Gibson already haunted by Harden deal?

Taj has improved every season but still hasn't shown consistent elite play to deserve anything more than the mini mid level exception. I'm talking 2 - 4 mill/per. Bull shouldn't have a problem dishing out that kinda contract. If him and his agent get it twisted... then like Harden, they can head to the exit!

4 yr/20 mill. Thats all he gets

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:51 AM ET  10.29 by Lostwill

Taj has improved every season but still hasn't shown consistent elite play to deserve anything more than the mini mid level exception. I'm talking 2 - 4 mill/per. Bull shouldn't have a problem dishing out that kinda contract. If him and his agent get it twisted... then like Harden, they can head to the exit!

I don't disagree, but knowing how many idiot GMs are out there and desperate teams, he may very well get his $6-8M per. Smart move says don't sign an extension unless it is very favorable.

6-8 mil a year for him is ok. He plays harder than most, is great on defense and improves every year. He will be the starting PF once they let Boozer go next year. He is a good young piece to have on your team.

Money Is Only A Tool, Bro.

Harden may find the going a bit tougher without Durant and Westbrook around. Gotta wonder what Houston is thinking, two #1's, Martin AND Jeremy Lamb? Harden performs at one end of the court only and you're thinking of building around him? Good luck.

In come the Rockets to trade for and overpay for Gibson...

I think the Cavs missed out in the Harden sweepstates.

Harden was foolish, the Bulls won't be. They cannot afford to lose Taj, whereas OKC believed the could lose Harden. The Rockets believe in giving out foolish contracts (Jeremy Love) so Harden is on to something in Rocketsville....J. Love, Asik, and now Harden. Max deals for marginal talent. Harden showed you in the finals when he can do, or should I say what he can't!

Gibson won't face this problem, the Bulls absolutely must sign Taj.

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 09:36 AM ET  10.29 by jgb

explain....cause his minutes and rebounds were lower this past yearand his points are lower than his first yearguy does play good d and gives you energy off the bench-but if you lock up a back-up PF up for that much $- how are you going to sign any more good players?

There is hardly a difference between his mins, rebounds and points. By improvement, I mean parts of his game have gotten better. He is hitting the 15-17 foot jumper much more consistently which is huge since he runs a lot of pick and rolls with D Rose and the other guards; he has added a few post moves; and he plays much more under control.

Signing him to a 4 yr 28 mil deal isn't going to prohibit them from signing other good players. He will be the starter eventually and even if they want to trade him for a REALLY good player, a salary like that is very trade-able.

QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 10:04 AM ET  10.29 by G-Man of South Florida

Harden may find the going a bit tougher without Durant and Westbrook around. Gotta wonder what Houston is thinking, two #1's, Martin AND Jeremy Lamb? Harden performs at one end of the court only and you're thinking of building around him? Good luck.

Two #1's in the mid teens don't mean much these days. Instead what the Rockets will do is fill the roster with veteran players and hungry old players from Euro league who want an NBA dream. Spurs have been doing that successfully for a while. Knicks just caught on by adding Chris Copeland and Prigioni.

And who's to blame them? Instead of picking a college project to build, they can get proven vets from overseas that are mature, can contribute right away and come at a cheaper price and favorable contract terms.

This trend will not kill college hoops but we'll sure see a decline in the number of college players that make it to NBA.

So contrary to what's being printed out there I don't think the Rockets overpaid!

QUOTE(#15):

Originally posted 11:45 AM ET  10.29 by jgb

I understand you like him and want to retain himYou must take emotion out of the equation as there are a million taj's out thereHe averages 7 points a night and 5 boardsHe is what he is.Investing 7 mil in him is bad business

For all the hoopla I thought he was better that 7ppg. I don't blame him and his agent though. You look at David Lee, a classic back up power forward and he's making 80 million... why should Taj ask for what he's really worth? Any loony owners out there?

QUOTE(#14):

Originally posted 11:05 AM ET  10.29 by Lostwill

Two #1's in the mid teens don't mean much these days. Instead what the Rockets will do is fill the roster with veteran players and hungry old players from Euro league who want an NBA dream. Spurs have been doing that successfully for a while. Knicks just caught on by adding Chris Copeland and Prigioni. And who's to blame them? Instead of picking a college project to build, they can get proven vets from overseas that are mature, can contribute right away and come at a cheaper price and favorable contract terms. This trend will not kill college hoops but we'll sure see a decline in the number of college players that make it to NBA. So contrary to what's being printed out there I don't think the Rockets overpaid!

I think we will have to wait and see if Houston overpaid or not. I think Houston is a bit desperate and their offseason moves all seem desperate to me. The SG position is a little weak in the NBA and teams are paying top dollar to SG's who are good but not great.

1. Kobe
2. Wade

and then there are the rest that I think is a drop off in getting you to the post season.

3. Ellis
4. Gordon (just received a max deal)
5. Harden.

Teams paying maximum money with slim chances for post season play are just desperate to me. I don't think Houston is a playoff team with Harden.