Paul and Dwight want to team up!!

[ATL Boy]

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/22 ... ext-Season

THIS COULD HAPPEN!!!!!!

[saloonyk8]

Broussard reporting on ESPN that Howard willing to go Atlanta if CP3 goes there so they can do it together. But both PREFER to play in Los Angeles. Clippers will likely angle for a DeAndre Jordan and Bledsoe combination to get it done...doubt Lakers take that. Ultimately they will offer Blake Griffin, especially if it means that Paul will LEAVE. I don't see the Lakers turning down Blake Griffin for Howard when he might walk away anyway.

[saloonyk8]

Hawks better have an awesome speech planned for these guys. We knew it would take a lot for them to leave. But it is POSSIBLE.

[saloonyk8]

WILL THE REAL DONALD STERLING PLEASE STAND UP....WE NEED YOU!!!

[Jamaaliver]

Hawks better have an awesome speech planned for these guys. We knew it would take a lot for them to leave. But it is POSSIBLE.

Ferry better make the sales pitch of his life to pull this off.

I might suggest even making an super aggressive move and trading up in the draft. If we can pull a top ten talent while keeping Horford, our team looks that much more appealing to these guys.

Ironically, this is where we get really get burned for not having traded Josh last year. An extra draft pick or any tradeable asset could be very useful right now.

Adnin, THIS is where Ferry can earn Executive of the Year Honors. Hiring a great coach, attracting top free agents, making a brilliant move in the draft.

The next 30 days will go a long way towards defining Ferry's tenure in ATL.

[ATL Boy]

Hawks better have an awesome speech planned for these guys. We knew it would take a lot for them to leave. But it is POSSIBLE.

Ferry better make the sales pitch of his life to pull this off.

I might suggest even making an super aggressive move and trading up in the draft. If we can pull a top ten talent while keeping Horford, our team looks that much more appealing to these guys.

Ironically, this is where we get really get burned for not having traded Josh last year. An extra draft pick or any tradeable asset could be very useful right now.

Adnin, THIS is where Ferry can earn Executive of the Year Honors. Hiring a great coach, attracting top free agents, making a brilliant move in the draft.

The next 30 days will go a long way towards defining Ferry's tenure in ATL.

By top 10 do you mean top 10 pick? Because we have more than enough to make that happen: I'm sure teams will be very interested in Teague S&T/18 for a top 10, especially since Jeff is already proven. Moving onto Ferry; I think I've said this about 5 or 6 times in the past year: If DF pulls this off and we go on to win some titles he doesn't deserve just exec of the year, deserves a statue outside of Phillips Arena, the man is a visionary.

[parson]

I always told my children to never hope for any one thing for Christmas but to just enjoy the time. And, here I am, hoping....

This may end up hurting but, gotta dream.

Since the Lakers don't seem to have what the Clippers would want for Paul, it appears that the Lakers would have to trade Howard to the Clippers. On one hand, it makes sense for Howard and Paul to team up in LA, Jr. On the other hand, who would trust Donald Sterling to not blow the whole thing?


On the other-other hand, Horford makes a better partner for Paul/Howard than anything the Clipps can offer.

[Jamaaliver]

Question for you guys:

How should Ferry approach the draft with this news in mind?

Should he:

A) Draft players that could fit well next to CP3 and Dwight (Jamaal Franklin, Karasev),

B) Stick with his current plans drafting for the future (Giannis, Gobert),

C) draft players who could contribute immediately regardless of position (Dieng, Olynyk, Bullock) or

D) trade up for a top 10 pick (McCollum, KCP, Steven Adams) to make us a more attractive destination?

[azuresou1]

I think it's actually fairly possible that Dwight goes to the Clippers. Think about it. Paul goes to the FA and says: get me Dwight or I'm gone. Are the Clippers going to bet on Blake over CP3 AND Dwight?

As for how Ferry approaches the draft, he should draft the BPA, which in my mind would count as players with a respectable floor and a high ceiling. Being a good GM is all about being smart with the risks you take, and we should not mortgage our future on the offchance CP3/Dwight decide to come (e.g. trading Teague and a pick to move into the Top 10... c'mon guys this draft is extremely flat in talent).

If I'm Ferry, here's my sales pitch:
- You've seen how quickly I've turned around this team - it was on the perenial treadmill, and I've managed to get us off in one year
- I have free reign as GM, and I will make rational, educated decisions committed solely to winning, unlike Donald Sterling or Mark Cuban
- I've signed as good of an assistant coach as you'll ever find, a championship coach. You have the chance to start anew.
- I have one of the best young big men in the leagues signed to a longterm contract. He also happens to be a near-perfect basketball fit with you guys.
- If you're willing to take small paycuts, we can be even better. We can keep Jeff Teague as a backcourt partner for you, Chris. You guys can have an alumni party.
- Everyone on our team is entering their prime. You guys have a chance to build a real dynasty.

[ATLHawksfan21]

Not in a million years will LAL trade Dwight to the Clippers. They are not going to take on a terrible contract in Blake's max deal which tops out at 22 million in the final year while giving their roommates at Staples a possible dynasty.

The Lakers will let Dwight walk and wait til they have a ton of cap space in 2 years to try and lure a top FA to LAL before they will deal with LAC.

The Clippers will not happen unless they trade

[Geaux_Hawks]

I don't think the Clippers will give up on a guy like Blake for Dwight and CP3. The latter seems like a better situation to be in, but that's assuming you think Dwight is a championship piece that you can put with anybody to win with. IMO he isn't. He needs a plethora a shooters to keep the low post from being clogged with defenders, he has to be the focal point of your offense, and have the offense ran a certain way for him to maximize his abilities and this is assuming he is healthy. That's really taking away from Paul, who is more effective with the ball in his hands.

If Paul is going to leave, then Bledsoe has potential to be at least a starting level PG with great defensive upside. There's no need to give up Griffin, who was the one who started to make your franchise relevant in the first place. The Clippers can still build around Griffin and sign some lower level FA's.

As far as the Hawks go, I would rather have Paul and let Dwight go to wherever. But if we do acquire both, I think Ferry should still look for a guy like Len or Adams. Also look for a niche type of guy. Especially a quality 4 or 5, who can rebound and defend just in case Horford or Dwight goes down. I still wouldn't mind a high upside 2 guard or wing in general also.

[tcorbin]

The nuclear option for Ferry could be the unthinkable and trade Horford for a high draft pick, then use the extra cap space to offer $10 million per year to David West.

It's an extreme maneuver, because i don't like West's game and i would hate to see the down grade at PF from Horford to West, but if Chris Paul says that is what he wants to happen, that is what it will take to make the Hawks #1 on his list, then that is what needs to happen.

I hope it doesn't come down to that, and i hope Paul and Howard see how good of a player Horford is and how great of a team that trio will be.

[tcorbin]

I don't think the Clippers will give up on a guy like Blake for Dwight and CP3. The latter seems like a better situation to be in, but that's assuming you think Dwight is a championship piece that you can put with anybody to win with. IMO he isn't. He needs a plethora a shooters to keep the low post from being clogged with defenders, he has to be the focal point of your offense, and have the offense ran a certain way for him to maximize his abilities and this is assuming he is healthy. That's really taking away from Paul, who is more effective with the ball in his hands.

If Paul is going to leave, then Bledsoe has potential to be at least a starting level PG with great defensive upside. There's no need to give up Griffin, who was the one who started to make your franchise relevant in the first place. The Clippers can still build around Griffin and sign some lower level FA's.

As far as the Hawks go, I would rather have Paul and let Dwight go to wherever. But if we do acquire both, I think Ferry should still look for a guy like Len or Adams. Also look for a niche type of guy. Especially a quality 4 or 5, who can rebound and defend just in case Horford or Dwight goes down. I still wouldn't mind a high upside 2 guard or wing in general also.

You are kidding yourself if you think Paul is coming to Atlanta without another super star ready to join

[azuresou1]

The nuclear option for Ferry could be the unthinkable and trade Horford for a high draft pick, then use the extra cap space to offer $10 million per year to David West.

It's an extreme maneuver, because i don't like West's game and i would hate to see the down grade at PF from Horford to West, but if Chris Paul says that is what he wants to happen, that is what it will take to make the Hawks #1 on his list, then that is what needs to happen.

I hope it doesn't come down to that, and i hope Paul and Howard see how good of a player Horford is and how great of a team that trio will be.

This is a terrible idea, Danny Ferry should be fired ASAP if he ever did that.

[GrimeyKidd]

Question for you guys:

How should Ferry approach the draft with this news in mind?

Should he:

A) Draft players that could fit well next to CP3 and Dwight (Jamaal Franklin, Karasev),

B) Stick with his current plans drafting for the future (Giannis, Gobert),

C) draft players who could contribute immediately regardless of position (Dieng, Olynyk, Bullock) or

D) trade up for a top 10 pick (McCollum, KCP, Steven Adams) to make us a more attractive destination?

C

[Geaux_Hawks]

I don't think the Clippers will give up on a guy like Blake for Dwight and CP3. The latter seems like a better situation to be in, but that's assuming you think Dwight is a championship piece that you can put with anybody to win with. IMO he isn't. He needs a plethora a shooters to keep the low post from being clogged with defenders, he has to be the focal point of your offense, and have the offense ran a certain way for him to maximize his abilities and this is assuming he is healthy. That's really taking away from Paul, who is more effective with the ball in his hands.

If Paul is going to leave, then Bledsoe has potential to be at least a starting level PG with great defensive upside. There's no need to give up Griffin, who was the one who started to make your franchise relevant in the first place. The Clippers can still build around Griffin and sign some lower level FA's.

As far as the Hawks go, I would rather have Paul and let Dwight go to wherever. But if we do acquire both, I think Ferry should still look for a guy like Len or Adams. Also look for a niche type of guy. Especially a quality 4 or 5, who can rebound and defend just in case Horford or Dwight goes down. I still wouldn't mind a high upside 2 guard or wing in general also.

You are kidding yourself if you think Paul is coming to Atlanta without another super star ready to join

And we're kidding ourselves if we want to put all of our eggs into one basket with thinking Paul and Dwight will win us a title, but whatever I guess.

[myrak433]

The nuclear option for Ferry could be the unthinkable and trade Horford for a high draft pick, then use the extra cap space to offer $10 million per year to David West.

It's an extreme maneuver, because i don't like West's game and i would hate to see the down grade at PF from Horford to West, but if Chris Paul says that is what he wants to happen, that is what it will take to make the Hawks #1 on his list, then that is what needs to happen.

I hope it doesn't come down to that, and i hope Paul and Howard see how good of a player Horford is and how great of a team that trio will be.

This is a terrible idea, Danny Ferry should be fired ASAP if he ever did that.

what would be a terrible idea? trading Horford if it lands you both Pual and Dwight? that is not a terrible Idea. I would rather pair Horford with Paul and Dwight simple because I feel his game would compliment the two stars game more, but don't act like West is garbage, he has been an All Star PF (twice I believe). and if that is what it would take to get both here then you do it without hesitation. the prize wouldn't be West it would be CP3 and Dwight. besides you should be able to get good value for Horford. so something like top 3 Pick and maybe even a 2nd for horford wouldn't be a bad return.

Look, I love Horford like most hawk fans, but he hasn't made the Hawks a championship team. and he never will. Dwight took a lesser team (Magic) to the finals. Paul is a championship pg no question. so you take him, Dwight, and West; keep Krover we have Jenkins and Lou we would have everything you need. outside shooting, ball handling, inside offense, and a defense of presence. I don't see any holes if the players can gel.

[parson]

David West is making $10 million now, IND has said he's important to them, yet folks here expect that we can sign him without giving him a raise? Horford is younger and only $2 million more than we're talking about offering West - how is that going to give us Howard and Paul?

[azuresou1]

Look at the Baron Davis/Elton Brand fiasco with the Clippers to see why you should never make moves to entice FAs.

[tcorbin]

The nuclear option for Ferry could be the unthinkable and trade Horford for a high draft pick, then use the extra cap space to offer $10 million per year to David West.

It's an extreme maneuver, because i don't like West's game and i would hate to see the down grade at PF from Horford to West, but if Chris Paul says that is what he wants to happen, that is what it will take to make the Hawks #1 on his list, then that is what needs to happen.

I hope it doesn't come down to that, and i hope Paul and Howard see how good of a player Horford is and how great of a team that trio will be.

This is a terrible idea, Danny Ferry should be fired ASAP if he ever did that.

what would be a terrible idea? trading Horford if it lands you both Pual and Dwight? that is not a terrible Idea. I would rather pair Horford with Paul and Dwight simple because I feel his game would compliment the two stars game more, but don't act like West is garbage, he has been an All Star PF (twice I believe). and if that is what it would take to get both here then you do it without hesitation. the prize wouldn't be West it would be CP3 and Dwight. besides you should be able to get good value for Horford. so something like top 3 Pick and maybe even a 2nd for horford wouldn't be a bad return.

Look, I love Horford like most hawk fans, but he hasn't made the Hawks a championship team. and he never will. Dwight took a lesser team (Magic) to the finals. Paul is a championship pg no question. so you take him, Dwight, and West; keep Krover we have Jenkins and Lou we would have everything you need. outside shooting, ball handling, inside offense, and a defense of presence. I don't see any holes if the players can gel.

correct, azuresou1 just doesn't get it. i would much rather build around Paul and Howard rather than Horford and Teague, its an obvious choice.