I think the Rockets have a legitimate shot at negotiating a S&T w/NO for Eric Gordon. NO claims that they will match any offers EG gets, but that less likely given the fact that they drafted Austin Rivers, who pretty much plays the same position as EG. Even though NO say they'll move Rivers to PG, I watched him at Duke and he definitely DOESN'T have the necessary passing skills/floor general mentality to play PG in the NBA.

In the event of a S&T with NO for Gordon, there is only 3 players I would have reservations about trading (not saying I wouldn't trade them to get Gordon, I would just have to think about it 1st): CP25, J. Lamb, and R. White

CP - He's really the only SF we have ATM and he's a great all-around defender

J. Lamb - I would want to hold on to him in case Gordon's injury concerns prove valid. + he would allow us to let Courtney Lee walk

R. White - Really love his potential as a Point Forward/Boris Diaw type player. Would be a great asset coming off the bench as a 6th man.

If we're able to keep those 3 players and maybe trade K-Mart, D-Mo (NO is said to really like him), and Terrence Jones/Marcus Morris to NO for Gordon, that could leave us enough pieces to possibly obtain Josh Smith from Atlanta for Lowry, PPat, and whoever NO doesn't take between T. Jones and Morris. Scola could then be shipped off to Brooklyn for exp. contracts and draft picks, which they were reportedly discussing according to yahoo.com.

Now, assuming A) we are able to complete those 3 trades, B) we're able to resign Dragic and Camby, C) Chicago doesn't match Asik's contract, and D) we cut Livingston for the cap space and keep Scott Machado from the Summer League team (led the nation with 9.9 apg), the Rockets could be left with a very formidable lineup:

PG: Dragic, Machado

SG: Gordon, Lamb

SF: Parsons, FA or maybe White

PF: Smith, White (McHale has said White would predominately play PF), Leuer

C: Asik, Camby

If the Rockets could pull off those moves, I think this is a lineup that could definitely contend in the Western Conference. Both defensively and offensively, this team would be solid all the way around. Tell me what you think about these moves or what you might do different.