Some comments by Carlisle and other FO today are strongly hinting that they either already have a deal for a center in place or are very confident they will get one. They've been clear that it's still a position they're working to fill and also have said that it's time to shift gears and start winning again. Couple this with the baffling decision not to trade back up and grab Robert somewhere in his fall (and even moreso taking ANOTHER PG when guys like Mitchell Robinson where there), they must already have something in the works.
My guy tells me (unfortunately) that it'll be a big contract for Cousins, as he'll be a true free agent (only kind of player that could guarantee them a deal already). But coming off a really debilitating basketball injury, and not being known for his defense (what we REALLY are lacking right now), I hope this isn't the case.
What would be ideal is being able to steal away Clint Capela, as he's vulnerable with the Rockets expensive cap situation. He was really impressive in the playoffs, and stepped up big when CP3 went down and the rest of the team went cold. He also fits the exact center we need, big, athletic rim runner who emphasizes defense. Unfortunately I don't think that's happening, because the FO wouldn't sound so confident with the ball in Houston's court for that deal.
The other potential free agent bigs we could land, like Randle or Nurkic, just aren't enticing enough to throw buckets of cash at. Hell I'd be fine with gambling on Noel again for cheap and rolling with our squad of B-team tier bigs for another year. Maybe Powell keeps improving or Noel finally takes his career seriously.
