N.O. looking to dump Okafor's contract

Although Marc Stein reports today that Sacramento is looking more towards Dalembert for Thomas' expiring contract, discussions have took place with New Orleans who are trying to dump Okafor's contract.

Anyone want to still argue that New Orleans is still trying to compete at the highest level? After trading Chandler for smaller annual salary and giving away Rasual Butler for nothing, now they are trying to dump Okafor for expiring contract. Clearly, they are now following the financial model used by other small market teams like Memphis.

about 2 years ago xedubx 26 comments 0 recs |

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Thank god PA is our owner.

"I don't always read blogs regarding the Trail Blazers
...but when I do... I read Blazers Edge."

- resurrect_ha28

by FiveOhThree-RipCity!! on Nov 17, 2009 3:08 PM PST reply actions

i know...

i hope he gets well soon

...and that's a good thing

by In Walks Rudy on Nov 17, 2009 3:28 PM PST up reply actions

Say hello to the new Seattle Sonics

Old arena, no prospect of a new one. If Seattle can get an arena deal, I think they’ll move there.

"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely

by skywaker9 on Nov 17, 2009 3:10 PM PST reply actions

please let that happen.

...and that's a good thing

by In Walks Rudy on Nov 17, 2009 3:28 PM PST up reply actions

I want them too

Among other things it would reduce Blazer travel since they would almost certainly move to our division and OKC to NOLA’s.

"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely

by skywaker9 on Nov 17, 2009 3:32 PM PST up reply actions

hmmm... now that i'm thinking about it.

The Thunder should be brought back up to Seattle where they belong and retake the Sonics name. And OKC should just get the Hornets. Then all would be right…

...and that's a good thing

by In Walks Rudy on Nov 17, 2009 3:39 PM PST up reply actions

Had Katrina not happened

i think the Hornets WOULD have moved to OKC and the Sonics would still be up north. It was too much bad PR to make that move after Katrina though.

"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely

by skywaker9 on Nov 17, 2009 3:40 PM PST up reply actions

I'm starting to miss the Sonics...

I’m pretty much right in between Portland and Seattle so it was kinda like I had two teams…

...and that's a good thing

by In Walks Rudy on Nov 17, 2009 3:44 PM PST up reply actions

it funny

we wanted to hornets to so badly and we got a huge dressing of spit in our face….. even our hair

-Bouzi

How the hell did that happen? I am Trailblazer fan to the core but I love me some OKC THunder!!! Must be the Hometown pride I feel.

I'll Say it now so you guys can know I'm a true follower: "In Pioli I Trust"
Go Chiefs!!!!!

by bouzi on Nov 17, 2009 8:13 PM PST up reply actions

it funny

the way you a type make non of the sense

...and that's a good thing

by In Walks Rudy on Nov 18, 2009 7:07 PM PST up reply actions

While they're not at Memphis' level yet (paying at or below league minimum levels)

they’re certainly working to get there. I understand the necessity to cut corners in a poor, recovering city during tough times, but this is getting ridiculous. The city of New Orleans deserves better than this.

"Its not that I can't read and write, its just that I don't like to read and write."
-Charlie

by ninjasocks on Nov 17, 2009 3:20 PM PST reply actions

Its their owner

Its not the city. He did in Charlotte too.

"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely

by skywaker9 on Nov 17, 2009 3:24 PM PST up reply actions

correct

George Shinn is one of the worst owners in the NBA…he ranks right up there with Michael Heisley in Memphis and Donald Sterling…but at least Donald Sterling makes money off of the Clippers, though I’m not sure whether thats better or worse!

"Smile! You're on a poster!!" - Mike Rice

by lefty6283 on Nov 17, 2009 4:42 PM PST up reply actions

When does Chris Paul find a new home.

N.O. cant keep him forever?

by Big Swoopa on Nov 17, 2009 3:51 PM PST reply actions

They will keep him until they can't force a contract with him.

*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
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by staylost on Nov 17, 2009 4:37 PM PST up reply actions

That "atthehive" thread was one of the saddest I have ever read...

few things worst than reading comments from fans contemplating the deconstruction of their favorite team.

Sad…just plain sad.

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by LaMarvelous on Nov 17, 2009 7:43 PM PST reply actions

Indeed, it is.

Sadly, I think you’re going to see a lot of this type of thing happening with small market teams between now and the trade deadline, with the exception of us and OKC. Much like the economy last year, I’ve been predicting that the financial pictures for the NBA is not even close to what the league office has been spinning, and people are going to be shocked at type of names that’ll be available by the deadline. It sounds to me that it’s actually the Kings that are leery to do this deal because of length of Okafor’s contract, and hence why they turned their attention to Dalembert (and his shorter contract).

I agree with the Hawks fan’s post. If they want to keep that team in N.O., they jump all over deals like that and rebuild since they have too many toxic contacts. They’ll lose Paul in the process, but the management made too many missteps on the way (trading away Chandler and firing Scott without consulting Paul, trading rotation players for nothing) to think Paul wouldn’t opt out in 2012. I’m just afraid of Paul and Stojakovic getting traded for Dampier’s expiring contract + Beaubois and picks, or OKC’s cap space + Westbrook and picks.

by xedubx on Nov 17, 2009 8:09 PM PST up reply actions

the latter trade would be lovely for the thunder!!!

How the hell did that happen? I am Trailblazer fan to the core but I love me some OKC THunder!!! Must be the Hometown pride I feel.

I'll Say it now so you guys can know I'm a true follower: "In Pioli I Trust"
Go Chiefs!!!!!

by bouzi on Nov 17, 2009 8:14 PM PST up reply actions

Somehow I just can't see Chris Paul wanting to go to OKC...

What scares me is the thought of him going to the Flakers. I think if he is going to force his way out of NOLA, ti will be to a team with a legitimate shot at a championship that is in need of a better point guard. Yes, we fit that description but we are not the only team that does. The Magic just lost Jameer Nelson again – need I say more?

by LaMarvelous on Nov 17, 2009 11:08 PM PST up reply actions

Actually, trade to lakers would be hilarious

since their big expiring contract is kobe. I am sure kobe would exercise his full no-trade clause on that one, though.

Orlando does not have the big expiring contracts to get something like that done. As a matter of fact, neither do we unless we know for sure that Joel is opting out…which sounds like he probably will unless he gets injured. (knock on wood)

by xedubx on Nov 18, 2009 12:46 AM PST up reply actions