martin wrote:Hey I agree with this.
The scenario actually makes more sense when you examine the competition (I'm assuming an Okafor package).
Lakers - If Bynum could stay healthy for a season, this would give them an enormous leg up, but it would also put them first in line for Williams and Howard. Expect the Lakers to come away with one of the big three if Bynum can stay on the court next season.
Orlando - Nelson, Bass, Redick, could get it done in terms of expirings with a little ability. Joining Howard is possible, IF he stays. Howard going to Lakers might work to Knicks advantage.
Dallas - Kidd, Terry, Beaubois, Mahinmi are comparable part,s but Dirk Nowitzki's 34 at this stage. Does a 26 year old Paul want to make his bed there?
Celtics - have the expirings salaries to match, but not a lot of young pieces and they have Rondo for multi-years at less money. Would Paul want to go someplace with Pierce, Allen and Garnett on their last legs? Would the Celtics even swap the younger Rondo?
Bulls - Rose: not gonna happen.
Thunder - Westbrook: see above. And not their style.
Spurs - already got Parker, Duncan is near the end, Ginobli is no spring chicken. NBA knows their shelf life is expiring.
Heat - overkill, don't have the contracts or young pieces.
And ladies and gentlemen, your dark horse candidate.
Clippers - they have both the contracts and young talent, and the cap space to sign him outright in the summer of 2012. Paul, Griffen and one of their other young pieces is scary, and they'll have ANOTHER lottery pick coming this year (or did they trade it away).
If Paul is serious about wanting to go someplace with other stars to go to war with Miami, Chicago, Oklahoma and LAL during his prime, Knicks and Clippers look like decent options, with maybe Orlando in the mix if he stays.