Blazersedge: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
New Blog: Sounder At Heart for Seattle Sounders Fans!

Ken Berger: Blazers Making "Strong Push" For Hedo

From Ken Berger at CBSSports.com.

Determined to make the first splash of the NBA's free-agent negotiating period early Wednesday, the Portland Trail Blazers are making a strong push to sign Hedo Turkoglu, the prized free agent of the summer.

While negotiations across the league were in the early stages, a person with knowledge of the discussions said the Blazers are trying to lure Turkoglu with a deal in the $50-million range. Contracts cannot be signed until July 7, when the annual moratorium on signing and trading players is lifted.

Going solely off tonight's reports, it appears two of the brightest GMs in the league -- Daryl Morey and Kevin Pritchard -- have slightly different plans for the 2009 Free Agency period.  While Morey has taken the novel approach of setting up a free gmail account to lure a potential free agent, Pritchard appears to be taking the tried and true route of ....... overpaying by 20%.

Only kidding.  Still a long way to go. 

Update (11:06PM): Jason Quick writes...

The Trail Blazers' summer agenda was revealed late Tuesday night at the minute the free agent market opened. That's when general manager Kevin Pritchard and assistant general manager Tom Penn called agent Lon Babby to begin the courtship of small forward Hedo Turkoglu.

"Kevin Pritchard and Tom Penn called me at the earliest possible moment and expressed enthusiasm for engaging in discussions about Hedo becoming a Trail Blazer," Babby said late Tuesday night. "We have begun that process."

As if there was any doubt before, now we know who Berger's source was.

Here's Mike Barrett's pre-emptive strike against agent-created hysteria.  

Going off simply what I've heard from league sources (and from no one on our executive team, I assure you), it sounds like catch o' the day for the Blazers will be Hedo Turkoglu. This isn't news to you, I realize. And, we're about to find out if all we've heard has been even the least bit accurate.

When it comes to trade rumors, or rumors of a big signing in the NBA, it's often true, where there's smoke there's usually fire. But, this isn't always the case. Again, the agents have PR machines at their finger tips, and they've become masters at selling high. In short, the illusion they create often becomes real.

This is truly Contract Negotiation 2.0 we are witnessing.

Update (11:36 PM):

Bill Ingram from HoopsWorld.com writes about Dwight Howard's take on Hedo.  

 Magic center Dwight Howard put in his two cents on ESPN Radio in Orlando today.

"I really would love for Hedo to stay, I really do. I believe that we can believe a championship. We came so close and we're right here. I really want Hedo to stay. He's been a big part in my development as a player and I hope he stays around. I think that lineup would be great...Hopefully he stays around. He's been here since I've been here so it's a little bit of a sad day because you're losing so many people that you basically grew up with, that's how I look at it. Since I've played, I've grown up since I was 18 until now and seeing some of those guys leave, it hurts."

Update (11:47PM):

Brother Wendell Maxey from HoopsWorld.com weighs in.

Portland needs to solve their point guard dilemma. Portland needs to address how they are going to cope at power forward when Aldridge isn't on the floor. Portland needs veterans sprinkled about the other open roster spots. When the salary cap number is announced next week and General Manager Kevin Pritchard knows exactly (estimated at $8 million under the cap) what the organization can spend the need even then is to spend wisely.

Even if Portland wants Hedo, they don't necessarily need him.

More Brother Wendell Maxey on BeyondTheBeat.Net.

I'm hearing - regardless what occurs this offseason in free agency or trades - it's now about survival of the fittest for the Blazers. Portland is moving on from the rebuilding project from a couple seasons back and it's now time to separate the boys from the men.

So look for the Blazers to, "go after the best out there and let them fight it out" as one person in the know told me recently.

UPDATE (11:59PM):

Twitter reaction to this evening's news is out of control. [Follow BE on Twitter here] Here's a sampling:

@calebteaches: Hedo makes our logjam at the 3 worse and doesn't solve the 1 or 4. In KP we trust, I guess. He's a nice piece, but... eh.     
@sit2988: KP's my boy and all but I'm saying... If Turk gets longer than a 3-year deal I'm just not sure if I'm feelin it.
@Rochi516: Portland will be a force if Hedo comes. Then Andre Miller will follow. Watch out for Portland in the west.
@wastro: Assuming PDX signs Hedo ... more small forwards in '09-10 - ATL or PDX?    
@Sabonis4Ever: It will be worth signing hedo if we win game 7 of the finals on a bank shot 3.    
@stevesandberg Is John Nash giving away free money again? SandbergOnSports.com
@pdxxxchange: Hedo=big matchup problems for all teams. match-up probs=rings... Ask Houston Dallas or Orlando.... they all went to the 2nd rnd
@adanies: 3x30 or 4x40 is cool with me. 5x50 screams albatross. Don't like the sound of "Hedo Turkoglu's Expiring Contract."
@dhawes: it's better to overpay than to do nothing
@clipperblog: Thoughts on Hedo: Will allow Nate the flexibility to do a lot of cool stuff. 4 guys who can handle the ball, each with a different look. (The esteemed Kevin Arnovitz of TrueHoop and Clipper Blog fame)
@thanathz: Hedo to Blazers, great news. Be a great association w/Roy. What about Webster and Outlaw ? Batum as a nice place as back-up
@benias: not a big fan of wasting all this cap space on him. I would rather have Lamar odom. Let's go D.Harris!
@teemunny: Hedo Turkoglu for $50 million?! Don't do it, Portland, it's not worth it.
@allthatamar: hedo on portland makes portland that much better -- but what will the fate of outlaw, rudy et al. be? only so much PT @ sg/sf   All That Jazz.com
@kevinjbonn:  I sure prefer Hedo over Miller.
@martinrickman: takes some of the heat off the young guns, will in turn make them better and more productive.
@talkhoops: Hedo's potential arrival in Portland isn't what will put them over the top. But with him and the progression of Brandon Roy...Greg Oden, and LaMarcus Aldridge this Blazers team all of a sudden becomes too dangerous for their own good. TalkHoops.Net
@cave17matt: Not in favor of it myself, rather go for Devin Harris and/or a backup 4. Cave17.com
@jrledoux: Don't think Blazer's fans will be able to stomach Hedo for $50 mil... Will take a lot to not see it as a Whitsit move.
@scooterhd2: funny how quick Quick shows up
@northwestjeff: if kidd can play til he's 34, why can't Turkoglu? value goes down with bigger contract, but he's a solid player 
@philthyanimal: i like hedo as a player, but i can't picture him fitting in our system unless we adapt. hes great but is he the mising piece?
@justin_pdx: Berger hasn't broken a story in years. Turk's agent's been whispering $50M to lazy reporters for weeks. Smokescreen.
@ezra_ace: for $50 mil they better throw in Dwight Howard and a slightly used Lil Penny shirt.    

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

Poll
Is this a Smoke Screen?
Yes
449 votes
No
339 votes
Can't Think Straight... He Just Wrote $50 Million
695 votes

1483 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 679 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Kitty Agrees with your considered opinion

Honor Alaa Abdelnaby.
First in the NBA. At least alphabetically

by OhOhOden on Jul 1, 2009 1:19 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Offering Hedo $50 million when we're bidding against ourselves is TERRIBLE

There’s no way KP could manage to screw up that bad, is there?

by JordanLeDoux on Jun 30, 2009 10:51 PM PDT reply actions   2 recs

Well, if he does

it will bring back memories of the Darius Miles extension

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

this is

totally different. comparing miles and turkoglu is unfair

Yellow Mamba FTW!

by northwestj on Jun 30, 2009 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

then tell me

who else is willing to pay Hedo 50 mil?

not Detroit, OKC or Memphis

sounds a heckuva lot like Paul Allen “bidding against himself” for Darius

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Detroit could offer him big money

If they lose out on Gordan and Charlie V. I keep hearing Toronto as well. Also, NO ONE was interested in Darius. Plus Hedo can ball.

by blazer23-83 on Jun 30, 2009 11:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

We already have players who can ball

and they are younger and cheaper. Hedo doesn’t play better D and he isn’t in a position that we need help at.

by KitIsh on Jul 1, 2009 12:08 AM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

completely fair comparison

reminds me of giving Zach way too much money a year too early.

I sure as heck hope this is a smokescreen. I can’t believe HT is that good for the team. PG is by far a bigger issue than SF, especially signing one that guards worse than TO.

put a body on 'em

by RayBourque on Jul 1, 2009 1:28 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Crushed my beautiful team in one fail swoop....

emphasis on beautiful part. uhhhhggghghh shudder…. who’s uglier, hedo or ha?

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

"New Man Law: If you don't show up for the draft you don't get to come later if you're picked. If you believe in yourself, show up and sit there. If nobody else believes in you, take it and cry like a man...in front of the cameras."

-Dave

by faith on Jun 30, 2009 10:51 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hahahahaaahahaa! Good one!

"Aneurysm".

When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie

by annthefan on Jun 30, 2009 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Long hair doesn't work wonders for everyone.

The best example of that was Chris “Hollywood” Kaman.

by AK1984 on Jul 1, 2009 12:53 AM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Ha with a Mullet

would melt mirrors

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

by HurraKane212 on Jul 1, 2009 6:28 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The thought of Hedo @ 5x50 make me nauseated.

is there a : blazerfansdontwantkptooverpayforhedo@gmail.com ??? This deal would just scream of “big man on campus” syndrome – I’m going to make the deal because I can. I seriously hope KP doesn’t throw something like 5×50 out there to a 30yr old with declining production . Oh man, the more I think about it , the more freaked out I’m getting.

KP – It’s all Finals Hype!!!!!

by 5Blazers5 on Jul 1, 2009 8:05 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

if we use all our space for Hedo

I don’t like it at all, but I’ll give KP and team the next few weeks to show me what the follow up moves are. Because as illustrated in my post earlier today, this leaves a total logjam at the wing positions. 2 of rudy, batum outlaw, and martell have to be shipped out, with the assumption being a PG will be coming back

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 30, 2009 10:51 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

total logjam at the wing positions. 2 of rudy, batum outlaw, and martell have to be shipped out

and it won’t be Martell, unless some other GM really owes KP a favor

With all of the cap-space gone, what kind of PG could you get for Travis, Blake and Rudy?

4,000,000
3,600,000
1,165,320
8,765,320

That’s pretty close to “Devin Harris territory” 8,400,000

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions   2 recs

CAN hedo play the 4... anything remotely close to what frye did?

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

"New Man Law: If you don't show up for the draft you don't get to come later if you're picked. If you believe in yourself, show up and sit there. If nobody else believes in you, take it and cry like a man...in front of the cameras."

-Dave

by faith on Jun 30, 2009 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

that's the sad part

Turk will play the 4 exactly like Frye did. He’ll just play more minutes than Channing ever dreamed

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hedo can't play the 4.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 30, 2009 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hedo will eat up most of the backup 4 minutes (about 14 per game)

for 2 reasons:

1) we have no other backup 4
2) we have to make 30 minutes of time at the 3 available for whichever two are left from Rudy, Travis, Batum, and Webster

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 30, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

we drafted some back-ups

"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 Jul 1, 2009 7:46 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

who will sit the bench this year and suit up for practice

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 Jul 1, 2009 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who started at the four for the Magic???

It was either Hedo or Lewis. Channing had no offensive skill but shooting stand still jumpers. Hedo is like Travis with handles.

by blazer23-83 on Jun 30, 2009 11:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How?

In a time machine? Do you have the game tapes?

by Nick Van Excellent on Jul 1, 2009 12:11 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've got the stats from the last 2 years

from both the regular season and the playoffs.

by as11osu on Jul 1, 2009 12:45 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Small ball is played with faster small players

Hedo doesn’t have the wheels to be a good small ball player with LMA

by as11osu on Jul 1, 2009 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Devin Harris would cure all my pain.

They could sign Drew Gooden and Shaq to fifty year contracts and I wouldn’t care.

Plus, if they sign Hedu don’t they pretty much have to bring in a defensive minded PG?

by Nick Van Excellent on Jun 30, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is exacty what I was thinking

Would love this move if you could keep Hedo under a 4 year contract (3×30)

by ripcityrose on Jul 1, 2009 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If this contract is over 30 million

KP has lost his grace period with me.

by diskord on Jun 30, 2009 10:52 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

I would wait KP should be judged at End of Seasons and our number of wins.

Also how well we played in the playoffs.

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

by Garden of ODEN on Jun 30, 2009 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

I'll give him a month

after this move goes down IF it goes down.

I’ll re-evaluate at the end of the year, but I’ll definitely judge a month after the move.

I remember when people were worried and excited that the blazers snagged Francis and my thought was that there was no way this guy would see the floor as a blazer. A week or so later he was gone.

"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 Jul 1, 2009 7:48 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

wait then

What the rush

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

by Garden of ODEN on Jul 1, 2009 12:12 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ESPN, Hoopsworld, and CBSsports are all reporting this

I think the agent is the source. They are lying or telling the truth. Geez…agents are known to tell the truth right?

There is no way KP is offering $50 million to Hedo.

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 10:52 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

i'm torn

i like turk. good player, great abilities, but it’s just a different system here. do we think his skills translate to our pace? if the honchos think so, i am for it. still want hinrich, is this possible with 50 million to turkoglu?

by richardb on Jun 30, 2009 10:52 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

yes

because a move for hinrich will be done via trade. outlaw and blake work straight up for KH

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 30, 2009 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

kiss Kirk goodbye

Sounds like Dumars wants Ben Gordon. Hinrich will be off the table if that happens

So…is everybody still glad that KP didn’t pull the trigger at the deadline, now?

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

its a wash really

so instead of hedo we would have Carter or Jefferson and not have Batum? not much difference 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 30, 2009 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

actually there is much difference

at least we still have batum

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 30, 2009 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

glad?

I’m indifferent. I’m not a person who feels a pressing need because the team is still growing by ten wins a season. Doing nothing will still likely net us another 10 wins with just webster and Oden being healthy and a little clearing up of the SF position.

"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 Jul 1, 2009 7:50 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bye to Travis or Martell, maybe blake to get hinrich

If this is true, that is what I would do. Get Hedo, then trade travis and/or blake for hinrich

Every time Outlaw fades away in a shot, a kitten dies. Save the Kittens, don't fade!

by Przy4Prez on Jun 30, 2009 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Travis yes

Martell hasn’t fully recovered from a broken foot, and has 4 years remaining on his contract

what other GM will agree to take on that risk?

Rudy or Batum are in jeopardy when Turk signs

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not buying this in any form

Smoke and sensationalism = ESPN. Perhaps correct that the agent is the one smoking,

by lee3022 on Jun 30, 2009 10:55 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I think the agent is starting rumors.

Driving up Hedo’s asking price. Don’t buy this at all.

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

who else is in the running?

Detroit is interested in Grodon and Charlie V

KP and Hedo are like the last boy and girl standing along the side at their first freshman dance

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If we get Hedo

I will be very disappointed.

If we have to pay 50 million to get him, I will be supremely mortified.

All aboard the Kirkwagon!

by Arby on Jun 30, 2009 10:55 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

the reason that it isn’t real is that we can’t offer him ten million a year. We don’t have the cap space.

by Cablinasian on Jun 30, 2009 10:57 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

It's plausible if the contract comes with maximum yearly raises.

But I think this rumor is flat out untrue.

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

A five-year, $49,880,000 contract for Hedo Turkoglu could look like the following proposal.

2009-2010: $8,600,000
2010-2011: $9,288,000
2011-2012: $9,976,000
2012-2013: $10,664,000
2013-2014: $11,352,000

Wow, I about vomited on my keyboard looking at that sick amount of money that may go to Hedo Turkoglu.

by AK1984 on Jun 30, 2009 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

8.6 to start

means we are dumping a Eurostash (koponen most likely) – assuming the 57.3 estimated cap is close to accurate

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 30, 2009 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

isn't the deals average what you would be working with

About 10 million off our Cap? to make the deal in the first place?

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

by Garden of ODEN on Jun 30, 2009 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

All right, let's look at my earlier calculations and see how this would theoretically work here.
After the July moratorium, though, the Trail Blazers will […] clean house a bit by renouncing some cap holds and exceptions to get under the cap. So, in all likelihood, this is what the books will look like come 7/8/2009.

ACTIVE ROSTER
Joel Przybilla ($6,857,725)
LaMarcus Aldridge ($5,844,827)
Greg Oden ($5,361,240)
Martell Webster ($4,319,654)
Steve Blake ($4,000,000)
Brandon Roy ($3,910,816)
Travis Outlaw ($3,600,000)
Jerryd Bayless ($2,413,080)
Rudy Fernandez ($1,165,320)
Nicolas Batum ($1,118,760)

RELEASED
Darius Miles ($9,000,000)

CAP HOLDS
Victor Claver ($1,012,900) {22nd Pick @ Rookie Scale}
Joel Freeland ($824,200) {30th Pick @ Rookie Scale}
Petteri Koponen ($824,200) {30th Pick @ Rookie Scale}
Jeff Pendergraph ($0) {Second-Round Pick}
Dante Cunningham ($0) {Second-Round Pick}
Patty Mills ($0) {Second-Round Pick}

TOTAL
$49,982,722

Assuming the salary cap for next season is $57,300,000, the team could renounce the draft rights of both Joel Freeland and Petteri Koponen to get far enough under the cap to sign Hedo Turkoglu to a five-year, $50 million contract with a starting salary of $8.75 million and can include maximum annual raises of 8% (i.e., $700,000).

2009-2010: $8,750,000
2010-2011: $9,400,000
2011-2012: $10,000,000
2012-2013: $10,600,000
2013-2014: $11,250,000

If that happens in some way, shape, or form, then the Portland Trail Blazers front office will receive a F grade this off-season.

by AK1984 on Jun 30, 2009 11:52 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Couldn't we start

Using some letters lower down than F?
Just to show commensurate displeasure?

by TheThinWhiteDuke on Jul 1, 2009 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If KP wants us to believe that Turkglu is the best FA then I will play along

KP has not refuted the agents claim, so until then we all need to play along with the plan KP has what ever it may be. Get Detroit to over pay Turkuglu so they don’t acquire Gordan so we can get Hinrich cheaper. or what ever the "real" plan is.

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

by Garden of ODEN on Jul 1, 2009 12:18 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Woo!

In 2014 we;d have the great trading chip of Hedo Turkoglu’s expiring contract!

by GMan83201 on Jul 1, 2009 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I laugh whenever I see Magic fans defending this.

They say its fine because of how well he played. What they forget is that he would play just as good if they signed him for less.

by Bskey on Jun 30, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

In a couple of years

Howard + Lewis = $40 million.

They are screwed.

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No idea if this is true

But I agree it would not be ideal.

Proud member of Duck nation!

by skywaker9 on Jun 30, 2009 10:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

The Blazers’ executive team is playing this very, very close to the vest, and all we’re left with are rumors and the usual sell jobs by agents.

per Mike Barrett

by Cablinasian on Jun 30, 2009 11:00 PM PDT reply actions   3 recs

Rec +

Mike Barrett speaks the truth.

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm positive its Brandon Roy

The easiest decision for KP to make and get it out of the way.

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Roy takes the minimum for a one-year deal

Take one for the team baby

Honor Alaa Abdelnaby.
First in the NBA. At least alphabetically

by OhOhOden on Jul 1, 2009 1:00 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Roy or LMA… loophole. :)

by Cablinasian on Jun 30, 2009 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought that Barrett was a big fan of getting Turk?

sounds like Mike is “backing away” from the Blazer’s GM after hearing this news

(can’t say that I blame him)

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

What is KP THINKING?

Hedo is not a good fit at all.

by Balian on Jun 30, 2009 11:00 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

its not coming from KP

imo

"We didn’t pick Blair because of his history of fat-assery" -BlazerTag

by 5212872 on Jul 1, 2009 3:41 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

File this post under "FML"

thanks

s

The Princess of Blazersedge

by BlazerFan1 on Jun 30, 2009 11:01 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

family medical leave?

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

"New Man Law: If you don't show up for the draft you don't get to come later if you're picked. If you believe in yourself, show up and sit there. If nobody else believes in you, take it and cry like a man...in front of the cameras."

-Dave

by faith on Jun 30, 2009 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

exactly i'll need

that after i suffer a stroke from the stress of STUPID FREE AGENCY RUMORS

S

The Princess of Blazersedge

by BlazerFan1 on Jun 30, 2009 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

if the season starts with us on the hook for 50 mill and hedo starting

then you can say that.
and i’ll be saying it with you hahaha

by prezofdeath on Jun 30, 2009 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't even joke about that!

Llamas with single riders are dangerous enough.
Haven’t you seen “An Inconvenient Truth”? Yeah, neither have I, but I’m sure it’s about Llamas.

by TheThinWhiteDuke on Jul 1, 2009 8:24 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hedo is awesome...didn't you see that bank shot against us?

according to my sources…KP was so pissed after that game, that he told Hedo if he makes it again post game, he signed him for $50 mil.

Go Blazers!!!!!!!!!! Wooooooooooot Wooooooooooooot!!!!!!!!!

by broyposse on Jun 30, 2009 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hedo is the Michael Jordan of Turkey

$50 million is worth all the jerseys sold in Turkey. LOL.

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Joel would have about fifteen blocks and ten fouls.

by Cablinasian on Jun 30, 2009 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

HEY

tht’s oden’s line

s

The Princess of Blazersedge

by BlazerFan1 on Jun 30, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

not likely

our stupid home statistician is the stingiest awarder of blocks in the league

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 30, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

no, it's Joel and Greg's

combined stats, averaged per game

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Joeden?

"Male sperm swim harder than female sperm."

by BlazerD on Jun 30, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Hedo plays the point and Oden the 2

Roy mans the lane to emphasize his mammoth blocking skills and never gets called for blocking fouls

Honor Alaa Abdelnaby.
First in the NBA. At least alphabetically

by OhOhOden on Jul 1, 2009 1:02 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ugh no no no no no no

this does not smell like a pritchard move!!! anyone think this reeks of paul allen going gagga for a player and overpaying? a la ZBO and D.miles? This is not a mcmillan or pritch deal its all allen all the way

by HurricaneDayne on Jun 30, 2009 11:02 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

it's cow pee in a pot is what it is... read untrue.

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

"New Man Law: If you don't show up for the draft you don't get to come later if you're picked. If you believe in yourself, show up and sit there. If nobody else believes in you, take it and cry like a man...in front of the cameras."

-Dave

by faith on Jun 30, 2009 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

plus if this is a 50 mil at 5 years thats 10 per year correct?

we only have 7-8 in cap space and 4 other roster spots to fill do we already have a trade lined up?

by HurricaneDayne on Jun 30, 2009 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

start at 8 mil and build upwards

and in 5 years you’re paying Hedo max money for sucktitude

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This rumor is so hard to believe that I am tempted to pull "a fatty"

I’d just like to be able to put something on it being false.

by PoliSam on Jun 30, 2009 11:03 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I promise to ban myself for five minutes.

by Cablinasian on Jun 30, 2009 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

u saying SMH

and LOL in the same post is very un mod like of u

;)

s

The Princess of Blazersedge

by BlazerFan1 on Jun 30, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ben is far cooler than u or i will ever b

lol i have 2 read his twitter 2 make sure i am up on all the cool kids lingo (wink wink)

s

The Princess of Blazersedge

by BlazerFan1 on Jun 30, 2009 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking at least a week

But only if there was something to be gained if turned out to be false.

by PoliSam on Jun 30, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

if this is true, Hedo is gonna rock for us....NBA Finals 2010

you guys are soooo dramatic

cheer up buttercups

Go Blazers!!!!!!!!!! Wooooooooooot Wooooooooooooot!!!!!!!!!

by broyposse on Jun 30, 2009 11:05 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

If Hinrich becomes a Blazer, this place will explode.

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

nah. I think most of the Hinrich people, like myself, view him as a good, not great option.

by Cablinasian on Jun 30, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

better than blake= explosion

lol

The Princess of Blazersedge

by BlazerFan1 on Jun 30, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Then I recommend

reading BE on a laptop in the bathtub.

Much easier to clean.

Honor Alaa Abdelnaby.
First in the NBA. At least alphabetically

by OhOhOden on Jul 1, 2009 1:04 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought that's how everyone does it

hmmm…I must be missing something…like a rubber duckey

by two4larue on Jul 1, 2009 1:16 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yep, make sure it's nice and plugged in

makes for an exciting bath

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

by HurraKane212 on Jul 1, 2009 7:09 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I usually do this

while waiting for my bagels to finish toasting there on the ledge of the tub.

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

by HurraKane212 on Jul 1, 2009 7:09 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Naw

Only if it were Devin Harris. Then I might explode.

Captain Kirk only merits general enthusiasm and smiles:)

I wanna be Brandon Roy when I grow up!

by dagraffman on Jun 30, 2009 11:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yep

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

by HurraKane212 on Jul 1, 2009 7:10 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree

But 50 million is ridiculously large for Hedo. We need a point guard

Every time Outlaw fades away in a shot, a kitten dies. Save the Kittens, don't fade!

by Przy4Prez on Jun 30, 2009 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

$50 mil? nah...PA and Octopus disagrees

Go Blazers!!!!!!!!!! Wooooooooooot Wooooooooooooot!!!!!!!!!

by broyposse on Jun 30, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Outlaw+Blake+Rudy = Devin Harris

combined salaries = 8.7 mil vs 8.4 mil

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's the only way this makes sense.

You would basically be replacing Rudy and Outlaw with an equal or greater offensive talent in Turk without losing anything on defense. Then you replace Blake with a legit all-star PG.

Turk+Harris>>>>>>Rudy, Outlaw, Blake

by Nick Van Excellent on Jul 1, 2009 12:15 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Rudy goes it'll essentially be the end of good times for the Blazers

He’s a superior offensive player to Hedo right this second, and is 6 years younger. Why on earth are you trying to replace Rudy with an inferior wing player for 9-10 million dollars a season? It’s baffling.

by as11osu on Jul 1, 2009 12:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

?

replacing Rudy with Hedo alone would be amazingly stupid, and I’m anti-Hedo but I’m hard pressed to imagine a lineup of Harris, Roy, Hedo, Aldridge, Oden with Przy, Batum, et al off the bench wouldn’t provide for some good times.

by jksnake99 on Jul 1, 2009 12:23 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

but

you’re doing that to a 50+ win team and changing out two starters. To me, that’s drastic and it means that once AGAIN we’ll have a new team and a new learning cure because those new players will take up significant minutes. I’m tired of starting off the season crappy because the team needs to learn each other.

Additionally, Harris could be nice, but the loss of Rudy is not a positive for me. He brings off the ball movement… something the blazers still need to seriously work on. Batum looks to be an enormous defensive talent. I’m not interested in mixing up the 50+ win team (that was without a healthy mobile oden) if I have to give up Rudy or Batum.

"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 Jul 1, 2009 8:07 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

well, I'm not trying to shove Rudy out the door, but

but I think 5 will be a crowd at the wing positions

by two4larue on Jul 1, 2009 12:29 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would much rather have Rudy than Hedo.

by staylost on Jul 1, 2009 12:34 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ditto

rudy is younger and brings us a lot of the same things hedo brings and is often more efficient at doing so.

by prezofdeath on Jul 1, 2009 12:36 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

no hedo is ugly.

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

"New Man Law: If you don't show up for the draft you don't get to come later if you're picked. If you believe in yourself, show up and sit there. If nobody else believes in you, take it and cry like a man...in front of the cameras."

-Dave

by faith on Jun 30, 2009 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

thats not what bfan1 said

Go Blazers!!!!!!!!!! Wooooooooooot Wooooooooooooot!!!!!!!!!

by broyposse on Jun 30, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i hate u

The Princess of Blazersedge

by BlazerFan1 on Jun 30, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i lub you

Go Blazers!!!!!!!!!! Wooooooooooot Wooooooooooooot!!!!!!!!!

by broyposse on Jun 30, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol im having a bad day

dont push me i MAY GO OVER THE EDGE

s

The Princess of Blazersedge

by BlazerFan1 on Jun 30, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

u r more like dave

every day it’s scary

im not even kidding

s

The Princess of Blazersedge

by BlazerFan1 on Jun 30, 2009 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

hahaha if I ever come up with a comment

half as good as Dave’s in the open chat thread, I’ll consider my life a win.

by prezofdeath on Jun 30, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

50 more minutes and it's a new day!!!

or 50 more minutes and 50 more million and it’s a new day fo’ sho

Go Blazers!!!!!!!!!! Wooooooooooot Wooooooooooooot!!!!!!!!!

by broyposse on Jun 30, 2009 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah but he said greg wouldn't be there either.... pft...

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

"New Man Law: If you don't show up for the draft you don't get to come later if you're picked. If you believe in yourself, show up and sit there. If nobody else believes in you, take it and cry like a man...in front of the cameras."

-Dave

by faith on Jun 30, 2009 11:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

and never is heard, a discouraging word

If this is true, the dam is going to burst on KP

unless he can flip Outlaw, Blake and Rudy for…Devin Harris

(then all will be forgiven!)

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

WORD

The Princess of Blazersedge

by BlazerFan1 on Jun 30, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

the dream scenario

I might pee my pants if that trade went through.

I’ve thought since Roy year: 1 that Devin Harris would be Roy’s perfect counterpart (aside from CP3 of course).

We need to thin out our rotation. I have a hard time seeing Martell gone, injury status aside I think the team likes him. Batum isn’t going anywhere either. Travis and maybe even Rudy could be, maybe will be gone.

"Male sperm swim harder than female sperm."

by BlazerD on Jun 30, 2009 11:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

this would totally rock

at which point, after ripping KP a new one for the next 8 days, we would all owe him a royally huge apology. if he gets us into next season with the following lineup, he is the God of GMs:

PG harris/bayless
SG roy/bayless/martell
SF hedo/batum/martell
PF lma/hedo/pend
C Greg/Joel

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 30, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

more than likely in a Harris deal

you’d see something like:

Bayless, Rudy, Claver, Outlaw, Blake for Harris and Simmons

She Hate Me
"oh I served BRP all right
drained J-Kiddesque running floaters over him all night long last time we balled" - prezofdeath

by cloudydays on Jun 30, 2009 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

Harris/Mills(?)
Roy/Webs
[Sign Ariza]/Batum
LMA/Pendergraph
Oden/Joel

She Hate Me
"oh I served BRP all right
drained J-Kiddesque running floaters over him all night long last time we balled" - prezofdeath

by cloudydays on Jun 30, 2009 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

this doesnt even come close to working

we cant take back simmons after we sign hedo – we will be way short of capspace.

as for the rest – works for me!

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 30, 2009 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

forget hedo lol

She Hate Me
"oh I served BRP all right
drained J-Kiddesque running floaters over him all night long last time we balled" - prezofdeath

by cloudydays on Jun 30, 2009 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How bout

Turkyglue + Blake + Outlaw= Harris + cap killer guy

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

by Garden of ODEN on Jul 1, 2009 12:02 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well patience then

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

by Garden of ODEN on Jul 1, 2009 1:36 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They just got Courtney Lee

Why do they need another talented young sg?

by MadBlaze on Jul 1, 2009 12:36 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

HEY

You read about the Jason Kidd scenarios there? LETS GET HIM!!!!!!!!

Every time Outlaw fades away in a shot, a kitten dies. Save the Kittens, don't fade!

by Przy4Prez on Jun 30, 2009 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

maybe that's how KP is setting us up?

we’ll practically come crawling on our knees through broken glass to embrace JKidd

after hearing about the Hedo smokescreen

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

smoke screen not for others

but so the blazer fans can swallow a kidd deal…

too funny.

I don’t like Nash, kid for reasonable i like even though he’s no where near his prime.

"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 Jul 1, 2009 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I took offense that 20% crack against Pritch, please be more civil to the minority opinion

Just kidding.

I don’t think there’s any way we pay 50 mil.

ESPN just had a report making the point that he won’t get close to that from anyone, but that the Blazers are in hot pursuit.

There’s no competition for Turk. But as you know, I think he’d be great for us.

Get used to it y’all. it may happen. And it may the best thing possible.

by ajinoregon on Jun 30, 2009 11:07 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

if they still lust after Steve Blake

then yeah Hedo , hee dew, is the next best bet.

The money is what has me screaming

S

The Princess of Blazersedge

by BlazerFan1 on Jun 30, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

man makes the money, money don't make the man

Go Blazers!!!!!!!!!! Wooooooooooot Wooooooooooooot!!!!!!!!!

by broyposse on Jun 30, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

well The Man, Paul Allen, is making LESS of said money

so……………………..

The Princess of Blazersedge

by BlazerFan1 on Jun 30, 2009 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Relax and embrace the inevitable, eh?

how very Bobby Knight-ish of you

As Woody said in Toy Story 1 “THIS IS A PERFECT TIME TO PANIC!”

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't know if its true . . .

but honestly, can someone please tell me why they care? There are a couple of reasons why it doesn’t matter how much money KP offers him:
1. This is the ONLY time in the next 5 years that we will be under the salary cap. Aka, this is when we will be able to spend. With extensions coming for Roy, LMA, and Oden we will be above the salary cap for awhile, whether we give Hedo 5 million or 10 million a year.
2. Paul Allen has so much money, he clearly doesn’t mind paying the luxury tax.
Combining these two things = it doesn’t matter how much money we pay him as long as we get him. This is really the only time we will be able to add another good player to this team, so we better make sure we get him. Please tell me why you care about the number? I’d be more upset if we tried to lowball him, and didn’t get anyone.

by mballer225 on Jun 30, 2009 11:07 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

we care

because we like winning games. And no one is really sure if Hedo will help in that endeavor

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

seriously?

Dude just took his team to the finals. Is rated the number 1 free agent by ric bucher. How could he not help our team. A small forward who can create and score on his own. We only have one player who can do that now, and if you don’t think he’d instantly be the blazer’s third best player . . . wow.

by mballer225 on Jun 30, 2009 11:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Believe me, you will read many comments to the contrary

if you stick around here in the days to come, assuming Turk signs

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ric Bucher

has Channing Frye rated as his 18th best Free Agent this year.

Brandon Bass was unranked.

by as11osu on Jul 1, 2009 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oden is better than turk

Oden, even in limited minutes, is an absolute game changer. 18+ PER, ridiculous rebounding %, defense, etc. Especially with more time to recover his athleticism, Oden is superior to Turk. I would personally argue that Rudy is also a better player. I just wish Rudy was 6’8" 220lbs.

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

by HurraKane212 on Jul 1, 2009 7:16 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"I just wish Rudy was 6’8" 220lbs"

Only 4 inches and a hundred pounds to go!

by TheThinWhiteDuke on Jul 1, 2009 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If we actally do sign Hedo for 50 mil, I would really like to see the numbers KP is looking at

The numbers readily available to folks like me make it look like a pretty terrible idea.

by jksnake99 on Jun 30, 2009 11:09 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes

1. Kirk Hinrich
2. Brandon Bass
3. Jason Kidd
4. Andre Miller
5. Hedo

Based on how each of these players would help the team, roster makeup, and price issues (the main reason I have Hedo this low) I don’t see why the team would go so all in on another SF, even if he is an offensive upgrade

Team Bayless - The takeover begins in 2009

by blazeraddict on Jun 30, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like Hedo

50 seems steep though.

Could be his agent trying to drive up the bidding war.

Yellow Mamba FTW!

by northwestj on Jun 30, 2009 11:09 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

The Trail Blazers’ summer agenda was revealed late Tuesday night at the minute the free agent market opened. That’s when general manager Kevin Pritchard and assistant general manager Tom Penn called agent Lon Babby to begin the courtship of small forward Hedo Turkoglu.

“Kevin Pritchard and Tom Penn called me at the earliest possible moment and expressed enthusiasm for engaging in discussions about Hedo becoming a Trail Blazer,” Babby said late Tuesday night. “We have begun that process.”

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh god.

I just threw up in my mouth a little bit lot.

by dario argento on Jun 30, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

why? this means that the source is really Hedo’s agent, who is likely just trying to increase his client’s value

Communism is the very definition of failure.

by L-TrainFTW! on Jun 30, 2009 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow.

Did LMA get some new tats recently? I don’t recall his arm being that inked up.

All aboard the Kirkwagon!

by Arby on Jun 30, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nevermind.

I read the article. Said he got some new tats.

All aboard the Kirkwagon!

by Arby on Jun 30, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

What is this?!?!
Both Roy and Aldridge are expected to ask for maximum contracts, which figure to start in the ballpark of $13 million in the first year and inflate to around $18 million within four years.

But while Roy’s voluminous resume will produce a resounding thud on the bargaining table, Aldridge’s worth is more difficult to define.

Bad. Bad. Bad.

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Him training with Bosh instead of Durant.

good. good. good.

by Cablinasian on Jun 30, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

getting them locked up is good good good

LMA is darn close to a max player, and if you have to slightly overpay to keep him PA will be more than happy to do that (if he cares at all about Championships).

by as11osu on Jun 30, 2009 11:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think its even about the actual dollar amount.

It’s more about the cap space their sacrificing over the next 4-5 years.

All aboard the Kirkwagon!

by Arby on Jun 30, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

we’ll have no cap space anyway. It’s purely Paul and how willing he is to keep LMA happy.

by Cablinasian on Jun 30, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

we will have ZERO cap space for the next 4-5 years

if we throw LMA a couple extra million in his extension, it really only affects PA’s pocket.

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 30, 2009 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

and the silver lining...

we’ll be able to use his salary in trade if he doesn’t work out (I can’t belive I just typed that), for a bigger fish.

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

"New Man Law: If you don't show up for the draft you don't get to come later if you're picked. If you believe in yourself, show up and sit there. If nobody else believes in you, take it and cry like a man...in front of the cameras."

-Dave

by faith on Jun 30, 2009 11:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I care more about the salary cap implications

Allen can pay Roy and Alridge the maximum out of his pocket. But those few million a year in the Aldridge max contract hurt us down the line.

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

with LMA, Roy, Oden, Rudy, Batum, we’ll have no cap space anyway.

by Cablinasian on Jun 30, 2009 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

not really

we will be over the cap anyway. if allen is willing to pay, and continues to be willing, it makes absolutely ZERO difference to any future moves

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 30, 2009 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Really?

I think it does make a difference for possible trades in the future if the Aldridge contract is worth much more than his production.

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

true, but we were talking capspace implications, not trade value

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 30, 2009 11:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess that's what I meant

But also that slim possibility of KP getting the team under the cap somehow.

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

LMA at 10, Brandon, at 13, Greg at 10+, Rudy, Batum… there isn’t really an easy way for us to get under the cap with those guys on the roster in four years. Add in the escalation of contracts..

by Cablinasian on Jun 30, 2009 11:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm just saying, leave that slim hope open

Maybe it matters, maybe it doesn’t. My rule of thumb is not to overpay your own free agent. Keep the deal fair. Make the salary commensurate with current and past production and not based on future potential.

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, I agree. LMA is not a max player.

by Cablinasian on Jun 30, 2009 11:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sign LMA >>>>>>>> Sign LMA to a fair deal

there’s only like 1-2 million difference anyway. PA should be willing to bite the bullet.

by as11osu on Jul 1, 2009 12:47 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hedo's agent...

“Babby said the Blazers were one of three teams that inquired about Turkoglu’s services, but that “the calls were still coming in.” It appeared the Blazers’ ability to get their call in first made an impression.

“They were enthusiastic and well received by us,” Babby said. “We are engaged in the process. We will see where that takes us in the next couple of days and take it from there.”"

What a salesman.

All aboard the Kirkwagon!

by Arby on Jun 30, 2009 11:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

not a hedo fan, but... what if they want him as a point forward type PG

long time lurker. had to join to post this since I’m fiending for some free agents.

I don’t like Hedo’s fit, but if he is signed I think they’ll play him as a point forward. He and Roy would share ball-handling responsibilities on offense.

The only problem would be defense against smaller quicker point guards. If they sign Hedo, I think Nate and KP think Rudy can guard the PG position. IMHO he did better than Pretty Ricky in the Olympics guarding Paul and Williams. No one can really stop those guys anyway. Still don’t like Hedo because of the defensive matchup problems we’ll have.

Starting back court offense:

PG: Hedo
Wings: ROY & Rudy

Offensive assasins off the bench:
Martell, Bayless

Solid offensive backup PG: Blake

Starting back court defense:
PG: Rudy
Shooting guard: Roy
SF: Turkey Glue

Defensive backups:
Batum, Martell

by buckgoggles on Jun 30, 2009 11:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I think Nate and KP think Rudy can guard the PG position

or not

Rudy could be on his way out of town. Turk will seriously cut into his minutes. No more Roy playing SF

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

refresh post for update

by Ben. on Jun 30, 2009 11:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hmmmm

All the Hedo fans coming out of the woodwork now. Where were you before? :)

Welcome to the party.

by ajinoregon on Jun 30, 2009 11:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

by sPresley on Jun 30, 2009 11:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Why would we want

Someone that would destroy all of our other options? Just say no to Hedo

If you have nothing constructive to say about someone, I prefer that you say nothing at all.

"If Jumping to conclusions, Kicking others when they do not do well and Launching into senseless tirades were Olympic Events, some people around here would be Medal Contenders". Me

by coastrider on Jun 30, 2009 11:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Devin Harris

could still be had for Blake, Outlaw and Rudy

salaries match

by two4larue on Jun 30, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

or for a turky glue?

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

"New Man Law: If you don't show up for the draft you don't get to come later if you're picked. If you believe in yourself, show up and sit there. If nobody else believes in you, take it and cry like a man...in front of the cameras."

-Dave

by faith on Jul 1, 2009 12:00 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hedo will have to stay around

until Dec 15th before he can be traded

by two4larue on Jul 1, 2009 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

mmm... that just is ... too long we'll revolt right? I mean? right?

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

"New Man Law: If you don't show up for the draft you don't get to come later if you're picked. If you believe in yourself, show up and sit there. If nobody else believes in you, take it and cry like a man...in front of the cameras."

-Dave

by faith on Jul 1, 2009 12:14 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

why?

I’ve seen people say that he has to stay and seen people propose sign-and-trades. What’s the rule?

by austinpwnz on Jul 1, 2009 2:27 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

3 guys that need the ball in their hands....

great

:(

Hedo is just all kinds of bad. He’s one of the best player available right this second, but fits about zero.

by as11osu on Jul 1, 2009 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

What now?

He’s a better PG than Steve Blake and a better SF than Travis Outlaw. Better 6th man than Rudy. Better PF than Frye.

Not the sexy choice, but an upgrade for sure.

by Nick Van Excellent on Jul 1, 2009 12:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's not better than Rudy... especially next to Roy

He’s a worst defender than all these players except maybe Outlaw. And Outlaw at least has the mismatch he can create versus PF’s. Hedo can’t do that. Bad stuff.

by as11osu on Jul 1, 2009 12:32 AM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

He's not better than Rudy?

Not sure how that’s possible unless you figure in potential.

Fernandez is entering most overrated player ever territory.

by Nick Van Excellent on Jul 1, 2009 12:34 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fernandez had a better PER his rookie year

and is at the very least equivalent to him defensively. He’s also our most efficient player and perfect match next to Roy.

by as11osu on Jul 1, 2009 12:48 AM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

perfect match next to Roy.

Good Lord man. Rudy is an awful defender which hardly compliments Roy’s weak defense. The fact that he isn’t a PG, can’t handle the ball, and can’t create for himself pretty much kills it.

Rudy= 6th man for life.

by Nick Van Excellent on Jul 1, 2009 12:51 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

he can't create for himself on the ball, but he can get himself open

which next to Roy is by far the more important ability.

by as11osu on Jul 1, 2009 12:57 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not really true at all.

Getting yourself open is great, but being able to create for others as a PG is WAY more important.

by Nick Van Excellent on Jul 1, 2009 3:30 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

not when the shots you're creating for yourself

have a 59 TS% at the SG position your rookie year. Also, Rudy has an assist rate of 17 compared to Hedo’s 21. It’s really not that drastic per 100 possessions. Given the type of player that Roy is and what he likes to do, Rudy is the better match offensively on the court. Harris and his lack of a decent jumper really wouldn’t help Hedo’s case in this regard. 3 guys that create without the high efficiency finisher really doesn’t help that much. It just mutes Roy’s game and our teams overall offensive efficiency playing off his strengths.

by as11osu on Jul 1, 2009 4:11 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I couldn't disagree more.

But I can’t bring myself to talk about Hedu anymore. I’m pretty much done with this topic forever unless the Blazers actually sign him.

by Nick Van Excellent on Jul 1, 2009 4:24 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Uh....No...

Rudy is just plain terrible on D currently. Turk is at least average. I mean, I hate the move but let’s not go re-writing the last season here.

by xedubx on Jul 1, 2009 12:52 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

are you taking into account the fact he has Dwight Howard behind him?

and that Lee and Pietrus took on any even remotely skilled offensive player?

by as11osu on Jul 1, 2009 1:03 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Turkoglu had a net positive PER (his offensive production and the one his opponents had) of +3.5 on SF and +3.2 on PF (his better position, but also the one where he allowed above average against him). Rudy had a +4.5 on SG and was negative on PG and especially SF.

Neither one is a terribly good defender, but Rudy is of course much younger.

by Norsktroll on Jul 1, 2009 1:14 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I pretty much agree with Thorpe's take.
As a defender, Thorpe says Turkoglu is underrated. "He has length and feel. He’s a coordinated athlete. He’s also really tall and long. I don’t think of him as winning the battle on grit, but it’s not like there are a lot of times you watch a Magic game and think Turkoglu’s getting killed! When he’s engaged, I’d certainly say he’s a net positive for your defense.-ESPN

From what I’ve seen he seems much better than Rudy or Outlaw on defense. In my humble opinion it would be a net gain on both ends of the court, just not as much as I would have liked. I don’t love him, but certainly we would be a better team.

by Nick Van Excellent on Jul 1, 2009 1:14 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hollinger
At the defensive end he has the size to bother shooters but isn’t particularly quick or tough; in general, not much is asked of him at that end.

They’re both bad defenders and are required to be disguised on that end. Rudy makes far more plays on that end though and is a good gambler. Hedo isn’t all that bright out there either, as I’m sure you remember him allowing James to take that game winning 3 in game 2. That’s the one shot in that situation you can’t let him take, and he did.

by as11osu on Jul 1, 2009 1:25 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hedo is an average defender because of his size

Credit for making him part of an elite defensive team goes to Stan Van Gundy.

The chances Nate McMillan can get Hedo in a position to succeed on defense? I’d say less than 10%.

The Chicago Bulls.....the more profitable Los Angeles Clippers.

by Ozzie Montana on Jul 1, 2009 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I disagree

Turkoglu is lots taller and height helps in basketball

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

by Garden of ODEN on Jul 1, 2009 1:39 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But Rudy just makes plays love that kid.

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

by Garden of ODEN on Jul 1, 2009 1:40 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

height helps as far as rebounding is concerned...

the problem is Hedo doesn’t rebound well.

Rudy is 35th out of 75 in terms of boarding for SG’s.
Hedo is 37th out of 60 in terms of boarding for SF’s.

Rudy also gets a more steals and gives up less production despite not having Dwight Howard behind him.

by as11osu on Jul 1, 2009 1:49 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Jason Quick article and quotes from Hedo's agent show

That they (Hedo’s camp) are begging for some competition. The price may end up being relatively low for a nice addition for the Blazers.

by ajinoregon on Jun 30, 2009 11:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

So he wants more than that, doesn’t mean he’ll get any offers that are more than that.

by danielfarrell on Jul 1, 2009 4:27 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

omg!! i cant sleep im wayyyy too exicted!

and i gota wake at 4 30 for work!! gawd im in trouble!! butterflies in my stomach.This is what happens when you live, bread and bleed blazers !!

Oden...Aldridge...Roy.....THE REAL BIG THREE

by CroRupt on Jun 30, 2009 11:21 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

that's they way it should be

Go Blazers!!!!!!!!!! Wooooooooooot Wooooooooooooot!!!!!!!!!

by broyposse on Jun 30, 2009 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Comes with a trading card in Franz breads.

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

4:30 is wayy to early.

Communism is the very definition of failure.

by L-TrainFTW! on Jun 30, 2009 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Quick peeks through the blinds once again

and swallows an agent’s smoke whole……

cough

cough

cough

by lee3022 on Jun 30, 2009 11:23 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

found this interesting from Barrett
There is one scenario sitting there for Portland that I haven’t heard talked about that much. Being they have cap room, they could actually sign a player basically for another team, and then trade him to that team, giving each team the player they actually want. It sounds basic, and it is. But, when kicking around options, I just haven’t heard many people mention it.

The more I’ve thought about this scenario being in play, the more it makes me think this is perhaps what Portland will do. In that case, the guy they end up will probably be someone we haven’t even talked about yet. Having this option does widen the pool a bit, no?

So, even though we’ve only been hearing about a handful of guys being possible future Trail Blazers, I’m telling you to think outside the box. That’s what KP always tells us he does, right? So, should we be set for Andre Miller, Turkoglu, Jason Kidd, or Brandon Bass? If we’re to believe what we’ve been reading, it should be one of those guys. Maybe I’m reaching here, but I don’t think it will be. Of course, I could be dead wrong.

http://mikebarrettsblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/waiting-game-starts.html

by PoliSam on Jun 30, 2009 11:23 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

sign and trade for Tayshaun or Calderon.

by Cablinasian on Jun 30, 2009 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

not that Calderon is my first choice, just that it makes more sense iwth Toronto having been rumored to be interested in Hedo.

by Cablinasian on Jun 30, 2009 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why would the Blazers do it instead of the team that has bird rights?

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Orlando can’t add that much more salary, can they?

by Cablinasian on Jun 30, 2009 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe its plausible if the Blazers add another player of their own.

But I think sign and trades can only be one player. Why wouldn’t Hedo go to the Grizzles, Pistons, or OKC to get a higher starting salary for a sign and trade?

"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith

by blzrfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I honestly don't get it

“they could actually sign a player basically for another team, and then trade him to that team, " it just sounds like a S&T for another team, then why would not that team just do it by themselves?

No time to think now, please somebody educate me!!

by