Just last year they nearly got Chris Paul in exhange for Gasol and Odom. If things turn sour in Orlando, you don't think LA wouldn't seriously consider a Gasol/Bynum-for-Dwight Howard/Hedo Turkoglu swap? Obviously it doesn't look likely but Shaq going to LA didn't look likely when the '95-96 season ended. If LA trades Gasol away that essentially eliminates their chances (slim as they may be) of getting Dwight, and cap space does them little good until after Kobe's contract comes off the books in 2014 (which is the same time Gasol's expires).
I can see how it would be attractive, but I don't like it. I would like to remain the Utah Jazz. It would take me more effort and more time than I care to invest, but the short of it is that that would halt the (re)building of the team altogether, does nothing to alleviate the logjam, and throwing a **** load of money at a dude on the wrong side of 30, not a good defender (or rather, is very inconsistent in his effort level and impact), and is one of the most mentally fragile high-profile players that I've ever seen.
One last thing; whether anyone wants to believe it or not, there is absolutely no way Kanter gets a real shot. I know that seems a little silly to some, but chucking a promising #3 pick (since he's so young, so inexperienced, and already has forced his way onto the court, the investment level is absolutely something you consider) in the trash (effectively) is not on my to-do list.
What the Jazz SHOULD do is trade for fiery Pau Gasol: JONAS Valanciunas.
One last thing; whether anyone wants to believe it or not, there is absolutely no way Kanter gets a real shot. I know that seems a little silly to some, but chucking a promising #3 pick (since he's so young, so inexperienced, and already has forced his way onto the court, the investment level is absolutely something you consider) in the trash (effectively) is not on my to-do list.
What the Jazz SHOULD do is trade for fiery Pau Gasol: JONAS Valanciunas.
I'm lacking brain cells today, apparently .. so .. huh?
The last part was sarcasm directed at me, impressed with the accuracy of actually remembering I called him a "Fiery Pau Gasol".
Yes, and that's completely different from Dwight Howard.The Chris Paul thing was different because the Hornets were forced to trade him. They had zero choice in the matter and some deal had to be done.
As a few others have mentioned, the other important thing to consider is Gasol's integration along with the development of Utah's core players. On one hand Gasol improves the team in the shortterm and keeps Utah competitive while we see if Favors/Burks/Kanter/Hayward can develop into the future of the franchise - but on the other hand Favors' growth may not accelerate as quickly as possible if he has to defer to Gasol on the offensive end. Utah would essentially have Gasol for 2 seasons at age 32 & 33 on the wrong side of the 30,000 minute mark. Those are some tough numbers when you consider he'll be your best player.
Having Gasol under contract also eliminates Utah's ability to be a major player in the 2013 Free Agent class. It's possible they could have a ton of cap room in 2014 (less likely if you sign Nash) but it's impossible to predict or plan that far in advance because you still have to sign players over 2 offseasons in the meantime, and if you make the Gasol trade (along with the Nash proposal) you're in this to win big now - so it's unlikely you just sign whoever you can get for a shorterm contract. (That "win-now" urgency also makes you less willing to allow someone like an Enes Kanter to work through the growing pains as a 20-year old center).
I'm all for moving Al Jefferson, but I also think Favors is at the point where great things could happen if he's challenged to step up and be the alpha-dog in the frontcourt. I don't think Gasol would necessarily facilitate that process. In trading Deron the Jazz put themselves in a great position with a bright future - I'd hate to see that disrupted over an impulsive effort to win big now.
Yes, and that's completely different from Dwight Howard.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no. How many times have the Jazz been completely burned because of overpaid, older players? Harp, Memo, Bell, Ostertag, etc, etc, and you propose adding TWO of these players for THIRTY MILLION, over half the cap? You are crazy. I would much rather wait and see with Al than do this. This is what NY does. Not was smart does.
I think the real risk here is mostly getting all the moving parts to simultaneously work out. But the potential reward sure seems high.
Additional thoughts:
I can't imagine the Lakers wanting Jefferson. It would have to be Millsap. I still think it's unlikely the Lakers would go for this deal, however.
You'd have to trade Jefferson (my personal preference would be for the rights to draft Jeff Taylor -- or someone better, of course).
A Favors/Gasol/Kanter rotation is almost too good to imagine, even if Gasol tends toward softness. They would seem to complement each other perfectly.
You'd almost need to go after AK if Gasol and Nash came (though perhaps the $ wouldn't work). Even with three starters having passed their prime, wouldn't you have to believe that Nash, Hayward, Kirilenko, Favors, and Gasol would be instant contenders? Esp. with Kanter, Burks, perhaps Watson and a draft pick or two playing key bench roles?
If we got the 8th pick would you include it for Gasol, taking out the 2013 1st rounder?
8th pick, Harris, and Jefferson for Gasol. I think the Lakers would have to heavily consider that as they could get Perry Jones, Terrance Jones, or Jared Sullinger all of which would fit nicely next to Bynum.