Here's my scenario: 1. Houston sends #1 and Cato to L.A. for Olowakandi and #12. 2. Houston sends #12, #15, and Taylor (maybe Thomas instead, if they insist) to Seattle for Lewis and one of their centers (Booth, James, Drobnjak, and Oyedeji). Next year's team: PG: Francis, Norris, Brown SG: Mobley, Torres SF: Lewis, Rice, Morris PF: Griffin, Thomas (maybe Taylor instead) C: Olowakandi, (Seattle Center), Collier This series of trades seems very realistic, and it leaves ZERO big holes in our lineup next year. We emerge with a very nice 8-man rotation, the only ones coming off the bench frequently being Norris, Thomas, and the Seattle Center. We could also use Rice if he was actually healthy (not likely), and we could use Torres if he develops (probably another year).
im not sure the clipps will take on catos contract. i read in a NY paper that the knicks are working out a deal with seattle that would bring baker to NYC for the #7. im not sold on the fact that they might trade for 2 more lotto picks. im not bashing, i actually like these trades. its a lot better than those houston offers #1 and rice for brand kandi and miles trades.
I'm not sure Sterling (the definition of a penny-pincher) would take on Cato's contract, either. For arguments sake, here are a few 'buts': 1. But... Cato's contract is a good deal smaller than Olowakandi's will be. 2. But... if Sterling knows basketball, he will realize that reliable centers are hard to come by, and Cato (while unspectacular) is a reliable center. And Cato isn't really old, another plus. 3. But... it also makes sense because the Clippers will probably take Jay Williams with the first pick, and Cato would be the perfect insurance policy against the big guy they take with #8 being a bust.