3) even if the summer of 08-09 is the target, that is no excuse at all to keep ANY of the vets on the team (Mike, Ron, Brad, Kenny, Reef, Salmons) with long term deals. ALL it is is an excuse not to take on any worse deals in return. But if this is a rebuild, then its even MORE important to try to swap out your vets for chaep kids and picks, just so long as any major contracts you take back don't last beyond 08-09. If you keep the vets around, they win more games, and then you are stuck picking 10th again next year when you should be picking 4th and with a gaggle of kids and picks in reserve as well. You do NOT want to "compete", at least not successfully, while you are trying to stockpile talent. Its the difference between landing a potential superstar, or another Spenser Hawes (at best). Just for example, dealing Ron for Lee and Malik Rose would NOT in any way particularly hinder your 08-09 plan, as Rose's deal ends at the same time as Ron's. An 08-09 plan is no reason at all to be "patient", it is just a reason to be picky and have parameters.