Alright, leaving Lin out of this--you're not wrong about Asik, RBF. The difference is I value his contribution to our ability to win championships over the next two seasons quite highly. Thus, saying I am letting him "walk for nothing" is not true. I used his services for two years. That has plenty of value to me. Part of all this is my belief that Jones and Motie are going to give us more than enough at the PF position to not need an upgrade there at this time.
The money and contracts are of no concern to me. I don't think Les would have green-lighted them if they were a concern to him either. If we are winning and making deep play-off runs then that money will be a non-issue. (I know you'll disagree on that )
I'm not against any trade involving Asik, but I am against over paying for Aldridge.
As has been noted by others, I also believe in the value of our depth and the strength that depth will give to our second unit. Last season, we pointed the finger at our second unit for losing leads and games. This season, we will be able to put that unit on the floor and feel confident. Defensively, with guys like Asik, Beverly, and Garcia we'll have strong defense at 3 crucial positions. Add D-mo in the post and maybe keep one of Parsons/Harden on the floor and that's practically the same team that put OKC on its butt for a couple of games in the playoffs. (I know Delfino was part of that, but his 3 fg/game wasn't exactly turning the tides and he shot over 40% in but one game--granted, he was hurt).
Point being, if we're going to put so much weight into how much that second unit hurt us then it only makes sense to value it equally in how much it can help us.
no doubt if Asik were here he would be a valued asset on the 2nd unit. however we are measuring that said value against losing him without a replacement. who ever Asik is traded for may have just as much value to the team although it may be from another position. so I am not convinced its better to let him walk when pieces that can help us for the long run may be obtained. as for the MONEY you are correct I don't agree. Lin and Asik were signed in a much different state of the team than the position we sit now. if you had told Morey he would be able to get both Harden and Howard in less than a year he might have felt differently about laying out that much cash to sign both. true hind sight is always 20/20, but we are still in position to do something about it. I don't think they would be to worried about keeping Asik, but Lin's contract has become an anvil. Asik played up to and beyond the amount of his contract, but Lin didn't. that probably means we are going to have to move Lin along with other assets just to move that contract. since Asik is on the same type of deal....he makes the most sense. sure it will diminish what we get back. but the flexibility it can give us leaves us even more ways to upgrade this team. last but not least.....14 mil is not overpaying for LMA. he is worth that much. you were willing to give J-Smith that amount....why not LMA