I Think what we have learned in the past week of interviews and injuries is If anyone gets traded it will be Sergio and Outlaw not Blake secondly I think the Blazers are probally going to go with there Exceptions Vs. capspace. so the question then becomes

1. What FA can the Blazers sign for 6 Mil
2. What Lopsided trade can the Blazers do with either Sergio or Outlaw and our draft picks.

Keep in mind that it seems the front office has complete faith in Bayless and Battum to eventually be the permanent starters so think minor tweaks not major changes.

I outlined the Hinrich trade for Blake and picks before, the difference in salary would work with the assumed ca. $7 million in cap space.

It would work for Ramon Sessions if the Bucks don’t match, as described by Dave in detail a new contract would have to start at maximum the mid-level exception (ca. 5.5 – 6 million). Or we could get a backup from them for nothing, say Francisco Elson. They might also be willing to give up their #10 draft pick for Sergio and two of our picks and taking back a contract. Basically if they are confident that helps them to keep Sessions they will sell the pick, if they think they can’t they will keep it an draft a new point guard. The same could happen with the Knicks, though their price would likely be a bit steeper.

Combining all those assets might work for Conley, but that of course hinges on them taking Rubio.

Outright buying a pick with cash won’t land you much more than something from #25 or lower. Maybe the Wolves would be interested in exchange for second round picks, not forcing them to guarantee a salary. KP has said 2nd rounders are attractive this year thanks to that possibility. The Nuggets certainly would be if you take Hunter off their hands. Maybe a few other teams.

In terms of free agents, it’s probably at the border of what Andre Miller would want. It’s not enough for Turkoglu. And it’s enough for almost any “reasonable” backup PF as long as his previous team doesn’t match (Bass, McDyess, Wilcox, etc.).

Trade for Reggie Evans(Banger, good experience in that role with Nate) from Philly, possibly the 17th overall pick(Terrence Williams) if we somehow lost Rudy in a previous trade.

I did follow Indiana last year a bit more after Jack and McRoberts went there, but I still wouldn’t say I’m a fan. I’m a fan of Danny Granger, so that also contributed.

I would adopt that team as my second team, not as my first.
I still have ODen, Batum, Roy, and all the young talent to salivate about

He is a better defender then Miller, Bibby & Sessions. If we can’t defend the PG, we won’t be talking about chapionships. We will be talking about what ships the blazers players are buying in the offseason.

He once could create for himself, not anymore. And defensively he is also nothing to write home about.

Miller is not good on defense either, especially against picks. He is a far worse shooter from outside than Blake and Hinrich. He would bring some interesting wrinkles like being able to post up smaller players regularly. Not sure that is worth what he will demand, but he might be an option if the Blazers are convinced Bayless is their guy in about two years. I would take him over an even more expensive Kidd or Nash (who is not a free agent so he would also cost other players).

Sessions and Conley are the two realistic alternatives to Hinrich I could see. Though the latest comments by KP looks more and more like we will stand pat with Blake starting and Bayless backing him up, and only Sergio on the move.

He was behind Rose & injured. Hopefully he could force Bayless to develop like Rose(Who I think benefited from Hinrich’s defense in practice & watching him use all his little veteran tricks).