Kevin Pritchard Confirms Lamar Odom Talks, Denies Making Offer

by Ben Golliver on Aug 7, 2009 11:23 AM PDT in News

After Brandon Roy's press conference this morning, Kevin Pritchard addressed the rumored Lamar Odom offer with Blazersedge. Asked about ESPN's report that the Blazers madea run at Odom, Pritchard stated, "We talked to everybody. It's my job to talk to everybody. But to 'make a run' -- I don't think it would be fair."

Asked if at any point this summer he made a formal offer to Lamar Odom, Pritchard shook his head adamently and said, "We never made an offer." Asked if perhaps an offer was made informally, Pritchard again shook his head no and said, "But we did talk. My job as a General Manager is to talk to everybody. I try to leave no stone unturned and that's what you want out of me."

Due to the size of the rumored offer -- reportedly $40 million over 5 years-- there was some question about whether it occurred before or after Andre Miller's signing. Had it occurred prior to Miller's signing the Blazers would have had the cap room necessary to make that offer without moving any players. Had it occurred after Miller's signing, the Blazers likely would have had to dump one, if not two, players to accomodate the contract, or would have had to arrange a sign-and-trade with the Lakers.

Asked to clarify the timing of his discussions with Odom's camp, Pritchard said, "To be honest with you. I'm not sure," and started laughing. He continued, "I think it happened prior [to the Miller signing] but I think it happened after [too]. Again, my job is to stay in communication with agents at all times, with other GMs at all times. We try to do that."

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

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Good to know that KP has been doing his job...

Odom may have tried to use the Blazers as leverage which doesn’t make any sense because not one person ever believed he was serious.

by Escrote on Aug 7, 2009 11:42 AM PDT reply actions

Honestly, it's good to see KP didn't waste too much of his time on Odom.

I mean, I understand doing your due diligence and all that, but it was clear from the start that Odom was just working on the L*kers to improve his offer. He was never going to come here. L*kers knew it, Odom knew it, KP knew it.

Miami may not have, but they shoulda.

Portland Trail Blazers, Future World Champions 2010-2021.

by Majikj0n on Aug 7, 2009 11:47 AM PDT reply actions

n that's why he gets the big bucks!~!!

you too ben ;)

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 Aug 7, 2009 2:53 PM PDT reply actions