lee(I'm not a Lee fan, but Dwight would finally have a PF that he can play with) and DH12.

As for the Lakers, they can amnesty RJ and save some money on their luxury tax. Essentially save $10mil in luxury tax, since they'll still owe RJ $10mil.

They'd have a competitive lineup with Nash, Klay, Metta, Pau and Bogut. They'd have a good back up PG with Jack who can run D'Antoni's uptempo offense. They can move Klay to SF when Kobe comes back. They'd still have a lot of holes, but not as many if they made this trade.

No. He disappears too often for that to be the case.

 

[geneh_33]

Marietta huh? I played in a golf tournament at a course there in the last century, I can't remember the name, but it was really nice!

There are good golf courses all over North Georgia. You ought to try the one down in Stockbridge and there is another good one in Hampton.

 

[CameronFrye]

Just out of curiosity, if the Lakers asked for Klay, Festus, and Jefferson for Howard in a sign and trade, would you do it?

This is a sneaky way to ask: who would we be willing to trade Klay for? (BTW: I cannot think of too many scenarios in which including Barnes or Curry in a trade makes any sense.)

Colin - If I were the GM, I would do this in a white hot second. Unfortunately, Mitch Kupchack will not.

 

[Heathbar012]

Colin - If I were the GM, I would do this in a white hot second. Unfortunately, Mitch Kupchack will not.

Yup. justforkicks' scenario is more feasible. Any trade for Howard would have to include Bogut, one of Klay/Curry/Barnes, an expiring (likely RJ) and possibly, a pick (after this draft, they will finally be allowed to use a pick in a trade). Is it worth it? Depends on your opinion of Bogut and Curry's health, Klay's ability to develop into a solid NBA perimeter defender, while continuing to progress with finishing at the rim and Barnes continued development with everything.

I think Curry and Barnes are off-limits because, right or wrong (and when healthy, it seems they are right), the Warriors have pegged Steph as a future superstar to build around. Ankles or no, you don't trade the center piece after his first (and somewhat successful) trip to the playoffs. Barnes' ceiling is too high to hand over to a division rival that happens to have a player that is capable, willing and knowledgeable enough to hand down some great advice to a willing pupil. There in lies the risk with including Thompson. However, whereas Klay's floor might have been a little higher than HB's, Barnes is already better than him at aspects of the game that will be crucial for a 3rd or 4th scoring option, in the starting line-up. Of course, Lee is out because of the contract, and why would you want to get Dwight Howard and not have a player like Avi Lee to team with him in the front court. It's the main reason why the deal makes sense. That, and pick and rolls with Steph.

All that said, I don't know if I do it. I don't know if Mitch Kupchak does it, and I certainly don't know if Bob Meyers does it. Part of me, even with Dwight's issues, says you have to cash in on opportunities to get a young, healthy dominant center. However, he is a headcase, and the idea of potentially having to watch him and Biedrins take free throws in the same game (for the same team) is nauseating. Would they take both AB and RJ? Don't they still have their amnesty available?

 

[justforkicks]

In these playoffs, the Dubs showed what they can do with a legitimate center that plays defense and has the tenacity to attack the rim. So I think going after Dwight to fit in this system is a no brainer. As much as I appreciated what Bogut did in the playoffs, I would not pass up Dwight for it. He's not as injury prone and even in a year when he wasn't even 80% he was still one of the more dominant centers in the league.

He's a headcase, but if Jax can get him to buy in, this team is a legitimate title contender. If not, at least they'll still be competitive and can potentially surprise some teams in the playoffs. The only thing is I, like a lot of people on this board, doubt that Kupchak would trade Dwight.

 

[CitySushi]

I haven't weighed in my thoughts on the Dwight Howard rumors, but here's my take on all the scenario's being thrown out there:

1) If the Warriors offered Klay, Bogut, RJ and a future 1st for Howard, the Lakers would be absolutely insane not to do that trade. In fact, I believe that all of the above is supreme overkill in the trade. If Howard wants to leave the Lakers, he has plenty of options. If he does decide to walk it will be because he's decided the Lakers aren't the best situation for him and he just wants to go to a new place with a fresh start. The only way the Lakers get anything for him is to help to facilitate a sign and trade. There isn't a team out there with a better offer of Klay and Expirings, let alone giving them Bogut and a future 1st.

2) I'm torn on whether or not I would truly want Howard on the team. On one hand he's still supremely talented and going to give you at least 75 games a year. He's going to put up 18 and 10 every night with 2 blocks a game. He could make us a perennial playoff team with the chance to go further.

On the other hand, I really love the attitude and nasty streak that Bogut has brought to our team. Howard has personality issues and I just don't know if I would want to deal with that situation with such a relatively young team. The team over-achieved this year, and really didn't face any internal adversity. We'll see what happens next year when they hit a rough patch, but I don't see this group of guys starting to point fingers. Howard is a known finger pointer.

 

[Heathbar012]

I haven't weighed in my thoughts on the Dwight Howard rumors, but here's my take on all the scenario's being thrown out there:

1) If the Warriors offered Klay, Bogut, RJ and a future 1st for Howard, the Lakers would be absolutely insane not to do that trade. In fact, I believe that all of the above is supreme overkill in the trade. If Howard wants to leave the Lakers, he has plenty of options. If he does decide to walk it will be because he's decided the Lakers aren't the best situation for him and he just wants to go to a new place with a fresh start. The only way the Lakers get anything for him is to help to facilitate a sign and trade. There isn't a team out there with a better offer of Klay and Expirings, let alone giving them Bogut and a future 1st.

2) I'm torn on whether or not I would truly want Howard on the team. On one hand he's still supremely talented and going to give you at least 75 games a year. He's going to put up 18 and 10 every night with 2 blocks a game. He could make us a perennial playoff team with the chance to go further.

On the other hand, I really love the attitude and nasty streak that Bogut has brought to our team. Howard has personality issues and I just don't know if I would want to deal with that situation with such a relatively young team. The team over-achieved this year, and really didn't face any internal adversity. We'll see what happens next year when they hit a rough patch, but I don't see this group of guys starting to point fingers. Howard is a known finger pointer.

I was thinking about this, too, but I remembered that one of the reasons Howard said he was going to the NBA instead of college was he "wanted to help bring the word of the Lord" to more people. That could have all been PR stuff, but with the cohesiveness of the current make-up, this might be just the team for those personality issues.

If you think they would take Biedrins' expiring and a second rounder instead of Bogut and a first, that is even better. Unfortunately, I think Klay would have to be a part of the package. If they can't get value, they'd rather see him in Atlanta or Brooklyn, not Dallas or Golden State.

 

[CitySushi]

I was thinking about this, too, but I remembered that one of the reasons Howard said he was going to the NBA instead of college was he "wanted to help bring the word of the Lord" to more people. That could have all been PR stuff, but with the cohesiveness of the current make-up, this might be just the team for those personality issues.

If you think they would take Biedrins' expiring and a second rounder instead of Bogut and a first, that is even better. Unfortunately, I think Klay would have to be a part of the package. If they can't get value, they'd rather see him in Atlanta or Brooklyn, not Dallas or Golden State.

Totally agree that Klay would be a mainstay in the package. I know Warrior fans have been upset with him but he's still a hot commodity among the league. He's going to be going on his 3rd year in the NBA, still on his rookie contract for another year after this upcoming season, and still has much more room to grow. He's 6'7", getting better at the defensive end and his main weapon is his shooting. Shooters of his caliber don't simply forget how to shoot. Teams will feel comfortable giving him future contracts, meaning he can be seen as a long term piece.

The sad part is that if Howard wants to go to Atlanta, they could conceivably put together the best offer if Josh Smith decides he wants to go to LA and they work out mutual sign and trade deals. It would actually be great fits for both teams. Ultimately the Lakers are not in the drivers seat, Howard is. After Brook Lopez' All-Star year(and now seemingly cap friendly contract), I doubt the Brooklyn wants to move him for Howard.

 

[Heathbar012]

The sad part is that if Howard wants to go to Atlanta, they could conceivably put together the best offer if Josh Smith decides he wants to go to LA and they work out mutual sign and trade deals. It would actually be great fits for both teams. Ultimately the Lakers are not in the drivers seat, Howard is. After Brook Lopez' All-Star year(and now seemingly cap friendly contract), I doubt the Brooklyn wants to move him for Howard.

You could be right, but from my experience with European Football, billionaire Russian owners tend to be impatient, stubborn and willing to do anything to win. I think Brook's All-Star year just makes him a more attractive trade chip. He still can't play defense, and needs Humphries, Evans or Wallace to move people around, so he can get rebounds. We shall see. I am resigned to the fact that nothing of any consequence will happen this off-season, and that is probably a good thing.

 

[geneh_33]

"A source familiar with Howard's thinking says he plans to test free agency and has considered the Lakers, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Golden State."

Report: Dwight Howard 'has considered' Hawks | Jeff Schultz | www.ajc.com

If Dwight ever expects to compete for a title, he needs to tell the Hawks to get lost in a hurry! The Hawks have NEVER made it past the second playoff round and they most likely never will. The ownership here in Atlanta does not want to win a title.

 

[CitySushi]

Kinda OT, but I'm wondering who will give Bynum or even Oden a shot next year. Bynum is probably the scarier of the two since he'll likely command at least 10M a year to sign. Oden would likely sign for 5M or less to give it a shot. Something like what Roy got last year from the T-Wolves.

 

[CitySushi]

"A source familiar with Howard's thinking says he plans to test free agency and has considered the Lakers, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Golden State."

Report: Dwight Howard 'has considered' Hawks | Jeff Schultz | www.ajc.com

If Dwight ever expects to compete for a title, he needs to tell the Hawks to get lost in a hurry! The Hawks have NEVER made it past the second playoff round and they most likely never will. The ownership here in Atlanta does not want to win a title.

Is the Atlanta management really that bad? I've never seen them with the talent to pass the 2nd round, but they've always had solid teams put together.

 

[geneh_33]

Is the Atlanta management really that bad? I've never seen them with the talent to pass the 2nd round, but they've always had solid teams put together.

Nah, it's the owners. They do not want to spend money on good players. They just get one or two good players; enough to fill up Phillips Arena and that's it.

I wish they would either sell the team or MOVE!

 

[Heathbar012]

Kinda OT, but I'm wondering who will give Bynum or even Oden a shot next year. Bynum is probably the scarier of the two since he'll likely command at least 10M a year to sign. Oden would likely sign for 5M or less to give it a shot. Something like what Roy got last year from the T-Wolves.

Yeah. I think Oden ends up on the Heat, and Bynum... He'll get a contract somewhere, but I don't know how he will play. Beyond the injuries, he just doesn't seem that into it. Enough into to it collect a check and rehab, but I'll be surprised if he plays 50 games over the next two years. Think he'll get 2/$20 mil, or will someone have to throw more years at such a risk?

 

[CitySushi]

Yeah. I think Oden ends up on the Heat, and Bynum... He'll get a contract somewhere, but I don't know how he will play. Beyond the injuries, he just doesn't seem that into it. Enough into to it collect a check and rehab, but I'll be surprised if he plays 50 games over the next two years. Think he'll get 2/$20 mil, or will someone have to throw more years at such a risk?

Not sure. There's actually a pretty good crop of Free Agents for the center position. You have guys like Howard, Bynum, Pekovic, Al Jefferson & Splitter towards the top and have other guys like Dalembert, Kaman, Pachulia who could all make solid impacts as well. It'll be interesting to see who goes where.