Trade Drawer - August 3rd

by ericking on Aug 3, 2009 11:21 AM PDT

I am of the party that believes the Blazers won't make any more trades before the season starts. I believe that until Martell Webster can show that he's ready to be a contributor, we won't be getting rid of Outlaw. However, Outlaw is that odd man out right now. He's expendable and a decent trade asset. For the sake of discussion purposes (since there hasn't been a ton of activity on BE lately), let's think of how we could use our leftover cap space + Outlaw to get one last rotation player before the season starts.

As Dave cleared up yesterday, we'll have about 3.6 million after the summer holds on Viktor Claver, Petteri Koponen, and Joel Freeland are taken off. However, we also still need to sign Cunningham and Pendergraph to contracts. They're expected to take the minimum rookie salary, though, so when everything is said and done we'll have around 2.7 million in cap space. Potentially, if we were to trade Outlaw, we could make it a lopsided trade if there was a team willing to dump some salary. So the question is, who's available for trade and is worth around 6.3 million (cap space + Outlaw's value)?

The other factor to consider is need. What do we still need? I came into the summer thinking we'd need a starting PG and a backup PF who could be a "banger" and solid rebounder. We've added the first part with Miller, but still need someone to backup LaMarcus off the bench. You could argue that Cunningham or Pendergraph will fill that void, but I don't think they're quite ready yet; especially when we will hopefully be competing for a title this year.

My idea is fairly simple. I think we should go after Ronny Turiaf or Carl Landry. Neither of these guys would take up all of the remaining cap space, but they'd both be good fits, in my opinion. However, I don't think that doing a straight up Outlaw for Turiaf or Outlaw for Landry trade is plausible. Houston really needs a center more than anything and the Warriors already have 7 players listed at the SF position. I'm sure Outlaw would play PF for them, but I don't think they'd really want another player that replicates others on the team.

So, who's the 3rd team to involve in one of these trades? Memphis? Any other trade ideas?

Tweet Comment 11 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I like Jeff Foster as the 4th veteran big man

Turiaf is a solid target, but the Warriors may not want to part with Ronny if all they’re getting in return is Travis

Landry can guard centers in the post, even though he’s only 6’7. Another good choice

But Foster is my choice because he’s a veteran who wouldn’t mind playing short minutes but who knows to how get under the skin of his opponents and he’s a plus rebounder at PF/C who can hit an open jumper. Indy would rather move Troy Murphy and his bloated contract but they still might like the idea of getting Outlaw and his expiring contract in exchange for Foster (who’s earning around 6mil/year)

When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Aug 3, 2009 12:06 PM PDT reply actions

BTW

I’d also probably try and get a draft choice from the Pacer’s GM in this deal, he is getting the more-talented player, after all. But I think Foster fits the Blazer’s roster “need” better, going forward

much depends on Webster’s recovery, of course. There’s no need to “rush” this deal

When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Aug 3, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree wholeheartedly. Foster is solid and his C playing abilities are a bonus.

You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.

by austinpwnz on Aug 3, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Jeff Foster is worse than Outlaw...

and more expensive.

He gets a lot of that white guy hype about being tough, smart, hardworker, etc. I’ve watched him play a fair amount and he seems pretty mediocre. I wouldn’t mind having him, but I’m not sure he’s the type of player you would want to actively seek out.

Jeff Pendergraph is a much cheaper alternative, who’s pretty much just as effective and they have the same name. Just squint your eyes and pretend he’s old and overpaid.

I want to put points on your face.-Rudy Fernandez

by Winchester on Aug 3, 2009 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions

I like this idea, too

I think I’d prefer Landry or Turiaf, but I’d be fine with Foster and I think he may be the most realistic option of the 3.

by ericking on Aug 3, 2009 12:17 PM PDT reply actions

Landry would be a whole lot easier to get than Turiaf

Warriors dont have enough big men as it is, so they aren’t trading Turiaf. The Rockets have a logjam at the 4. I still doubt they’d do an Outlaw for Landry swap, so the question is, what else would it take from us?

Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Rudy, Batum, Outlaw, Webster, Bayless, Blake, Miller, Joel... Holy crap!

by axel360 on Aug 3, 2009 12:30 PM PDT reply actions

Probably Bayless.

I heart taxes.

by everett on Aug 3, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions

I like Landry but

Outlaw and Bayless seems like a lot for a 9 and 5 guy. id trade outlaw and bayless for lee, but not landry. i was thinking outlaw plus a draft pick and/or euro.

Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Rudy, Batum, Outlaw, Webster, Bayless, Blake, Miller, Joel... Holy crap!

by axel360 on Aug 3, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Nick Collison

Draft Cole Aldrich 2010

by jlarose78 on Aug 3, 2009 5:02 PM PDT reply actions

Similar situation to Turiaf

Thunder dont have a lot of big men, so i doubt they will look to trade collison

Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Rudy, Batum, Outlaw, Webster, Bayless, Blake, Miller, Joel... Holy crap!

by axel360 on Aug 3, 2009 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Howabout...

Travis for Hakim Warrick of the Bucks..They traded RJ to the spurs and I know Joe Alexander will not be starting so Travis would be their starting small forward. Hakim Warrick averaged 11 and 5 or 6 last year. He is on the rise and I thought was underlooked during this free agency period. Stil I believewe could get more out of a Travis trade

"Good, Better, Best, never let it rest until your good is your better and your better is your best." Tim Duncan

by flynn4blazers on Aug 4, 2009 10:21 AM PDT reply actions