Whe we NEED a FA signing this year

by KraigEriginal on Jul 1, 2009 11:34 AM PDT

The reason why the Blazers need to get a FA or two this year is simple:

Next year we will have NO cap space and can't expect to find quality players for only the mid-level exception.

Brandon Roy will command a max deal - starting around $13 per season that will take effect next summer. LaMarcus Aldridge will likely command slightly less if not also a max deal (I personally think he IS worth it).

So, maybe Hedo Turkoglu or Kirk Hinrich/Andre Miller/Jason Kidd aren't the answer entirely - but they are the best FA options this year. We won't be in the market to sign a FA for the next decade if we are able to keep our core in tact - and it is paramount that we do so.

And if you want to combat this claim with names like David Lee or Paul Millsap - just take one second to realize they will not come to Portland to play backup to LaMarcus if they can get a starting gig somewhere. It's just not going to happen...

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Three words.

Lop. Sided. Trade.

Opens up our options a lot more than being stuck with this batch of free agents.

μὴ φοβοῦ, μόνον πίστευε.

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by T Darkstar on Jul 1, 2009 11:38 AM PDT reply actions

Also a great option...

if we can find a taker. If we can do a major lopsided trade to net us that super PG of the future (ahem, Devin Harris) or an amazing SF (ahem, Josh Smith perhaps) then we would be moronic to pass on it.

If only this Hedo talk was all a smoke screen to a plan to be revealed later… c’mon Pritch – slap ’em!

by KraigEriginal on Jul 1, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions

But for who?

Are you in the boat of people that want to trade 3 bench players for an allstar? Of course that would be great, but I dont see it happening. Guys like Turk and Kirk H, are not the sexiest names in the business, but they would make the Blazers better. Unless I am wrong, and the Blazers can get Prince and CP3 for Blake and Outlaw, I see these smaller moves being the best realistic option.

by bad karma on Jul 1, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions

Prince appears to be available

now that Detroit drafted Austin Daye 15th overall in the draft.

No we can’t conveniently trade 3 bench players (who’s the 3rd anyway?) for a legit all-star, but it can be more easily accomplished this year than ever because of our cap leverage.

by KraigEriginal on Jul 1, 2009 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Hinrich isn't a FA

and I don’t think any of those guys are our best options considering we need a back up PF

Draft Cole Aldrich 2010

by jlarose78 on Jul 1, 2009 11:43 AM PDT reply actions

I know he's not a FA

but he is being widely considered a top target for us at PG. He would indeed be part of a lopsided trade to shave Chicago’s budget so they can better afford to re-sign Ben Gordon

by KraigEriginal on Jul 1, 2009 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions

Talked with KP a little while ago.

He called for advice. This is a nervous time for the man.

He’s rolling the dice.

I counseled that perhaps a sign-and-trade with the Magic, with the Blazers sending Travis Outlaw back to be Orlando’s instant offense off the bench, plus a trade exception, wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

This move would give the Blazers some cap flexibility.

But perhaps Blazer brass want to use Outlaw in another trade. Perhaps for Kirk Hinrich.

Question: If Ben Gordon signs with the Pistons, does a Hinrich deal come off the table?

My guess: Yes.

It does.

by Calzone on Jul 1, 2009 11:53 AM PDT reply actions

To clarify.

The sign-and-trade with Orlando would involve Turkoglu coming back to Portland.

by Calzone on Jul 1, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions

Can't combine a TE with players

We can’t attach a trade exception to a player in a trade.

It is also now a widespread belief we had to forfeit our TE to stay under the cap (I did not believe this to be the case, so I’m still skeptical, but it is what is being said now).

by KraigEriginal on Jul 1, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions

I think that Calzone means

that Orlando would get a trade exception in such a deal. And they would.

by Storyteller on Jul 2, 2009 6:45 AM PDT up reply actions

this is exactly my point

some people here don’t. Not only do these player we pick up help, but last year of their contract they become valueable trade assets for teams looking to cut cap space. i prefer trade’n for hinrich ofer a sign and trade for miller, but either is an upgrade. and we should still have our mid level ex. to sign a PF…. won’t be a milsap, but for 5 mil i think we could find a servicable back-up

by Spudzwudz on Jul 2, 2009 5:13 AM PDT reply actions