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Lopsided Trades

Ben_tiny by Ben. on Comment 340 comments

If you listened to Kevin Pritchard's podcast interview with John Canzano, you were treated to a lot of KP-speak and a new favorite buzzword: "lopsided trade."

What is a Lopsided Trade

A lopsided trade occurs when at least one of the participating teams is significantly under the salary cap and is therefore allowed to absorb more money in incoming contracts than they send out in outgoing contracts.

In most trades, if you take 3 million dollars in, you must send 3 million dollars (within 25% + $100,000) out.

In a lopsided trade when a team is significantly under the salary cap, the maximum amount of salary you can take in is limited to the amount of salary you send out plus the amount of cap space you have. For example, you can take 10 million dollars in and send 5 million dollars out if you have at least $5 million dollars in cap space to cover the difference. If you had $7 million dollars in cap space, you would only need to send out $3 million dollars to take back the $10 million.

Probably the best recent example of a lopsided trade occurred when Denver traded Marcus Camby (10 million dollar salary per year with 3 years remaining on the deal when they traded him) to the Los Angeles Clippers (who were well under the salary cap) for a conditional second round pick.

Generally, lopsided trades require two conditions:

  • 1. a team that needs to dump salary, either because they are cheap, because they want to get under the luxury tax line or because they want to create cap space to target a free agent in the future. In some cases, this team must also be willing to withstand media criticism and fan anger for making what might appear to be an unfair trade.
  • 2. a team with cap space willing to take on new contract(s) and sacrifice some flexibility.

What Prevents Lopsided Trades

On the surface, those two conditions don't sound super hard to meet but they are more difficult than you might think.

With regard to number 1, all sorts of things can prevent a team from dumping salary: a coach determined to win in the short term even against his organization's long term interests, a small market that prevents an organization from targeting big name free agents, or a general manager who convinces himself to give his current roster one more run.

With regard to number 2, there are a number of things that can prevent teams from taking on salaries in lopsided trades. Most notably, the fact that very few teams are far enough under the salary cap to make it work. Aside from that, the most common impediment is an owner who simply doesn't want to cut the check. And don't forget the General Manager who is afraid to tie up too much of his cap space in a single player or who sees his cap flexibility as a more valuable commodity than an incoming player.

Why a Lopsided Trade Now?

If KP is talking about lopsided trades now, we should be listening. In addition to the draft and free agency (which we've covered and will continue to cover in great depth) trades are a go-to method for improving your roster. Lopsided trades, in particular, can be a great way to add experience or toughness to your roster.

As it happens, the reason KP is talking about lopsided trades now is because the Blazers could fall squarely into the second group listed above (they will potentially have both cap space and a desire to take on new veteran or role players) once this year's salaries clear from their books and the new salary year begins July 9th. And, if we are to believe the news about the economy affecting decisions around the league, more teams than ever could find themselves dumping salary this summer.

Take, for example, Tuesday morning's news regarding the rumored Amir Johnson lopsided trade. As recently as 6 months ago, Johnson was viewed as a key building block for Detroit's future, perhaps second behind only Rodney Stuckey. Not only that, Johnson is an expiring contract and is paid a more than reasonable wage: just 3.67 million next year. Even given all that, it's now rumored that he will be shipped out for next-to-nothing.

Will Dumars actually trade Johnson without getting something back? That remains to be seen and I'm skeptical. But if a player of Johnson's quality, potential and value is being mentioned in a possible lopsided trade, we know there are plenty of other guys up for consideration.

Likely Conditions for a Player to be in a Lopsided Trade for the Blazers

In the past, it has been unusual for an expiring contract to be involved in a trade for cost-cutting purposes. As we all know thanks to Raef LaFrentz, expiring contracts are a valuable commodity and teams that are looking to dump salary (especially those looking to dump salary to chase free agents next summer) are likely to hold these as precious commodities because once they expire they evaporate into cap space. But if the economics are as bad as some think, there might actually be teams looking to dump an expiring contract for an asset that won't count against their payroll, such as future draft picks.

So, if you're looking at prospective lopsided trade targets, there are going to be two groups: the expiring contracts (arguably less likely to move) and the longer-guys, those with 2+ years on their deal (arguably more likely to move).

Given that the Blazers will soon be tying up tons of money in the forms of Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Batum (almost certainly), and Bayless (probably), I'm not sure it's reasonable to expect KP to trade for a player with a super long term contract. Anything longer than 3 years and it's probably got to be a nearly perfect fit for him to be acquired this summer.

Also, given the Blazers philosophy under Pritchard and Penn, a philosophy that has valued flexibility almost as much as it has valued talent, I don't think we'll necessarily see incoming players with big time dollars (think more than $10 million) per year either. The Tyson Chandlers or Jason Richardsons of the world are probably a stretch, at least this summer.

As it stands, most of us can agree that we don't see any roster turnover for the Blazers at the 2 or 5 positions. The 3 seems to be pretty crowded but it's not out of the question that the Blazers add a player there, especially if a trade is involved. For these reasons, this post will look only at 1s, 3s, and 4s.

In terms of contract length, we'll look at both groups mentioned above: expiring contracts and guys with 2 to 3 years remaining on their deals. A reasonable framework to play with on the dollars side is between 3 and 10 million dollars. Remember, we must balance both the benefit for the team trading the player away (it needs to be enough money cleared to make it worth losing the player's on-court abilities) and the benefit for the Blazers receiving the player (a noticeable talent upgrade over current personnel at a reasonable value).

Clearcut franchise type players, such as Jameer Nelson, are not included on these lists, even if their salaries fit the criteria listed above.

Click Through For The Lists!!

-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com) 

 

 

 

Star-divide

Potential Lopsided Trade Players

All names and salary information were pulled from Storyteller's yet to be unveiled 2009-2010 Salaries Spreadsheet.  How lucky am I that he shared his information with me?  Very lucky indeed.  Salaries listed below are rounded and represent the amount to be paid in 2009-2010, not future year salaries, which can change considerably.

I created these lists from scratch so invariably there are bound to be some omissions and, potentially, mistakes. Please advise kindly and gently in the comments. 

Expiring Contracts (probably less likely to be dumped)

This list includes true expiring contracts and contracts with team options for 2010-2011.  It does not include anyone with player options after 2009-2010. Players listed play the 1, 3 or 4 and will make between 3 and 10 million dollars in 2009-2010.

Amir Johnson PF (Pistons) 1 year / 3.67 million
Raja Bell SF (Bobcats) 1 year / 5.25 million
Josh Howard SF (Mavericks) 1 year / 10.89 million  [future team option]
Carl Landry PF (Rockets) 1 year / 3.00 million [future team option]
Luis Scola PF (Rockets) 1 year / 3.28 million
Mike Miller SF (Timberwolves) 1 year / 9.88 million
Antonio Daniels PG (Hornets) 1 year / 6 .60 million
Earl Watson PG ("Thunder") 1 year / 6.60 million
Kenny Thomas SF (Kings) 1 year / 8.78 million
Matt Harpring SF (Jazz) 1 year /6.50 million
Luke Ridnour PG (Bucks) 1 year / 6.50 million 
Chris Duhon PG (Knicks) 1 year / 6.03 million
Rafer Alston PG (Magic) 1 year / 5.25 million
Udonis Haslem PF (Heat) 1 year / 7.10 million 
Speedy Claxton PG (Hawks) 1 year / 5.21 million
Brian Scalabrine PF (Celtics) 1 year / 3.41 million
Tim Thomas PF (Bulls) 1 year / 6.47 million

Postscript on this list from Dave: "There's a loophole scenario (unlikely but possible) that the Blazers could trade away a couple cheap players for a massive expiring contract (potentially even larger than those listed) to retain some flexibility next summer as well."

2-3 Year Deals (probably more likely to be dumped)

This list includes players with guaranteed salaries (or player options) in 2009-2010, 2010-2011 or 2011-2012.  Players listed play the 1, 3 or 4 and will make between 3 and 10 million dollars in 2009-2010.

Kris Humphries PF (Raptors) 2 years / 3.20 million
Boris Diaw PF (Bobcats) 3 years / 9.00 million [includes player option]
Vladimir Radmanovic SF (Bobcats) 2 years / 6.47 million [includes player option] 
Kirk Hinrich PG (Bulls) 3 years / 9.50 million 
John Salmons SF (Bulls) 2 years / 6.43 million [includes player option]
Mike Dunleavy SF (Pacers) 2 years / 9.78 million
Jamaal Tinsley PG (Pacers) 2 years / 7.20 million
Keyon Dooling PG (Nets) 2 years / 3.56 million
Eduardo Najera PF (Nets) 3 years 3.00 million 
Jared Jeffries PF (Knicks) 2 years / 6.47 million [includes player option]
Mickael Pietrus SF (Magic) 3 years / 5.30 million this year [includes player option]
Reggie Evans PF (Sixers) 2 years / 4.96 million this year
Marcus Banks PG (Raptors) 2 years / 4.55 million
TJ Ford PG (Pacers) 2 years / 8.50 million [includes player option]
Caron Butler SF (Wizards) 2 years / 10.03 million 
Jason Terry PG (Mavericks) 3 years / 9.08 million
Shane Battier SF (Rockets) 2 years / 6.86 million
James Posey SF (Hornets) 3 years / 6.03 million
David West PF (Hornets) 3 years / 9.08 million [includes player option]
Nick Collison PF ("Thunder") 2 years / 6.35 million
Leandro Barbosa PG (Suns) 3 years / 6.60 million [includes player option]
Andres Nocioni SF (Kings) 3 years / 7.50 million
C.J. Miles SF (Jazz) 2 years / 3.70 million

One other player with a longer-term deal to consider because of previous trade rumors:

Luol Deng SF (Bulls) 5 years / 10.37 million

Brief Notes on the Lists

What's perhaps most interesting about the names on these lists is how many of them have been traded recently. A lot of these guys are the kind of players that bounce around the league, looking for the right situation, a proper fit that might never materialize. 

Some of the names listed above are obviously much more likely to be traded than others.  This list is meant to be a starting point (similar to the 2009 and 2010 free agents list) rather than a list of players I think the Blazers can acquire for next to nothing.  A lot depends on the teams that are currently paying them and who is looking to cut costs.

For example, I think Caron Butler is the heart and soul of the Wizards and is relatively untouchable; in the unlikely event that he is traded this offseason, he would bring back solid value to the Wizards.  Same thing with John Salmons: he seems to be a great fit in his new home in Chicago and very unlikely to move, especially in a trade like the kind we are talking about here.

However, I don't think you should write off all the big names from potential lopsided trade scenarios.  Take Josh Howard and Jason Terry, who have both been rumored to be involved in trades that return draft picks and big contracts to the Mavericks.  If that's the case, given the quality of this year's draft, I think that makes them potential candidates for lopsided trades as well. If you're Mark Cuban, would you rather have increased cap flexibility and save some money or have a top talent in a weak draft?  You can make a compelling case both ways.

Additionally, a guy like David West finds his way on here because of New Orleans' rumored financial problems. He's probably not a fit for the Blazers but if he was dumped somewhere a la the Tyson Chandler attempt, would you be that surprised given the time and dollars left on his contract?

Closing Thoughts

Which names jump out at you? One might argue the most logical name on these lists remains everyone's old favorite, Kirk Hinrich, for whom Norsktroll has already gone to the trouble of creating a pretty plausible, logical lopsided trade.

One final thing to keep in mind as you chew through the possibilities: these guys need not be perfect fits and they are not likely to be starters.  They are, probably, bench or role players that the Blazers would acquire by giving up spare parts (Sergio, etc.), draft picks or cash in return.  In that context, would a name like Udonis Haslem or Raja Bell make some sense? 

For what it's worth, I ran these lists past a nationally-televised ESPN basketball analyst that follows the Blazers carefully and he pooh-poohed every single name on both lists for one reason or another.  So if no one is striking your fancy, that's understandable. You're in good company with Kevin Pelton.  

But, then again, at least you're considering lopsided trades... just like Kevin Pritchard. 

-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)

4 recs  |  Comment 340 comments |

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Duhon fits in many ways for the Blazers.

And the Knickers fit in a trade with the Blazers too. And they´re looking for a young PG.

by amlmart1 on Jun 3, 2009 8:48 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

you just want

Sergio playing in the Knicks, dontcha?

(me too)

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace: "Unless we find out that Griffin has two heads or something like that in his physical examination, it's a pretty straight-forward decision."

by medmelon on Jun 3, 2009 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

no thanks

duhon only excels because he plays for d’antoni

by GreatOden'sRaven on Jun 3, 2009 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jeter Jeter

VENTURA: It's drowning. It gives you the complete sensation that you are drowning. It is no good, because you -- I'll put it to you this way, you give me a waterboard, Dick Cheney and one hour, and I'll have him confess to the Sharon Tate murders.

by 22baylor on Jun 3, 2009 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

A minor thing, that I'm sure someone will bring up

I think a trade must be within 25% plus $100,000. I don’t have a link since I don’t know jack about the salary cap. I think I’m right though.

by tominhawaii on Jun 3, 2009 8:55 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Picky, picky.....

But yes, you’re right.

BTW, the $100,000 also comes into play with trade exceptions. For example, the trade exception that Portland got in the Diogu trade is $2,912,823. They can take back $3,012,823 for one or more players using that exception.

by Storyteller on Jun 3, 2009 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks

I figured someone would have said something about it only with more snark.

by tominhawaii on Jun 3, 2009 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

So we could get PF Amir Johnson for...

PG Sergio Rodriguez + Trade Exception = Backup PF Amir Johnson for Portland.

This isn’t the lopsided trade, just utilizing the trade exeption. I like this idea a ton!

by Portland Dynasty on Jun 3, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought trade exceptions had to be usd n their own...

…and not allowed as part of a package.

"The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over."

by GonzoFan on Jun 3, 2009 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

you are correct sir.

proud hinrichsheeple

by Cablinasian on Jun 3, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Okay then, if the Trade Exception has to be used on its own...

Lopsided Trade #1: Sergio Rodriguez $880k + #55 to Detroit for Amir Johnson $3.67M = Portland loses $2.8M cap

Lopsided Trade #2: Travis Outlaw $4M + #24, #38,#56 to Chicago for Kirk Hinrich $9.5M = Portland loses $5.5M cap

Both those trades together come to around $8.3M, and the closest I have seen as our cap space is gonna be around $8.1M… So I don’t know if it would work, anyone know what our actual cap space is going to be?

Portland uses Pick #32 to draft-n-stash euro F Victor Claver as only draft pick this season

PG: Hinrich/Bayless/Blake
SG: Roy/Rudy
SF: Webster/Batum
PF: Aldridge/A.Johnson/Claver
FC: Oden/Pryzbilla

by Portland Dynasty on Jun 3, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Looks great for us

I just don’t think Chicago needs/wants Outlaw…

"Rudy’s flashy passes had the place whispering to each other like we were in junior high" ~BlazermaniacAndy

by courtsideerrandboy on Jun 3, 2009 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can they use the trade execption and cap space together in a lopsided trade?

"What's so interesting is that this team took on a dynamic that was very special. I don't think we as a group, in terms of management, coaches and players, realize what we did as a young team. We broke all the metrics. We broke all the molds. Our challenge is can we continue to do that. As young of a team with 54 wins, no issues off the court, phenomenal chemistry." - Kevin Pritchard

by lee3022 on Jun 3, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

no

by definition, you can’t have an exception and cap space at the same time. you can only have (and technically only need) an excpetion if you are over the cap.

you also can’t combine trade exception with other exceptions and/or players when making trades.

How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009

by douglast on Jun 3, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Memphis and NO

are said to be in panick mode. They are not wanting to take on salery and NO is said to be quietly shopping most of there roster. That was reported on the bft yesterday afternoon. This could be the best offseason in Portland history or one of the worst. I cannot wait until draft night when things get rolling around the league.

I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.

""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."

His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.

by Dragonage on Jun 3, 2009 9:00 AM PDT reply actions   1 recs

Good point

I’d contend that perhaps the biggest factor to consider in this whole ‘who might be available’ debate is just that – which teams are facing financial trouble if they don’t shed some salary this summer. Memphis is already well under the cap, but NO (especially since the Chandler deal fell through) looks to be above the tax threshold and is probably looking to unload salary.

I’d also say that Chicago (because they might be looking to free up money to re-sign Gordon) and Milwaukee (because they might be looking to free up money to re-sign Sessions and/or Villanueva) and perhaps even Utah (which is trying to sort out which FA’s to re-sign) could be prime candidates – as well as any team looking to further shed salary in anticipation of the FA class of 2010.

by Storyteller on Jun 3, 2009 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

In the recent 'Who are the Buyers and Sellers" fanpost...

Check out the details here: http://www.blazersedge.com/2009/5/27/890451/who-are-the-ufa-buyers-sellers

But here is the short list of SELLERS, or teams who are likely to be willing to do a lopsided trade because they are identified as having financial contrainsts…

New Orleans
Phoenix
Memphis
Detroit
Milwaukie
LA Clippers
Philly

Plus, recently we have also heard that Chicago is likely going to trade Kirk Hinrich regardless of what happens with BGordon. So from this list of teams, can you think of any players that excite you as a Blazer Prospect that we could target and obtain?

by Portland Dynasty on Jun 3, 2009 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

YES!!!!!!

But I won’t name him for fear of someone crushing my dreams

I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich

by hobobob on Jun 3, 2009 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

CP3!

We all know that people in New Orleans love Spaniards!

by Zaig on Jun 3, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Clippers as Sellers?

I’m not sure where you’re getting that, other than a simplistic “It’s the Clippers, they’re cheap” reasoning.

Unlike teams/owners in New Orleans, Phoenix, Milwaukee and elsewhere with serious financial problems, the Clippers have zero debt. Donald Sterling is a terrible owner and a terrible man, but he made his real estate fortune buying when property values were depressed. I don’t see the Clippers as sellers at all in this market.

In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd

by Steve Perrin on Jun 3, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I got it from that link...

But when I think about the Clips I see their top 4 contracts B.Davis $11M, M.Camby $9.5M, Z.Randolph $14M, and C.Kaman $10M… I would think that they would be willing to SELL off a combination of two, freeing up cap and flexibility. They are log-jammed with Camby & Zbo & Kaman down low, and aren’t enamored with Baron anymore. Those teams under the cap significantly Memphis or OKC or whoever else, could defnitely do a lopsided trade with them…

by Portland Dynasty on Jun 3, 2009 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

terrible owner

i wouldnt say a bad person..
does a lot for the community.. just doesnt care that much for basketball. its a money maker not a team to him

by GreatOden'sRaven on Jun 3, 2009 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Given the widely reported temper tantrum he threw in his locker room

It would be safe to call him volatile, insensetive, and childish. Assuming the rumors are true, you can also throw bigoted on top of that. That doesn’t necessarily equal terrible as a human being, but it certainly equates to terrible as both a boss and as a public figure.

Actually, assuming he knows that about himself, his reputation for being “uninvolved” with his team is probably more of an asset than a liability.

by conspirator5 on Jun 3, 2009 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually it wouldn't be safe to call him any of those things.

First off it is never a good idea to base judgements on second hand information.

Secondly, the fact that an individual may blow up once and lose their temper does not mean they are a volatile, insensitive or childish individual. One normally has to exhibit repeated performances of such behavior before getting labeled as such. I’m willing to bet that most of BE’s readers have lost their temper at least once or even acted in a childish manner.

Overall, it is never a good idea to cast slurs against an individual you have never met or had dealings with.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Jun 4, 2009 7:53 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can we use the trade exception

to trade for Reggie Evans?

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope we can get Conley from Memphis.

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

how about this:

Rudy + TO + cash for Tayshaun Prince?

I heard this was put forth as a possibly acceptable trade for Detroit.

"B-Roy is the best shooting guard I have played against"

-Ron Artest

If Artest can say it, so can I. Broy>Kobe.

by premthegrem on Jun 3, 2009 9:09 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

/sigh, I don't like it but I'd do it.

The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.

by faith on Jun 3, 2009 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

We don't need more SFs

If we’re giving up Rudy, we better be getting a PG back.

by Zaig on Jun 3, 2009 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

tayshaun prince

showed who the franchise player for detroit should have been (hint: his name rhymes with bauncey chillups). too much $$ for a role we have filled. not agro enough either.

"The problem with tweeners is that sometimes they’re exactly what you need to plug the hole and sometimes they are the hole."

-LaughingJon

by appel82 on Jun 3, 2009 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bare with me for a minute...

…i’m from ohio but i grew up in portland and have been a blazer fan for quite awhile. i can’t help but notice how many times i’ve seen outlaw’s name come up in trade talks and i really have a hard time understanding why. of the few games that were aired nationally i didn’t miss a second, and there were a number of times i watched him come off the bench and provide some much needed offense that sparked comebacks and come-from-behind wins. so my question is, why would we want to part with that kind of instant offense?

by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Jun 3, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I saw Outlaw account for a lot of come from ahead losses as well

The issue is he’s pretty much a one on one player, and we’re at the point that we’re much better playing as a team, and we don’t need that single entity to take over our whole offensive unit anymore.

by as11osu on Jun 3, 2009 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

but

isn’t he a solid defender? i guess i just have the mentality of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ granted we had a great season, and there is always room for improvement but i think it’ll be the minor tweaks we make that will benefit us more.

by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Jun 3, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's a decent man to man defender

But that is where his defensive skills end. His Rotation, awareness, etc are all awful. Combined that with the fact that man to man defense is terribly overrated and you’ve got a guy who isn’t that good on D.

by Zaig on Jun 3, 2009 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The usual suspects

Travis is

not a rebounder
not a starting SF
not a starting PF
a decent individual defender (when he’s focused) but he struggles with team defensive concepts
an inconsistent jump shooter who rarely passes or finishes in the half court (or draws fouls)

The Blazers need

veteran toughness
a backup PF who can bang

(bye, bye #25)

by two4larue on Jun 3, 2009 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

then by all means

lets send sergio, travis and cash to detroit for tayshaun. i’m all for it. someone get KP on the phone!!

by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Jun 3, 2009 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i’m aware rudy was mentioned in the above post but i like him more than sergio…

by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Jun 3, 2009 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Everyone does,

which is why Rudy+Trout+cash is in the realm of possibility, but Sergio+Trout+cash for Prince really isn’t. I’m not an expert on trade value and all that, but I doubt very much that gets Prince

by Terminator X on Jun 3, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rudy has much, much more value around the league than that

We could get a lot more if we wanted to part with Rudy. I think the consensus is that we’ve seen nothing yet, and he has the tools to be a star.

I’m not sure that Prince is much of an upgrade from Batum anyway. He’d be a little better next year, but Batum could be just as good in 2. With Martell (and Rudy in the 3-guard set) sharing minutes, having him would hinder Batum’s development.

by hoopla-pdx on Jun 3, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed

Batum is essentially an underdeveloped, younger Tayshaun Prince without the ability to score in bunches (thus far). I would have jumped at Prince before this last season, but he’s tailing off and Batum will do nothing but get better. His basketball IQ (especially on defense) is what makes him so valuable to me…

Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?

by raggmopp on Jun 3, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I honestly don't see the need for Prince on Portland.

I don’t think that a year from now he’ll be able to do anything Batum can’t do. Prince’s a good defender, but not a physical one.

I think a lot of PDX fans are reacting to the fact that Batum was a ghost in the Rockets series. I think I’d just accept that he’s young and that certain players may be kryptonite for him, but the majority won’t be.

I wouldn’t build a team to beat the Rockets, and I wouldn’t build a team that goes away from Portland’s strength, offensive efficiency.

You need a big banger. Fine, those guys can be had, I wouldn’t trade the store for one.

"So do you keep open 3pt FG percentage?"
"Yeah, we'd have everything you'd want, Bill."
"I hate you."
Bill Simmons/Daryl Morey Podcast 5/8/09

by Xiane on Jun 3, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

huuu!!! (as in agreement)

cuz batum was lookin like a summer league washout during summer league (k maybe a little harsh cuz he did do alot of stuff right)

The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.

by faith on Jun 3, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually I think Batum does have the ability to score in bunches but not the opportunity

"What's so interesting is that this team took on a dynamic that was very special. I don't think we as a group, in terms of management, coaches and players, realize what we did as a young team. We broke all the metrics. We broke all the molds. Our challenge is can we continue to do that. As young of a team with 54 wins, no issues off the court, phenomenal chemistry." - Kevin Pritchard

by lee3022 on Jun 3, 2009 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't you think

Rudy’s going to be a better scorer than Prince ever could. Scorers still win the games in the NBA while defenders are really just “helpers.” The players you would trade are both scorers and represent a lot of firepower. Does it make sense to trade scoring for defense???

by oregonslee on Jun 3, 2009 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes it does.

Offense wins games, defense wins championships.

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cleveland wins the Finals if they have better defense.

If defense didn’t matter, Lakers beat Boston in last years finals. But it does & you sir are wrong.

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wrong because you're right?

Cleveland is 1 and 9 in the finals because they can’t shoot their way out of a you know what. “the king”(small caps) can’t score every point. The underlying issue here is different. Some Bedgers believe KP’s going to upgrade with a defensive skill player like Prince, Battier or Heinrich; or will he go with an offensive star like G. Wallace, V. Carter or Nash. All I can say is please, please don’t blow it KP on a defensive specialist. That would be boring and wasteful. Unlike me, you sir are not wrong, merely misguided.

by oregonslee on Jun 3, 2009 8:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love it how you call Gerald Wallace a "offensive star"

You are the one who is misguided. Prince has as good an offensive set, if not better then Wallace.

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans/(T)Carl Landry - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Damion James, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

A nit-picker is lousey; get it?

That’s my pun for the day. Everything will be revealed this summer and then we will discover how you erred. Defense, posh!

by oregonslee on Jun 3, 2009 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree... I don't understand the idea behind it. but I've gave up arguing it.

I’ve yet to see a shut out in Basketball but one day It’s bound to happen I guess. /s

but really though it is an offensive minded game.

D helps win games, but you still have to be able to put the ball in the hoop. Jump shooting is a fundimenenenental of the game. dribbling, and passing. lol… after that it’s just stars and showboating and carries and travels and pushoffs and bogus blocking fouls, no calls on charges… yada yada yada… carries are traveling. almost every single nba player travels once or twice.

with that said. with imperfect refereeing… we will never see the obvious of the game. No matter how good the D is…. given there is a hoop there. if the offense is great enough. they’ll find a way to get ball through basket.
Offensive minded game where good D helps win games… is the cocecedeceddededccecdment I made.

 but it’s a silly arguement if ya think about it. it’s BASKETBALL… all together, so…. offense/defense = defense/offense either way you look at it. it’s right. right?

even the good arguements that can pull stats out of no where being somewhere but really no where…. but the gist of it is.. most of their stats will show a definitive winner…who scored more points than their competetororors to win the game… so … ?? by producing winners that won with D really only goes to prove that … they had better offense during the series othewise … how’d they win… they obviously got ball through basket more times than the opposing mighty D was able to prevent…. so…. yeah… .. it’s a fun arguement though.

The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.

by faith on Jun 3, 2009 11:45 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

You've gotta have both

The Snapper and Wild Rice used to have the offesne/defense debate, back in the day. (I’ll let you guess who was on what “side”)

I think most observers would agree that the Blazers already have the offensive “chops” to go far in the playoffs. Defense and rebounding win in the playoffs (regardless of the sport, BTW) that’s a historical fact.

Does that mean that “all” 12-15 players on the Portland roster need to be lockdown defenders with passable offensive skills? No.

Could the 2009 Blazers use better perimeter and post defenders on their roster? Yes

The only question is, which players need the upgrade and what FA or trade targets would best improve the team?

The debate continues…

by two4larue on Jun 4, 2009 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

word! :)

The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.

by faith on Jun 4, 2009 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'mma buzz this one

great post. Front page worthy even ;-)

Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash

by HurraKane212 on Jun 3, 2009 9:10 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

What about the Bobcats?

Their owner wants to sell and they were already rumored to be more than willing to move Gerald Wallace. He plays great defense, doesn’t need a lot of touches, tough as nails, etc. It seems like a natural trading partner for the Blazers. Would they want to commit to four years or is that just too long?

$9,075,000, $9,862,500, $10,650,000, $11,437,500

Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .

by Nick Van Excellent on Jun 3, 2009 9:11 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Not a bad idea, although he has had some injury-prone-ness.

I like what he brings on defense. However, wouldn’t getting Wallace necessitate moving 2 of the 3 SFs (Webster, Outlaw, Batum)? Not that that’s a bad thing, just bringing it up.

BTW, I know those are the salary figures that Hoopshype has for him. However, my best sources tell me that Wallace makes $9.5 million in each year of his contract.

by Storyteller on Jun 3, 2009 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for the clarification.

I should have just gone to your site first.

I think you would only have to move one of the small forwards. Wallace is really terrific as a power forward on offense and despite his size he’s a good post defender. I specifically remember one play in which Kevin Garnett was banging against him, trying so hard to get deeper post position and Wallace would not be moved an inch. Garnett eventually became frustrated and ended up turning the ball over. A few minutes latter Wallace trailed Peirce on a fast break and blocked his layup from behind. His versatility on defense is really a thing of beauty.

Wallace could take all the backup power forward minutes in addition to whatever he got at small forward. He’s not your prototypical banger, but he’s a banger nonetheless.

Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .

by Nick Van Excellent on Jun 3, 2009 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wallace has serious injury issues

And not just because Bynum broke his ribs.

He has a long history of concussions, and is, like TJ Ford, one bad fall away from being done.

Which is a shame, because I like his game – he absolutely crushes us every time we play the Bobcats.

KP might make a move for him anyway if the opportunity presented itself though, you never know.

by baduk on Jun 3, 2009 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know.

It’s a doubled edged sword. You’ve got to love the balls out style he plays, but at the same time it could really cut into the longevity of his career.

He seems like he’s been pretty healthy lately besides the ribs. I know the Bobcats are trying to play him as SF more so he doesn’t get banged up so much. I’m not really worried about his concussions too much, but just the nature of his game makes me think a big injury could be forthcoming.

I still love him though. If he was on the team this year there’s a good chance we would be in the finals right now. The guys is a destroyer on both ends of the floor when he gets going.

Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .

by Nick Van Excellent on Jun 3, 2009 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I immediately thought of Wallace when I saw the subject of this post.

I would regard him as a very high prospect for the Blazers. The assumption, to me, is that Travis Outlaw would be the guy going away if Wallace was coming in…

The fact that he has been dinged makes him obtainable. And Charlotte is one of the teams not drawing well and looking to raise cash, I think.

It makes a lot of sense. You hang on to both Marty and Nic (both young and cheap) and see where Wallace gets ya. Then after the year you make 1 of those 3 go away…

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 3, 2009 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You took the bait?

"What's so interesting is that this team took on a dynamic that was very special. I don't think we as a group, in terms of management, coaches and players, realize what we did as a young team. We broke all the metrics. We broke all the molds. Our challenge is can we continue to do that. As young of a team with 54 wins, no issues off the court, phenomenal chemistry." - Kevin Pritchard

by lee3022 on Jun 3, 2009 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

pulp fiction grrrreat movie...

I prefer goodfellas senario for this … cough….
Nicky,
“you know what I’m gonna do tommorow morning…I’m gonna get up feed my kids breakfast, then I’m gonna come on down to the bank, and if you don’t have my money for me, I’m gonna crack your head open,”

…………….charlie the banker, " sam sam sam!!! ahhhh" .

Nicky, " and about the time your getting out of your coma, you know what, I’m going to be getting out of prison about then, and you know what, I’m gonna come back and do it again…you wanna know why, cuz I’m stupid like that, I don’t give a rip"…. paraphrased of course ;)

The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.

by faith on Jun 3, 2009 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

casino...my bad... lol

The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.

by faith on Jun 3, 2009 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

anyone think Batum could learn some backup PF?

think how athletic that second unit could be, not to mention scary the first would be

C*mcast sucks!

by Blazermaniac77 on Jun 3, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's not there physically yet

He played a few minutes at PF last season; the opposition scored at a rate of 194.3 points per game while he was doing so, made no baskets, and the opposing PF rebounded at a rate of 15.5 rpg, scored 27.2 ppg, and had a PER of 29.9 to Nick’s 0.0. Not enough minutes for any of this to be very meaningful, but ask the question in a year or two after he gets stronger.

by jaywalker on Jun 3, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

that's kinda my way of thinking

I just think that if we told Nic that PF is where we want him to focus on for a bit, he may be able to surprise us. he’s long enough for sure, not strong enough yet, but he is smart enough I think.

I’m just trying to think how if we were to bring in a SF what we would do with Martel and Batum, because I believe they both deserve to play good minutes.

but yeah I basically agree that right now hes not ready, its just wondering how long it would take him to get ready

C*mcast sucks!

by Blazermaniac77 on Jun 3, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wallace could obviously play some PF

when aldridge is out, and allow Batum or Martel to play along side him

C*mcast sucks!

by Blazermaniac77 on Jun 3, 2009 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would not let Batum go for Wallace

Jordan is looking for the next Pippen. He’s ours.

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wallace

His age fits our beloved and elusive timeline for the most part too. I love him, we need a few guys who can get the the hoop and finish besides Roy.

* Building a Greg Oden Fanboy Treehouse Clubhouse this summer...

by OdenFanBoy on Jun 3, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Does KP

already have a deal in place? It sure sounded like he was setting up the fans for a move and is just letting us know to be ready for the official announcement.

I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.

""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."

His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.

by Dragonage on Jun 3, 2009 9:12 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

yeah but even if that was the case

it might be like the james jones trade where KP Made the deal on draft day but we didnt get him and he couldnt say what the deal was until the books cleared in midjuly

by HurricaneDayne on Jun 3, 2009 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He has said even last summer that the salary cap room might be used to facilitate a trade

He was speaking of flexibility.

However – KP is a master of deception and there is a good chance this whole thread is for the opposition to sucker bite.

"What's so interesting is that this team took on a dynamic that was very special. I don't think we as a group, in terms of management, coaches and players, realize what we did as a young team. We broke all the metrics. We broke all the molds. Our challenge is can we continue to do that. As young of a team with 54 wins, no issues off the court, phenomenal chemistry." - Kevin Pritchard

by lee3022 on Jun 3, 2009 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

One Name I Like

is Luis Scola. I don’t see the Rockets letting him go, but I liked the way he played against the Blazers in the playoffs and his hard-nosed style would fit here.

by setshot on Jun 3, 2009 9:14 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Scola's not going anywhere.

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 3, 2009 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No way Scola comes to P-town to 'back-up' LMA...

That won’t happen… I’d rather get Landry anyway.

by Portland Dynasty on Jun 3, 2009 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Landry is beast.

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Frye not getting the QO

Putting two and two together when listening to the interview, it is clear we are NOT giving Channing Frye the qualifying offer, and he will be an unrestricted free agent come July 1. We can’t get the ~7 million under that KP quoted if we have Frye’s cap hold on the books, so there you go.

Not that that is big news, and it’s long been considered a given around here, but it is important to note that it has pretty much been confirmed by KP himself.

How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009

by douglast on Jun 3, 2009 9:18 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Unless

The Blazers plan on tendering the QO, then revoking it if no options transpire during the moratorium to sign-and-trade him. Portland might do that just to keep all their options open…..

Doing so, they risk Frye actually taking the QO during the moratorium, so they might not take that route. Personally, I don’t think they’ll tender the QO, but will keep his Bird rights until they need the cap room and then renounce him.

by Storyteller on Jun 3, 2009 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cap hold of $9.491 million

So long as he isn’t renounced.

by Storyteller on Jun 3, 2009 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i thought you had to tender the QO to keep the bird rights?

in my extensive reading of the cap rules and Larry’s Coon’s FAQ, it always appeared to me that the whole QO system pretty much overrode the normal cap hold/non renouncing system of non-rookie scale free agents.

It’s my understanding that for guys coming off rookies scale the options are only:
1) offer the QO, which gives you Bird rights and the expense of the 3x salary cap hold
2) don’t offer the QO, which makes the player a UFA and waives the Bird rights.

Is there indeed an option 3) of keeping the Bird rights without offering the QO ?

How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009

by douglast on Jun 3, 2009 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is my understanding

There are two issues at play – they might overlap a bit but they are distinct issues. One does not affect the other.

1) Teams have the option of tendering a QO (which makes the player a RFA) or not (which makes the player an UFA). This is covered in the FAQ in #36.

2) The cap hold for players coming off their 4th year of a rookie scale contract is set per the rules for players with Bird rights and is covered in FAQ #30. Note that there is no distinction between RFAs and UFAs. As long as they are unrenounced FAs, their cap hold is either 250% or 300% of the 4th year contract amount.

Making a QO does not grant Bird rights. Bird rights are set by playing at least 3 years under the same contract. This is true for all players who complete the 4th year of their rookie scale contract – they all have Bird rights.

Making a QO does distingish between RFA and UFA, which is a separate but important issue.

I wonder if you’re thinking of players whose teams don’t pick up team options in rookie scale contracts. In the case of players whose 4th year option was not picked up, the cap hold is indeed unique (covered in FAQ #19 under discussion about Bird Rights). In this case, the most that the team can offer him using Bird Rights is the amount of what his 4th year would have been, so that becomes his cap hold amount. Also in this case, the team does not have the option of tendering a QO.

by Storyteller on Jun 3, 2009 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

good news then

so essentially, we get the best of both worlds. we don’t offer him the QO, but we do keep his bird rights, until we decide either to renounce them to get under the cap (and we don’t need to do so before then), which preserves the ability to include him in a sign and trade deal.

no risk, potential reward. a no brainder really

How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009

by douglast on Jun 3, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Best post in quite a while...

First of all, I don’r see Blazers acquiring SF unless it is a sure-fire starter, or unless we get rid of 2 of 3 amongst Batum, Outlaw and Webster. So I think this scenario is more likely to be used to acquire a PG or PF.

Amongst expiring contracts, I like Amir Johnson or Carl Landry. Luis Scola would awesome, but no way Houston lets him go. As for PG, Rafer Alston is an interesting possibility. With Nelson coming back, Orlando may see Alston as expendable. However, if they win the championship with Alston running the point, Orlando may have a hard time letting him go.

From the list of 2-3 year deal players, of course I like Hinrich, but perhaps another PG possibility is TJ Ford. However, I question whether Ford is really a good fit or whether he fits our “culture”. Also Jason Terry, but like Scola, I don’t see him as being available. At PF, I like Boris Diaw, Nick Collison and Eduardo Najera.

Certainly a lot of potential scenarios for KP (and the rest of us) to mull over….

by socalblazer on Jun 3, 2009 9:21 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Landry

Like him as a backup and I don’t think he’d be too crushed only playing 12-14 minutes a game. (Plus extra for all of our blowouts.)

by Zaig on Jun 3, 2009 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think

Landry would be a good fit at back up PF, plus all we would have to give up is Sergio

Draft Cole Aldrich 2010

by jlarose78 on Jun 3, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

We would have to give Landry 20mpg

Imo, to get the most out of him.

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice screen name

Back in the day, my first screen name on O-Live and other boards was SoCalBlazerFan (it’s still my screen name on RealGM since they continue to ignore my requests to change it). Nice to see the tradition carried on by another poster……

by Storyteller on Jun 3, 2009 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nick Collison would be a great fit...

I like the thought of Collison being a back-up 4 for Portland. He has a pretty well-rounded game…. I would be cool with Udonis Haslem, Amir Johnson or Carly Landry too.

Other than Kirk Hinrich, I don’t want any of the available guards.

by Portland Dynasty on Jun 3, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Id take

Kenyon Dooling – He was the guy behind Jameer Nelson pushing him in Orlando and the Guy behind Harris in NJ, word is he pushes them in practice

Draft Cole Aldrich 2010

by jlarose78 on Jun 3, 2009 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

A mentor for Bayless then? How old is he?

Think he would retire and move in as a position coach after his contract is up? I know nothing at all about Dooling…

by conspirator5 on Jun 3, 2009 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tinsley is a PG, not a PF

But he is a “thug” so I wouldn’t want him no matter what position he played.

"Cathartic? I didn't go to college, I don't know what cathartic means."
Kobe Bryant

by kono on Jun 3, 2009 9:36 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

couple weeks till draft Day!!!

woot woot. lets see some fireworks.

"Awesome! Totally awesome! All right, Hamilton!"

by B-ROYalty on Jun 3, 2009 9:51 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Najera jumps out at me for backup PF

At $3million per for 3 yrs, he is a value priced comodity that would give nice hustle and defense. He’s been a career backup and he’s an established veteran. Now I don’t know how he performed thias last season but 2 years ago he had the same role in Denver as the Birdman. Which as we all know is a role player we are lacking. The Nets are rumored to try and get in the 2010 sweepstakes and what better way, than to just swap our trade exception straight up for Najera. NJ gets 3 million more off the books and PDX gets a solid backup PF of the hustle guy variety at a reasonable cost.

by NWfan on Jun 3, 2009 9:58 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

It'd be a bit tricky, but it's doable.

In order to keep the trade exception into July, Portland would have to keep Bird rights on some players and not renounce their exceptions. Then after making the deal, they probably wouldn’t be able to get more than MLE-level cap room, so there would be no reason to renounce their exceptions. All that meaning that only the Najera trade could be lopsided – any other deals that came later would have to use exceptions.

by Storyteller on Jun 3, 2009 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Najera

Eduardo can shoot the 3 ball, when he’s left wide open. That would be a nice option if he’s in the same lineup with Greg/Joel

EN is the kind of player to hate for your team to play against. Kind of like Jeff Foster. He’ll tip balls out that “should’ve been” rebounded by your bigs and take charges and generally play “chippy” basketball

Najera’s near the end of his career and his PER stats probably suck, but he’ll play short minutes behind LMA and not complain about anything as the team is winning. He’ll add toughness and playoff experience to the roster. This is the “kind” of backup PF that KP should be targeting

by two4larue on Jun 3, 2009 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

So was Robert Horry

for the last couple of championship teams he was a part of

by two4larue on Jun 4, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

What I fear the most

Why would alot of teams choose us to be there lopsided partner,
I understand there are only a few teams with cap space but of those teams why would they choose us over a team like the thunder who people think will suck. They will be helping us win a championship and I am sure they see we are already an elite team (tied for 2nd in the ultra competitive West) and headed even higher with a bunch of developing talent.
Maybe we pick up a left over after the good lopsided trades are done, its always good to know Pritchard is keeping his eyes open for opportunity

"Knowledge will get you from A to B. Creativity will get you anywhere." Einstein

by Garden of ODEN on Jun 3, 2009 10:14 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Good question

You’ve essentially answered your own question – you not only need a seller, you need a willing buyer.

The teams with significant cap space this summer look to be Memphis, Oklahoma City and Detroit.

Memphis, historically, has not been willing to take on much more salary than it sends out in trades. In fact, they’re using on the side of getting less salary back than they send out. Are they willing to change their practice this summer? Perhaps.

Oklahoma City and Detroit are rumored to be considering using their cap room to sign free agents rather than make lopsided trades. However, that is a possibility….

by Storyteller on Jun 3, 2009 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I could see Oklahoma City make a lopsided trade....

OKC needs a starting center in a bad way and I could see them trying to get Marcus Camby or Chris Kaman out of LA. Send LAC a small package andOKC can eat the balance. I think that would be worth their time, a young center then could be developed behind either of them.

by Portland Dynasty on Jun 3, 2009 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The other answer is who we can send

We have some cheap young talent that other teams don’t have.

by boppitywop on Jun 3, 2009 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cap space only half of the equation

almost every lopsided trade involves sending back at least some talent (even in the Gasol trade there was Crittenton, who looked like a stud in summer league but couldn’t get off the bench behind Fisher and Farmar; sound familiar?).

Outside of Detroit, we’re the only team with any real cheap assets (besides the lotto picks this year) to throw in with additional cap space. The Thunder’s only trade chips are Weaver, Sefolosha and Collison, unless they’re willing to give up Green. Memphis has always been loath to pick up salary anyways, but have absolutely nothing unless they’re willing to give up either Gay or Conley. So unless one of those teams is willing to part with a core guy, I think we could easily trump a deal with some combo of Trout, Sergio, Bayless, Blake, Webster, Nic and Rudy (although obviously not all of them). Even if you take Nic and Rudy out, that’s still a solid level of talent. Detroit obviously has Johnson, Afflalo, Maxiell, and Bynum as young guys who have looked pretty decent.

by Royster on Jun 3, 2009 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions   2 recs

very nice points here.

Blazers Edge.com 

by Ben. on Jun 3, 2009 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Gasol trade sent Gasol's both ways

Mark Gasol was the real talent piece in that trade.

I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich

by hobobob on Jun 3, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't laugh
  • Marc Gasol has a significant impact as a starter and is posting good efficient numbers for a “rookie” which he is only by definition. His style fits their play and needs at least as good as the finesse of his brother. He is also considerably younger. And thus much cheaper. And during the Rockets-Lakers series, announcers started to joke the Lakers traded the wrong Gasol brother when Pau bricked important free throws and overall played soft. The deal is starting to show it’s real impact.
  • They got Javaris Crittenton, who is a decent player, but they decided to pass him along to Washington to get their own first round pick from the Navarro deal back. Always valuable to have that as a likely lottery team (would have been a protected first round pick top 19 in 2008, top 16 in 2009, top 14 in 2010-12, top 12 in 2013, else 2014 second round pick). In other words THIS IS NOW THE TOP 2 PICK or it would still live in Washington
  • They got two likely very low first round picks from the Lakers. The first one was 2008 #28, and they drafted Donte Greene and traded him for Darrell Arthur. 2010 is the second one, top 6 protected just in case
  • With the expiring deals of McKie and Brown, they saved a ton of cap space. Which they can still use to acquire free agents if the owner is willing to spend in 09 or 10 (he said he will, for a player that puts them in the playoffs)
  • Without Pau they tanked, got a #5 draft pick, and managed to convert Kevin Love and Mike Miller into O.J. Mayo. That also is not that lopsided, but so far they look like that was a good deal for them.

All in all, I assume the owner and GM in Memphis are happy with the deal. And so are the Lakers.

by Norsktroll on Jun 3, 2009 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lakers won't be

When they lose in the finals again!!

by Zaig on Jun 3, 2009 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They'd still have the #2 pick in this draft regardless

Pau Gasol is a top 15 or 20 player in the NBA. Calling Marc Gasol the real talent in that trade is ridiculous.

by as11osu on Jun 3, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Everything about that pick I remember hearing

is that it most likely would’ve been a 2nd rounder, which doesn’t effect anyone.

by as11osu on Jun 3, 2009 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

And Washington wouldn't have gotten their hands on it

basically until Memphis became a playoff team.

by as11osu on Jun 3, 2009 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I read your reply to Dwight

First of all, I wouldn’t recommend trying to teach Dwight anything new. I’m not sure what his nationality is, but he reminds me of the old Scandinavian joke “you can always tell a Swede (etc) but you can’t tell him much” You’re not going to get into a dialogue with Mr. Jaynes on his website, only a snarky monologue.

With that said, I agree with Dwight on this one. Don’t you remember the state of the L*kers before the Gasol deal? You had Kobe asking to be traded to Chicago. You had Philip contemplating early retirement. L*A was headed towards mediocrity and that g*d* Memphis deal bailed them out and put everybody back in a winning mindset, again

The Griz may have gotten something “nice” for Pau in the end, but the Fakers got their swag back and that made the deal “lopsided” from every angle, in this Blazer fan’s humble opinion

by two4larue on Jun 4, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

the owner and GM in Memphis are happy with the deal. And so are the Lakers.

KP needs to make some other NBA owner/GM “happy” like that

by two4larue on Jun 3, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

7'1" 265 I think long term I would take little bro Gasol

12 pts 7.4 rebs as a rookie This guy is gonna pass up his bro in value in a few yrs

by We-B-Dunkin on Jun 3, 2009 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

KP needs to make some other NBA owner/GM "happy" like that

What I meant to say is that if KP “only” has to surrender what L*A did to get a difference-maker of the caliber or Pau, then he shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger

After all, what good are 5 draft choices if your roster can’t advance in the playoffs?

by two4larue on Jun 4, 2009 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I Gotcha

I was just looking long term & Memphis didn’t do that bad.

by We-B-Dunkin on Jun 4, 2009 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not feeling the list

Hinrich isn’t bad, but I prefer the guys we have to the guys on that list. If we do a trade of some sort, I want at least one player that I can be a little excited about.

"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.

But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html

by ratbastird on Jun 3, 2009 10:17 AM PDT reply actions   1 recs

I'm with you on the list and Hinrich.

There’s been so much talk about Hinrich that I will be confused if he isn’t starting for us in October.

Why don’t we hear more about bringing-in Udonis Haslem at backup PF? Does he still start for Miami? Have his skills declined due to age or injury? Did he kill a puppy?

by MiledAnimal on Jun 3, 2009 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Couldn't agree more about Haslem

I think he would be a great fit at the backup PF spot. Although somewhat undersized, he’s a very good defender, rebounder, and hustle player and would add some toughness. Joe Smith, McDyess, or Bass might be better offensively, but I think Haslem could easily do everything the Blazers would ask of him. Just to put his numbers out there, he averaged 10.6 pts and 8.3 boards (2.3 offensive) in 34 minutes with a FG% of .518. Here is John Hollinger’s analysis as of last season (and his numbers were better this season):

“A limited offensive player whose game consists mostly of put-backs and 15-foot jumpers, Haslem has managed to carve out an NBA niche by knowing his role and playing it. He doesn’t have much of a post game and is undersized at 6-8, but he works hard on the glass and battles tirelessly on defense. Haslem doesn’t block shots and usually stays on the floor, but does his work early by pushing opponents out on the block and moving his feet against pick-and-rolls [emphasis added]; as noted above, he also excels at drawing charges.”

Sounds like exactly what we need if we can get Miami to give him up for not much (which I kind of doubt, but might be possible) and if he’d be okay with playing many fewer minutes on a contending team.

by MDBlazerfan on Jun 3, 2009 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd have no problem with Udonis at backup 4

As long as he’d be “content” playing 10-12 mpg behind LMA

by two4larue on Jun 3, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I want at least one player that I can be a little excited about.

Exactly. This is the time for KP to make “the” deal that elevates the Blazers into title contending status

No one saw the Pasol deal coming for L*A

Nobody saw the Billups trade coming for the Nugs

But these are the kind of “blind-side” deals that I’m hopeful for, about 30 days from now

KP needs to get ’er done

by two4larue on Jun 3, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Parasol?

The ink of a scholar is worth a thousand times more than the blood of a martyr.

by The Pirate on Jun 3, 2009 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Caron Butler

would fall into this “get all excited” category, BTW

by two4larue on Jun 3, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

hate to burst your bubble

but Caron Butler and the WA Wizards ranked 20th in the NBA in Net PER for the SF position (-1.8). The Blazers ranked 7th with a positive 2.6 Net PER. Plus, we are due to get Webster back, which can only help.

In reality, the only two positions the Blazers could really upgrade are the 1 and 5 – but the 5’s will take care of themselves with Oden’s development. If you want to get nitpicky, the backup 4 is an obvious hole on the roster, mostly because Frye is probably better suited to be a starter on a fast pace team, rather than a backup on a slow paced team.

by blacknoiseNW on Jun 3, 2009 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

no "bubble" here

Frankly, I’d rather that KP upgrade the PG postition and leave SF to Batum/Webster

But Butler would be a difference-maker worth getting excited about.

Odds of Caron being available are .00001 (but like with CP3, we can dream)

by two4larue on Jun 4, 2009 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Only guy I like that I think we could get is Collison

We want a back up banger for Aldridge who can play center in a pinch? He’s the guy.

Actually, Haslem would also be ok. If Reggie Evans weren’t such a nutgrabber he’d also make the list as a potential energy guy behind Aldridge, but I don’t see Philly dumping his contract.

by baduk on Jun 3, 2009 10:38 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

a lot of money for not very many minutos

but tough enough to play some C when forced to play small i suppose. actually, aldridge and collison would be a decent combo too. ruffin, shav, frye would have to get in line.

"The problem with tweeners is that sometimes they’re exactly what you need to plug the hole and sometimes they are the hole."

-LaughingJon

by appel82 on Jun 3, 2009 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The question is not what, but who

Hilarious NBA campaign spoof

"The problem with tweeners is that sometimes they’re exactly what you need to plug the hole and sometimes they are the hole."

-LaughingJon

by appel82 on Jun 3, 2009 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Phily would get rid of Reggie

He can’t play offense and they are loaded up front, They would probally do it for Sergio and a second rounder, as for the Nut Grabber I wouldn’t mind having a guy who will play a little dirty when required

Draft Cole Aldrich 2010

by jlarose78 on Jun 3, 2009 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I want Reggie Evans

Interesting fact: Brother of draft prospect Tyreke Evans.

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

your offseason is nuts

thats 11 players are they cutting all there current players?

fire nate before its too late

by pipgras on Jun 4, 2009 4:56 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Haslem, Evans, Collison

All good choices, I also like the Collison idea, he could swing to center in case of injury of foul trouble

by two4larue on Jun 3, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How about Antawn Hamison?

The plan of the Wizards is to keep their “big three” together, so it’s not terribly likely, but they would surely try to move him due to his age and contract before they move Butler. And if you put names like Terry and Howard on the list who are not very likely to get moved except for a star or extremely high draft pick, he plays in that same league.

The Wizards’ salary sheet is too rich for their performance, and their owner and GM has to see that even with a healthy Arenas, Butler, Jamison, Hayward they are unlikely to overcome Boston, Cleveland, and Orlando in the East.
Jamison is turning 33 and will cost them ca. $11.6, 13.4 and $15.1 million for the rest of his contract. He is one of the top 15 scorers in the league, and can play both the SF and PF position. It’s pricey, but he could be a veteran presence Nate would love to have.

Wouldn’t the Wizards do a Travis & Frye (S&T to a matching salary) and future first round pick and cash for Jamison deal? They could use Travis as the first guy off the bench to backup Butler which would enable them to play Nick Young full time as a shooting guard (his natural position) and maybe trade Stevenson to a team that gives them a pick for him or in a package to get rid of another guy they want to move. They can develop Blatche as their future power forward, with Travis (if they need more shooting), Frye and the useless Oleksiy Pecherov on the bench. And pick another young piece for their future in the draft, maybe a combo guard to back up Arenas and Young in case of injury like Jrue Holiday.

by Norsktroll on Jun 3, 2009 10:50 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I thought that was on purpose

"You're welcome friend
I love you."
- Tom "Dragline" inHawaii

by 92wastheyear on Jun 3, 2009 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm actually intrigued by this Antawn Hamsion

I’ll bet his contract is far better than Jamison’s.

Jamison wouldn’t be awful, though. Remember, it was as a backup in Dallas that he managed to revitalize his career and move to Washington in the first place. It depends on how desperate Pollin is, though. Jamison is basically just a hyper efficient Outlaw, so he could fill in those minutes (presuming they’re still around with Webster back in the fold).

Also, any way we could get a mod to delete my first reply. It won’t let me flag myself.

by Royster on Jun 3, 2009 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i think i have cooled on jamison.

he was outside the salary bounds for this list. i think kp flinches at his salary.

this was a fun discussion tho lol…..

http://www.blazersedge.com/2008/12/3/678810/today-s-poll-trade-for-jam

Blazers Edge.com 

by Ben. on Jun 3, 2009 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Chris Paul

Please, for the love of God, get us Chris Paul.

myspace.com/marktwainindians

by mark twain on Jun 3, 2009 11:03 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

The mother of all lopsided trades :)

More likely that we would get Peja Stojakovic for a re-signed Raef LaFrentz Expiring Contract (e.g. 3 years x $9 million, 1 year guaranteed). Or Antonio Daniels for Sergio.

by Norsktroll on Jun 3, 2009 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can you imagine

If somehow, someway, KP DID pull off the mother of all trades and we ended up with CP3 next to BROY? I can only imagine how much we’d have to pay Roy, Aldridge, Paul, and Oden (if Oden gets it together) in salary once they’re all re signed. Eeek

myspace.com/marktwainindians

by mark twain on Jun 3, 2009 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Imagine CP3 in red/black...it's easy if you try

(now don’t start THAT again!)

If KP could get CP3 without surrendering one of the big 3?…he would immediately be canonized

“St. Kevin of Pritchslap”

by two4larue on Jun 3, 2009 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

that has a really great ring to it

make it happen, KP, make it happen.

by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Jun 3, 2009 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

CP3 is the PG we need..

however I can’t believe that would ever happen without surrendering one of the big 3. Plus, you never want to trade good bigs for good smalls.

by toolman on Jun 3, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Paul is a great defender

Despite being small in size, he is very smart within the “team defense” & knowing when he can take chances.

I would love to have him, but I think we ultimately have a better shot at Rondo.

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, CP3 is amazing...

But let’s throw the realism question out of the window. Do B-Roy and CP3 play nicely together? I don’t think so. I can’t provide a link, but I think when Bayless was drafted Brandon himself cited CP3 as somebody that he didn’t think he would have good floor chemistry with.

So maybe here’s a complete different question than the thread is trying to address: Would you trade B-Roy out if you could get CP3 in return?

by conspirator5 on Jun 3, 2009 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not a chance.

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans/(T)Carl Landry - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Damion James, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nope...

Besides…D-Will is a better fit for this team than CP3. Not that I wouldn’t love to have either of them, since we’re hittin’ the crack pipe…

Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?

by raggmopp on Jun 4, 2009 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Brandon and Chris

seem to get along well enough in the all-star games

They both would prefer to have the ball in their hand down the stretch of games, but I’d still like to see them “get over” the tension of who gets the last shot, etc

It would be a nice “problem” to have

by two4larue on Jun 4, 2009 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

CP3 is too short

he wouldn’t play well in Nate’s system.

by as11osu on Jun 9, 2009 1:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

mmmm..... straight up? lol... I'd do it.

The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.

by faith on Jun 4, 2009 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's still got to earn it

You don’t aspire to be a saint, it’s a bestowed title

Reminds me of the old joke “they gave me a badge for my humility, but when I pinned it on, they took it away!”

We’re not asking for much, KP, just a Portland dynasty. Deliver the goods and you’ll go down in Blazer lore.

So shall it be written, so shall it be done

by two4larue on Jun 4, 2009 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

they gave me a badge for my humility, but when I pinned it on, they took it away!"

joke!!! that’s like law!! :)

The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.

by faith on Jun 4, 2009 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Could work. They would probably have to be convinced that Peja could still play at a pretty high level

If he retires, I would guess they want to keep Posey.

Acquiring him was definitely not the move to put them over the top, they already had decent wing players and would have benefitted more to invest that money into a solid backup point guard (they let Pargo go for nothing which was a mistake, and later replaced him with the pricier Daniels) and a better backup interior defender/rebounder.

Might work for both sides if they get a younger player they can use and out of the rest of Posey’s contract. Travis might do it since he can more than replace his shooting if not the rest, but that immediately saves them only $2.4 million. In theory they might even be interested in Channing.

by Norsktroll on Jun 3, 2009 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Peja is overpaid and undergood. And the idea of paying Raef ANOTHER $9M for nothing makes me cringe just thinking about it...

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 3, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Kirk Snyder?

As the back-up 4? Pretty sure he is a UFA this summer.

"The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over."

by GonzoFan on Jun 4, 2009 12:26 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Never mind.

Just read up on him. I didn’t even know he was in China, thought he was hurt. Looney tunes.

"The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over."

by GonzoFan on Jun 4, 2009 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Really?

What happened to him? I never heard about this one…

"The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over."

by GonzoFan on Jun 4, 2009 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

fake big shot rob.

"The problem with tweeners is that sometimes they’re exactly what you need to plug the hole and sometimes they are the hole."

-LaughingJon

by appel82 on Jun 3, 2009 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

nah, we really don’t want Posey. I watched a lot of Hornet games and he really doesn’t have the ability to play great defense anymore. Ask the Hornet blogger about it… he’s just not anywhere near worth the money he’s making.

proud hinrichsheeple

by Cablinasian on Jun 3, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

plus

he makes more mental errors than travis.

dinasour type of guys choir boys

by mittsabishy on Jun 3, 2009 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's my best idea too

He brings toughness, championship experience from two teams, and excellent defense. Many blazers would learn a lot from Posey (especially Nic) and he’s enough of a pro to operate on limited minutes while doing all of these things.

by RoyalAsn on Jun 3, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That would be like convincing the Hornets to do our work for us

"It's not who jumps the highest -- it's who wants it the most" Buck Williams

"and if EVERYONE confronted with a tough, disgusting situation pulled out, I don't think I would have been born." Mortimer

by Fund A Mental on Jun 3, 2009 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

does canzano live in L.O.?

“I just happen to be hanging out at the farmers market following people eating breakfast burritos…”

"The problem with tweeners is that sometimes they’re exactly what you need to plug the hole and sometimes they are the hole."

-LaughingJon

by appel82 on Jun 3, 2009 11:38 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I believe he does

"You're welcome friend
I love you."
- Tom "Dragline" inHawaii

by 92wastheyear on Jun 3, 2009 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

that's cool

My imagination just gave me and idea though: Go to farmers market in LO to busk, maybe i’ll get hired by someone who knows how to evaluate true talent. :-)

"The problem with tweeners is that sometimes they’re exactly what you need to plug the hole and sometimes they are the hole."

-LaughingJon

by appel82 on Jun 3, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

there are other farmers markets

not just in LO. It doesnt say it was in LO does it?

by raging WebTed on Jun 3, 2009 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i think canzano says his article

and i’m pretty sure KP says that in the interview too.

"The problem with tweeners is that sometimes they’re exactly what you need to plug the hole and sometimes they are the hole."

-LaughingJon

by appel82 on Jun 3, 2009 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

KP: "We're gonna be active, we've got some cap space..."

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 3, 2009 11:45 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Quote from the podcast. Also "We'll have 6-and-a-half, 7 million" [cap space, depending on where the final league number comes in]....

This does in fact imply that Frye is renounced, yes?

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 3, 2009 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

On lopsided trades (note the numbers he uses): "...it allows us to take in a $10 M player and only send out a $2M, $3M player..."

Heinrich in, Travis out, roll the dice on Marty…

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 3, 2009 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

".....we need to add some toughness, we've talked about that..."

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 3, 2009 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"....LaMarcus isn't going anywhere, we feel like he's part of our foundation.."

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 3, 2009 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"...players want to play in front of people, and more importantly, they want to play in front of good crowds that will go crazy for them..."

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 3, 2009 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

TIMBO

your face is EVERYWHERE

"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"

by Magnum on Jun 3, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But he also says players get tougher as they mature

It’s the usual KP. A bit cautious, and keeping everything and anything open. You are looking in the tea leafs if you think you can deduct much from this podcast.

by Norsktroll on Jun 3, 2009 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ah, maybe. But I think he's hinted that something is coming. The cap space is a 1 year only thing, isn't it? Brandon and LMA get extended soon and then it's bye-bye...

This seems the last moment to add another major piece via free agency or a trade…

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 3, 2009 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

sort of

there’s always a chance to use that capspace in a trade deadline deal as well.

not to mention, of Joel opts out after 09-10, we could clear almost $10 million in capspace in summer 2010 even with Roy and LMA starting their extensions (subtract any newly acquired contracts that go past next year). But this is something NOT in the team’s control, so seems hard to believe they would count on it.

How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009

by douglast on Jun 3, 2009 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

there’s always a chance to use that capspace in a trade deadline deal

When it comes to deadline deals, there are exactly two chances that KP will pull the trigger

Slim, and none.

(And Slim just left town)

by two4larue on Jun 3, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

so

you’re saying there’s a chance…

by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Jun 3, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

2-4 is right on the money... Deadline deals and KP do NOT get along.

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 3, 2009 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Slim to none that Joel opts out after 09-10...

Starting centers play less minutes than anyother position, which opens up the chance that 2nd unit centers can still get significant minutes. Better yet for Joel, he may have less minutes in the reg season, but will never play a lesser role in the playoffs with this team…

Joel has a very important role with the Blazers
Joel is embraced by the Portland fans
Joel is an emotional leader who has established his persona with his team
Joel will always be paid fairly by Paul Allen
Joel has as good as chance in Portland to win a title as anywhere in the NBA
Joel will always get 15 to 25 minutes to play night in and night out

Joel will never leave Portland, and trading him wouldn’t get us anything more important for this team than a strong tough center who specializes in rebounding and defense. There is no reason to trade him now or in the near future.

by Portland Dynasty on Jun 3, 2009 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Unless

It was to move up to draft Joel the second coming (this time with better offense) Also known as Cole Aldrich in 2010

Draft Cole Aldrich 2010

by jlarose78 on Jun 3, 2009 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

But Cole may be too good to play behind Oden.

"What's so interesting is that this team took on a dynamic that was very special. I don't think we as a group, in terms of management, coaches and players, realize what we did as a young team. We broke all the metrics. We broke all the molds. Our challenge is can we continue to do that. As young of a team with 54 wins, no issues off the court, phenomenal chemistry." - Kevin Pritchard

by lee3022 on Jun 3, 2009 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, I'll believe that billing when I see it in the Pro's...

Joel is way too damn good and IN the freaking prime of his career, and in the backup role he is gonna be playing, Joel should have multiple years left on his career. 5 solid seasons left… that is pretty deep into our “window”, we won’t need the 2nd Coming of Joel for 4 more drafts.

I am not saying that I wouldn’t take Cole Aldrich, but I am not in any hurries to be finding the 2nd coming anytime soon… not needed. Joel will be a reasonable and value laden contract forever.

by Portland Dynasty on Jun 3, 2009 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hinrich would be very nice.

proud hinrichsheeple

by Cablinasian on Jun 3, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

not tendered the QO, definately

and renounced if and when needed to clear cap space (along with all other exceptions, such as the MLE, biannual, and our traded player exception, if we don’t use it on draft day)

How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009

by douglast on Jun 3, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Possible Trade

Hey im a hornets fan and was gonna see your guys thoughts on this trade

Antonio Daniels for Sergio and an early 2nd Round Draft pick

Postitives for Blazers

1) Get an accomplished veteran backup point. Already won a championship, understands his role as a backup and mentor so he could help the development of bayless

2) Hes an 6mil expiring contract, that could be viewed 2 ways as an insurance policy if it dosent pan out you let him walk and save a good 6mil to use for resigning later players or trying to get an 2010 free agent, or you can use him in further trades as an enticing expriring contract to add to a trade (for example daniels, outlaw (i read hes expendable idk) and a draft pick could reap you guys some big benefits like possibly richard jefferson from the bucks)

3) You get rid of the trouble that sergio has caused by being upset with his role on the team and you end up most likely having better team chemistry

Thoughts??

by hornets on Jun 3, 2009 11:58 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

How about

Chris Paul for Sergio/Travis/Frye. It gives us the point guard we need, and gets rid of the guys we don’t! Then you get the all important cap space and we win championships! : )

myspace.com/marktwainindians

by mark twain on Jun 3, 2009 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

I'd do that deal

IN A HEARTBEAT

myspace.com/marktwainindians

by mark twain on Jun 3, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah

SOLD, and thanks for shopping at N.O.

by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Jun 3, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

5 draft picks, Bayless, Sergio, Travis, Frye

KP: Seriously buddy this is NINE players. You could build an entire team with nine players. All we want is ONE in return. Sounds pretty fair to me!

NO: DONE!

by Zaig on Jun 3, 2009 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Antonio is done

and Sergio’s just getting started. No thanks.

If you want Sergio, you can have him but it will take more than Antonio Daniels to get him. – Elgin

VENTURA: It's drowning. It gives you the complete sensation that you are drowning. It is no good, because you -- I'll put it to you this way, you give me a waterboard, Dick Cheney and one hour, and I'll have him confess to the Sharon Tate murders.

by 22baylor on Jun 3, 2009 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

you can have him for a bar of soap

…yo wash what he left behind away

by raging WebTed on Jun 3, 2009 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

how bout

Sergio for Daniels and your 2010 first round pick Lottery Protected

Draft Cole Aldrich 2010

by jlarose78 on Jun 3, 2009 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Used to love Daniels

2 or 3 years ago. He’s not the same player anymore. Sergio is better for this team than Daniels. We’d need Julian Wright.

by as11osu on Jun 3, 2009 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I dunno. I root for the Hornets a bit and watch a lot of their games… Julian Wright is not an upgrade over Nic Batum.

proud hinrichsheeple

by Cablinasian on Jun 3, 2009 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was more thinking of a small ball 4

that way we can trade Outlaw. Also, Julian Wright is a very good defender of both positions. They were 5 points better defensively with him on the court. He’s a guy you can throw at both wing players and 4’s and still get quality results on the defensive end.

by as11osu on Jun 3, 2009 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, he’s a really good defensive player… but he has a propensity to make really befuddling plays at the wrong times.

proud hinrichsheeple

by Cablinasian on Jun 3, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You do wonder if he ever will mature

I love Ju Ju and coveted him when he came out but he reminds me of Outlaw’s defense on offense – kind of unsure what he is to do. Physical tools to be among the best in the league.

"What's so interesting is that this team took on a dynamic that was very special. I don't think we as a group, in terms of management, coaches and players, realize what we did as a young team. We broke all the metrics. We broke all the molds. Our challenge is can we continue to do that. As young of a team with 54 wins, no issues off the court, phenomenal chemistry." - Kevin Pritchard

by lee3022 on Jun 3, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, Julian Wright has all the tools to be a Boris Diaw-esque player.

Wright, however, has a basketball IQ that’s similar to Travis Outlaw, which is next to nil.

by AK1984 on Jun 3, 2009 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

hey anyone remember when

Whitsit traded for Daniels…

C*mcast sucks!

by Blazermaniac77 on Jun 3, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yep

don’t remember the year, AD wasn’t around PDX for long

by two4larue on Jun 4, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tell Antonio thanks

Daniels was a vital part of the Blazer’s big comeback road win, earlier this year

by two4larue on Jun 3, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just tell me what's going to happen already!!!

Too many things to think about. Head exploding. Ahhhhhhhhhh

by PoliSam on Jun 3, 2009 12:04 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

The thought of pulling Battier into the fold makes me drool

in a purely, non-mancrush sort of way, of course…

No way Houston lets either Battier or Scola out, though… sigh

Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?

by raggmopp on Jun 3, 2009 12:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh yeah

I put Battier in my top 3 players that I would go nuts over if we traded for (realistic players that is)…

myspace.com/marktwainindians

by mark twain on Jun 3, 2009 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

A buffet of goodness Ben!

Great post, lot’s and lot’s of options open to the Blazers this off season.

I will say this though…With all the options that the team will have, Hinrich to me, is like ordering vanilla at 31 flavors. I just think with a little more seasoning Bayless will be more of what the team is looking for than Hinrich at the point.

2-4 the who

by 24thewho on Jun 3, 2009 12:36 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

no it's like ordering madagascar vanilla bean sweet cream ice cream instead of settling for the cheaper stuff you already have at home in the freezer

"The problem with tweeners is that sometimes they’re exactly what you need to plug the hole and sometimes they are the hole."

-LaughingJon

by appel82 on Jun 3, 2009 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Still vanilla....

Here sir, try this T-Rex berry. I’ts got a bite to it so watch out!

2-4 the who

by 24thewho on Jun 3, 2009 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

i think bayless as more of a penut buttercup, packs a protien punch! Either way, i’m sure ben wouldn’t mind having more than one flavor around, adios spanish coco!

"The problem with tweeners is that sometimes they’re exactly what you need to plug the hole and sometimes they are the hole."

-LaughingJon

by appel82 on Jun 3, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can see why

“he pooh-poohed every single name on both lists.”

1) The Blazers need a strong backup PF that can wear down the BIGS … not Amir Johnson.
2) etc.
…..
x) etc.

by spencerbutte on Jun 3, 2009 2:36 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

we have a strong back up pf

his name is joel freeland

fire nate before its too late

by pipgras on Jun 4, 2009 4:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

STEVE NASH

Suns are cheap, we can take his 14 Million back and send out 8 million (Blake and Bayless), saving them 6 million and giving them a solid young prospect in Bayless.

Then we use Outlaw/Sergio/money/24 to get Curry, get Beabois and Claver with our 2nds, sign Mcdyess and we are SET.

Nash/Curry/Beabois
Roy/Fernandez
Batum/Webster
Aldridge/Mcdyess/Freeland
Oden/Pryzbilla

with Koponen and Claver overseas

That’s a well-balanced championship talent team that can shoot incredibly well to space the floor for Roy, Aldrdige, and Oden.

Batum, Aldridge, Pryzbilla, Oden, and Mcdyess can mask Nash’s bad defense better than any other team he’s ever played on.

by darkhelmit54 on Jun 3, 2009 3:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

However interesting that scenario might be...

You just blew up the team. Without making judgements of any of the individual players you’re talking about, you haven’t touched any of the “untouchable” players, so it’s realistic in that sense. However, the sum total of them seem far more radical than the front office is apparently contemplating.

by conspirator5 on Jun 3, 2009 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not an interesting scenario at all. Nash's defense can most charitably be described as "piss poor" (I'd add a couple expletives for emphasis on another site)...

He’s old and slow and has little lateral mobility.

A fancy-passer like Sergio with no upside, only downside.

He can still shoot — at least this year he could still lift his arms that high.

Nash doesn’t fit the timeline, makes obscenely too much money, and is pretty much about done.

The same applies to Jason Kidd, BTW.

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 3, 2009 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Love Nash

One of the few in the league that even Roy would look up to. Quintessential Pro. Nash’s game would enhance Roy’s game, not hamper. Look at his stats: 10 dimes, 16 points, 50% fgp, 44% 3pnt, 93% ft. Blake and Bayless still get minutes with Nash at 20 minutes. Come playoffs the ball wants to fall into his hands, and the league respects no one more.

Problem: KP is keen to point out the importance of correctly identifying a teams timeline. Nash is beginning year 14!!! If the Blazers are contenders next year then Nash is our guy. If the team is on track for finals in 2012 then Nash is too late maybe. He wants an extension though???
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=0592

by renaissant on Jun 3, 2009 11:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

His role

can be reduced as Roy/Fernandez/? mature more.

I wouldn’t mind if that ? were Stephen Curry, Mike Conley, Ricky Rubio, or Brandon Jennings personally.

by darkhelmit54 on Jun 4, 2009 12:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Steve Nash

5th greatest shooter in NBA history

still one of the best in the league at getting teammates easy buckets

slowing down and his body is aging…BUT would want more rest (we can provide), a less creating role (mesh with brandon), a contender (we are arguably), and is EXPIRING.

PS: He’s extremely better than Steve Blake and might still be if he were in a wheelchair

by darkhelmit54 on Jun 4, 2009 12:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The same applies to Jason Kidd, BTW

Ian Thomsen said Nate appreciates JKidd’s defense

No one was ever overheard saying McMillian might be insterested in the ol’ Nash rambler

by two4larue on Jun 4, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"blew up the team"?

by moving four players? Only one of whom is a starter!

by darkhelmit54 on Jun 4, 2009 12:34 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would rather

Decline Blake’s option & sign Jason Kidd(Not trading Bayless). Besides, there is better ways to trade Bayless if that is the route we go.

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans/(T)Carl Landry - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Damion James, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

dwight jaynes had a fairly interesting, if not "misinformed" response...

Best of Senator Clay Davis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI4-QyAzY64&feature=related

by cloudydays on Jun 3, 2009 3:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

how about completely, obviously, and intentionally misleading.

How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009

by douglast on Jun 3, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, there's lots of speculation about what Marc Gasol 'could' become

But the trade was still one-sided, IMO. It was a salary dump by Memphis. Pau Gasol has taken LA from playoff team to back-to-back Western Conference Champions. And it makes me sick.

I think Jaynes is spot on right. (And I’m shocked that I just wrote that)

by Storyteller on Jun 3, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes, he is correct

from a talent standpoint. but that’s not what this post is about. This post is about what it means to be able to take back much more salary than you ship out.

DJ’s arguing terminology here, not substance

How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009

by douglast on Jun 3, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

but

generally when you take back a massive contract in a “lopsided” trade, you are taking back a very very very good player ala Pau Gasol

Best of Senator Clay Davis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI4-QyAzY64&feature=related

by cloudydays on Jun 3, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bearded and indifferently clean. We KNOW he has that in him.

"So do you keep open 3pt FG percentage?"
"Yeah, we'd have everything you'd want, Bill."
"I hate you."
Bill Simmons/Daryl Morey Podcast 5/8/09

by Xiane on Jun 3, 2009 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You could also blame the GM of the Magic, who gave them Ariza who will now hit back on them :)

That really was a pretty lopsided trade, since Cook is useless in Orlando and Evans was moved on.

I have given my opinion on the Pau trade above. The worst effect of that trade was that Phoenix and Dallas panicked and made dumb deals.

by Norsktroll on Jun 3, 2009 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The worst effect of that trade (from a Blazer perspective)

Is that K*be and Jackson were re-energized and have been in two NBA finals, since

If there was no Pau deal, where would they be now?

by two4larue on Jun 4, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Prince & Batum

would be a great set of SF’s.

Offseason:
(T)Mike Conley Jr
(T)Reggie Evans
(D)Taj Gibson
(D)Kevin Seraphin
(D)Jerel McNeal/Lester Hudson

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 4:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hey, maybe you guys could bring Zach Randolph back...

I hear he’s available.

(I kid, I kid…)

"So do you keep open 3pt FG percentage?"
"Yeah, we'd have everything you'd want, Bill."
"I hate you."
Bill Simmons/Daryl Morey Podcast 5/8/09

by Xiane on Jun 3, 2009 4:22 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Rasheed's available too..

Now that’s a good back-up for LMA. I sure us fans would accept him back with arms wide open and give him a big hug. NOT!

by toolman on Jun 3, 2009 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Pritchard could work his magic

and bring BOTH guys back to Portland. Good times.

"So do you keep open 3pt FG percentage?"
"Yeah, we'd have everything you'd want, Bill."
"I hate you."
Bill Simmons/Daryl Morey Podcast 5/8/09

by Xiane on Jun 3, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, that was a bit of a troll, sorry.

It’s like talking about The Scotty Pippen experience (but in Houston, not Chicago).

"So do you keep open 3pt FG percentage?"
"Yeah, we'd have everything you'd want, Bill."
"I hate you."
Bill Simmons/Daryl Morey Podcast 5/8/09

by Xiane on Jun 3, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

:)

Would he sit out like LaFrentz?

Offseason:
(T)Mike Conley Jr
(T)Reggie Evans
(D)Taj Gibson
(D)Kevin Seraphin
(D)Jerel McNeal/Lester Hudson

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

A trade I wouldn't mind seeing

wouldn’t exactly be “lopsided”, but Outlaw for Marvin Williams might work for both sides.

by blacknoiseNW on Jun 3, 2009 5:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Super - Sig

…………

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Adding Ron Artest, DaJuan Blair & Gibson to our team

Would probably be as tough as we could get in one offseason.

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

What about:

these trades..
Someone might have to help me out with the details.. the ESPN trade machine doesnt use picks.. lame.

Travis and 1st rounder this year for Hinrich… maybe throw in a 2nd if we have to.

Rudy, Sergio or Blake and some 2nd rounders for Crash…

this would hinge on Martell coming back fresh and willing to play backup SG.. if he could…

Hinrich/Bayless/Sergio-Blake
Roy/Webster
Wallace/Batum
Aldridge/Brandon Bass?
Oden/Pryzbilla

by GreatOden'sRaven on Jun 3, 2009 5:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I'd think you could get Heinrich cheaper, he's very expensive in today's market.

"So do you keep open 3pt FG percentage?"
"Yeah, we'd have everything you'd want, Bill."
"I hate you."
Bill Simmons/Daryl Morey Podcast 5/8/09

by Xiane on Jun 3, 2009 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

that made no sense?

inexpensive or he is MORE expensive

by GreatOden'sRaven on Jun 3, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I see the problem parsing that sorry.

I think he’d be cheap in terms of what it took to get him, in that his contract is fairly steep, making him expensive to own.

"So do you keep open 3pt FG percentage?"
"Yeah, we'd have everything you'd want, Bill."
"I hate you."
Bill Simmons/Daryl Morey Podcast 5/8/09

by Xiane on Jun 3, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

uh, if we got Hinrich (one of the best PGs by +/-, a real no-stats all-star) for Travis Outlaw I would wet myself.

proud hinrichsheeple

by Cablinasian on Jun 3, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don’t even count the 24. It has pretty miniscule value to us. A early second is more valuable because we can stash a Euro without caring about the rookie pay scale.

proud hinrichsheeple

by Cablinasian on Jun 3, 2009 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

right but for outlaw a 1 and a 2..

would Chi even consider that.

Also would they even consider outlaw now that they have Salmons?

by GreatOden'sRaven on Jun 3, 2009 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

exactly. I think they’d go for Blake and cap space over Travis.

proud hinrichsheeple

by Cablinasian on Jun 3, 2009 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

really? ok how bout

we do that then trade trav and sergio +2nd round for Crash?

by GreatOden'sRaven on Jun 3, 2009 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

all reports were that Charlotte demanded Batum in any Wallace deal.

proud hinrichsheeple

by Cablinasian on Jun 3, 2009 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

plus we would have used our cap space in the Hinrich deal and thus the Wallace trade would have to have matching salaries.

proud hinrichsheeple

by Cablinasian on Jun 3, 2009 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

it all depends on whatever other offers are out there for Chicago. If there aren’t good ones, we could probably deal Blake for Kirk.

proud hinrichsheeple

by Cablinasian on Jun 3, 2009 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hinrich($9.5M) for Blake($4.2M) + #24 + #38 + #56 and...

Chicago gets an additional $5M in cap-space… That would get it done, especially considering how efficient Blake is….

PG: Derrick Rose, Steve Blake
SG: Ben Gordon, DeMarcus Nelson
SF: Luol Deng, John Salmons
PF: Tyrus Thomas, Tim Thomas
FC: Joakim Noah, Brad Miller, Aaron Grey

PLUS all those picks… I think Chi-town does that in a heartbeat AND we keep small ball Outlaw to play some back-up 4.

by Portland Dynasty on Jun 3, 2009 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

is blakes comming year a team option or player or even an option?

and if so couldn’t he just opt out, they cut him or whatever and we just resign him… again? and lose sergio with some sort of outlaw deal for the coveted back up pf?

The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.

by faith on Jun 4, 2009 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hinrich is not all that

Blake has better stats, and it isn’t close. Hinrich has had one (as in 1) season with above average offensive efficiency. In all other seasons, he has been well below league average. Plus, his salary is $10,000,000 per year. Overall, he duplicates Blake, only not even as good (as in worse A/TO ratio, inferior 3pt%, etc. etc.) and a LOT more expensive.

I am truly confounded by the general infatuation with Hinrich. He pretty much sucks, especially relative to the much better value in Blake.

by blacknoiseNW on Jun 3, 2009 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heinrich is a lot better a bothering big scorers

From going off on incredible shooting % nights. His marquee is making his opponent play a sloppy, inefficient game. Blake is a lot worse in that regard(Defense).

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans/(T)Carl Landry - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Damion James, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 8:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who guards the quick points then . . .

that we really struggled with last year?

by mballer225 on Jun 3, 2009 11:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

you seem to be endorsing a major downgrade in offensive efficiency

for a questionable upgrade in defensive ability against big scorers (hard for anyone to effectively measure defense). However, Portland is a better defensive team than Chicago and Hinrich didn’t appear to help that much (lower team +/- when on the floor, with a higher points given up), quick guards seem to do just fine against Chicago, etc.

by blacknoiseNW on Jun 4, 2009 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is why

I advocate keeping Blake and adding Hinrich. That would create an above-average point guard duo

And life would stink for Jerryd Bayless, but if Kirk/Steve got hurt? We got depth

by two4larue on Jun 4, 2009 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Problem is that one of our division rivals the Wolves are interested in owning him too. Maybe another team.

But we could offer Blake, who is a positional replacement and not just any expiring contract. See my suggestion on Blogabull at the end of the article above.

by Norsktroll on Jun 3, 2009 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

then what would we give with Rudy to get Crash?

They are PG deficit now. they lost felton and singletary.. only augustin

by GreatOden'sRaven on Jun 3, 2009 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

they’d want Batum for Crash.

proud hinrichsheeple

by Cablinasian on Jun 3, 2009 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Per Cablinasians suggestion

Blake, #24 and 2 2nd rounders for Hinrich (trade exception possible?)

Travis, Sergio and 1 2nd rounder for Crash

same result.

Hinrich/Bayless
Roy/Webster
Wallace/Batum
Aldridge/Whoever
Oden/Pryzbilla

by GreatOden'sRaven on Jun 3, 2009 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Did you trade Fernandez?

Wouldn’t he be in the rotation?

by torsoheap on Jun 3, 2009 6:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Martell Webster

For Carl Landry?

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=qbp3rg

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 6:23 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Whaaa?

Based on what? I heard they “coveted” Landry. Morey isn’t dumb either. But what pick would you move.

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Daryl Morey immediately declines that proposal.

The Houston Rockets have no interest in trading Carl Landry, pure and simple.

by AK1984 on Jun 3, 2009 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

DeJuan Blair

Trade up with the Nets? I almost want Blair just for Banging + Challening for post position in practice against Oden & Aldridge.

Offseason:
PG Options:(T)Mike Conley Jr/(FA)Jason Kidd - (D)Rodrigue Beaubois/Toney Douglas
SG Options: (DDT)Terrence Williams
SF Options:(FA)Ron Artest/(T)Tayshaun Prince
PF Options:(DDT)DaJuan Blair/(T)Reggie Evans/(T)Carl Landry - (D)Taj Gibson, (D)Damion James, (D)Kevin Seraphin

by TheGreatDane17 on Jun 3, 2009 8:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Blair was the guy Ian Thomsen mentioned

If Portland was going to trade up. He said they “shouldn’t” have interest in breaking in another rookie PG, but Blair could immediately have an impact backing up LMA

Of course, there was a guy on with the MSP boys this AM who was “certain” that KP was going to trade up and get Curry, so there you go

’tis the season to turn on the smoke and misinformation machine

by two4larue on Jun 4, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great thread

I only note that every word out of KP’s mouth – especially in June – is designed to confuse, mislead or panic another GM. Usually it is true as well but never in the way we take it. KP has indicated several times that this might be his crown jewel (not in so many words) achievement – having cap room in a buyer’s market one more time. Que the drum roll. . . . .

"What's so interesting is that this team took on a dynamic that was very special. I don't think we as a group, in terms of management, coaches and players, realize what we did as a young team. We broke all the metrics. We broke all the molds. Our challenge is can we continue to do that. As young of a team with 54 wins, no issues off the court, phenomenal chemistry." - Kevin Pritchard

by lee3022 on Jun 3, 2009 9:25 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Just remember

last year at this time we heard nada re: KP’s interest in Bayless

So, when we hear that the Blazers took Steph Curry out to dinner?…caveat emptor

by two4larue on Jun 4, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here's an interesting name...

for a lopsided trade the cap space has to be valuable to the team than the player. I haven’t had time to look through all the other posts, but here’s a name that most would probably hate… a few might really like and could easily be available.

Tracy McGrady

Love the player! I hate the contract! Injuries probably make the risk too great!

by 52therim on Jun 3, 2009 9:26 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

McGrady is on the market as a UFA, is he not?

"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal

by timbo on Jun 3, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Holy $%#@!

I thought McGrady would be around $15M. He only has one year left… at $23M. That means we have to send out $16M in salary. Can’t imagine a scenario that we or Houston would agree to. He has value as an expiring contract. Not likely to be included in a lopsided trade.

by 52therim on Jun 3, 2009 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If KP ever acquires T-Mac

The differential of my “Blazer LUV” would hit the road at 65mph

by two4larue on Jun 4, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Love Nash

One of the few in the league that even Roy would look up to. Quintessential Pro. Nash’s game would enhance Roy’s game, not hamper. Look at his stats: 10 dimes, 16 points, 50% fgp, 44% 3pnt, 93% ft. Blake and Bayless still get minutes with Nash at 20 minutes. Come playoffs the ball wants to fall into his hands, and the league respects no one more.

Problem: KP is keen to point out the importance of correctly identifying a teams timeline. Nash is beginning year 14!!! If the Blazers are contenders next year then Nash is our guy. If the team is on track for finals in 2012 then Nash is too late maybe. He wants an extension though???
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=0592

by renaissant on Jun 3, 2009 11:35 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

two things that give us leverage

Nash doesn’t fit our ‘timeline’ – we can argue that we don’t need him (when I think he helps long-term by the long-term growth our guys would get from playing with him

Nash wants an extension – which Phoenix can’t afford, and may make them want to trade him

by darkhelmit54 on Jun 4, 2009 12:30 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

nash will be worthless in nates offense

the problem isnt the pg, blake had a great season except for a few late turnovers that cost them games. but nate wont let him be a play maker, why do you think sergio hates nate? because uness he throws an alley the pg is expected to stand there and watch roy create.

fire nate before its too late

by pipgras on Jun 4, 2009 4:33 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sergio can't shoot or defend or get to the basket.

That’s probably why you see him standing around so much.

Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .

by Nick Van Excellent on Jun 4, 2009 6:40 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i will give you the defend part

and he may not be michael redd, but he does have a decent shot. definently a good enough shot to be the back up or 3rd pg like he is. but if you dont think he can get to the basket i dont think you have ever seen sergio play
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP0a4OTuEGs
or just search sergio rodriguez on youtube. you will find about 3000 videos compaired to about 100 of the “great martell webster” that you all think is the savior next year.

fire nate before its too late

by pipgras on Jun 4, 2009 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't watch basketball.
but if you dont think he can get to the basket i dont think you have ever seen sergio play

Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .

by Nick Van Excellent on Jun 4, 2009 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nash

would have Roy’s respect and trust.

Having Nash here wouldn’t just give a short term benefit

Roy would be much improved off the ball
Our bigs would be much improved period with someone to feed them the ball in the right places
Our whole team would be much more experienced opportunistically running the break (which nate encourages)

by darkhelmit54 on Jun 4, 2009 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Blake looks like a mid-career Steve Nash

With the right coaching for Blake, and team style modifications, could Blake become the next Nash?

by renaissant on Jun 4, 2009 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You have the Last Word of 314 posts Darkhelmit. Congrats, you WIN

I agree with all your points, and can’t think of a better vet in the league to elevate the boys to championship mentality. Is there a way to keep Bayless? His energy out shines your backup pg suggestions.

by renaissant on Jun 4, 2009 11:08 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

The Portland Trailblazers present the NASHinal Basketball League

Featuring Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden, and their International Entourage.

by renaissant on Jun 4, 2009 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

dare to dream

Thanks for the post. Although I have a hard time reading the above without thinking that the “lopsided” deals noted are far from daring and do little to elevate the Blazers organization to a contender in the post-season. Don’t get me wrong, there’s some great role players in the mix, like Hinrich, Bell, Scola, but I don’t see this “lopsided” scenario being a resolution scenario for the Blazers unless the player is a $10mil range kind of talent. But this would involve much more movement than a quid pro quo deal.

That being said, on trade day I wouldn’t put it past KP to leverage the a combination of picks, cap space + trade exceptions to land a solid vet, think Andre Miller, Steve Nash or Caron Butler. And with what we’ve seen in the past, it’s hard to forecast how KP will get the man that he wants, but it’s safe to say that it would likely work out as a three party deal.

We know that the Blazers organization isn’t shy about taking chances once the due diligence is done, so why do we (the fans) settle for hashing together second-rate trades?

patience my son ...

by luna on Jun 5, 2009 12:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

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