Houston has too many PGs and not enough depth at PF.
They might still have some fuzzy memories of the good times with K9. Adelman wasn't shy about using him here in Sac, and Kenny'd probably jump at the chance to play for Adelman again.
Houston Trade Breakdown
Change in Team Outlook: -8.0 ppg, +2.7 rpg, and -4.2 apg.
Incoming Players
Kenny Thomas
6-7 PF from New Mexico
5.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.2 apg in 22.8 minutes
Outgoing Players
Bob Sura
6-5 from Florida State
No games yet played in 2006/07
Rafer Alston
6-2 PG from Fresno State
13.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 5.4 apg in 37.0 minutes
Why Sacramento does it:
Obvious. Unload KT's attitude and the $23.8 million owed to him over the next three years. Sura & Alston are owed $18.4 million over the same period, and Sura is an ender... total savings of over $5 mil. Reduce pressure on the Hawes/Miller/Moore/SAR/Williams logjam. And if we're looking at Mike Wilks as a backup, surely Alston would be equally suitable for that role.
PG: Bibby/Alston/Shakur/Douby
PF: Moore/SAR/Williams
Why Houston does it:
The Rockets have an unprecedented crunch at the PG position and need to thin out the herd. They have wanted to move Alston and his contract, and the Heat's signing of Smush Parker reduces the demand for Alston's services. The additions of Mike James, Steve Francis and first-round pick Aaron Brooks to a backcourt that already includes Tracy McGrady and sharpshooter Luther Head makes Alston more than expendable.
Shane Battier and Bonzi Wells should have the 3 spot locked down, while Yao Ming and Dikembe Mutombo make a formidable center rotation.
The notable lack is at PF. A platoon of Luis Scola, Steve Novak, and Jackie Butler do not exactly inspire confidence when your club has championship aspirations. Houston has loaded up to go all the way this year, and they could use an athletic, rebounding vet like KT. And his contract is actually less undesirable now than when we acquired him. Only three seasons left, instead of five.
They might still have some fuzzy memories of the good times with K9. Adelman wasn't shy about using him here in Sac, and Kenny'd probably jump at the chance to play for Adelman again.
Houston Trade Breakdown
Change in Team Outlook: -8.0 ppg, +2.7 rpg, and -4.2 apg.
Incoming Players
Kenny Thomas
6-7 PF from New Mexico
5.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.2 apg in 22.8 minutes
Outgoing Players
Bob Sura
6-5 from Florida State
No games yet played in 2006/07
Rafer Alston
6-2 PG from Fresno State
13.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 5.4 apg in 37.0 minutes
Why Sacramento does it:
Obvious. Unload KT's attitude and the $23.8 million owed to him over the next three years. Sura & Alston are owed $18.4 million over the same period, and Sura is an ender... total savings of over $5 mil. Reduce pressure on the Hawes/Miller/Moore/SAR/Williams logjam. And if we're looking at Mike Wilks as a backup, surely Alston would be equally suitable for that role.
PG: Bibby/Alston/Shakur/Douby
PF: Moore/SAR/Williams
Why Houston does it:
The Rockets have an unprecedented crunch at the PG position and need to thin out the herd. They have wanted to move Alston and his contract, and the Heat's signing of Smush Parker reduces the demand for Alston's services. The additions of Mike James, Steve Francis and first-round pick Aaron Brooks to a backcourt that already includes Tracy McGrady and sharpshooter Luther Head makes Alston more than expendable.
Shane Battier and Bonzi Wells should have the 3 spot locked down, while Yao Ming and Dikembe Mutombo make a formidable center rotation.
The notable lack is at PF. A platoon of Luis Scola, Steve Novak, and Jackie Butler do not exactly inspire confidence when your club has championship aspirations. Houston has loaded up to go all the way this year, and they could use an athletic, rebounding vet like KT. And his contract is actually less undesirable now than when we acquired him. Only three seasons left, instead of five.