Trade idea that does NOT include 'Melo, NYK, NJN, or CP3

by MDBlazerfan on Jan 17, 2011 3:37 PM PST

This is my first FanPost, so go easy. I've been thinking all weekend about how to make the Blazers much more competitive again without having to give up Batum and without being completely dependent on the re-emergence of Roy and Oden, which frankly seems unlikely. I'm also loath to let Miller or Camby go in the short-term unless a real home-run trade came along, which does not seem likely. Keeping those points in mind, here are my trade ideas, with explanations to follow:

Trade Oden to Cleveland for Varejao. http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4eo3fdn

Trade Przybilla and Matthews to Philly for Andre Iguodala and Rudy and the rights to Victor Claver to the Bulls for Ronnie Brewer and the Bulls' 1st round pick in 2012. http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=473cqjp

Now, I realize the Oden for Varejao trade would probably have to happen next year, as both players are out for the season (Varejao tore a tendon in his ankle). To me, the value to Portland is that they get an elite defender and all-around pest who can keep the defensive intensity up when Camby is out and ably take over that role when Camby retires. He clearly does not have Oden's offensive skills in the low post, but with the emergence of Aldridge this year I would argue that's less of an issue. Varejao does have a bit of an injury history, but he's played 60 games a season on average, which is about what Camby has averaged over his career. Cleveland gets either a former #1 overall pick who still has lots of potential, along with a little buzz to help excite the fan base, or a way to clear Varejao's long contract off their books. I would argue that Oden could still become a very good center for them once out from under the pressure of failing to live up to expectations in Portland, as Sam Bowie was somewhat able to do after being traded to New Jersey.

My thinking in trading Matthews and Przybilla for Iguodala is that the Blazers get a guy who is better able to create his own shot in the event Roy never returns to his former level. He's a slightly worse 3-point shooter than Matthews(.358 this year versus .377 for Wes), but is an equal or better defender and is a much better rebounder and passer. Iguodala is also still relatively young (turns 27 this year, compared to Matthews' 24) and has had very few injuries over his career (he's played in all 82 games in 5 of his 7 years in the league). The benefits to a Philly team still saddled with Elton Brand's massive contract are that they can cut a lot of salary while getting a younger player with somewhat comparable skills. The concerns for Portland are Iguodala's $12 million a year contract (which still has 3 years left after this season) and that his production has been declining over the last few years, which John Hollinger attributes to settling for more outside shots. I'm banking on the idea that playing with Andre Miller again will have him taking the ball to the basket more, as his best years occurred when Miller was in Philly.

The point of the Rudy trade is really to get Chicago's 1st round pick in 2012 as another asset. I'd even take back Bogans instead of Brewer, although in that case I'd probably ask for Charlotte's 2012 pick, which the Bulls received in the Tyrus Thomas trade. Bogans is far the inferior player, but can defend and hit the occasional 3 and has a much smaller contract. I can't see the Bulls not doing either of these trades, given Rudy's inexpensive contract and their need for a good-shooting guard to play next to Rose. I throw in Claver as additional enticement to get the draft pick.

With two picks in this draft and two in 2012, the Blazers have a lot of assets to use in trying to obtain a long-term solution at PG. My first idea was that they could try to move up in the draft to grab a guy like Kyle Irving from Duke. However, that's contingent on Irving declaring for the draft even with a lockout looming and Portland being able to move up high enough to get him. There's also the small detail of Irving actually becoming a franchise PG, which is far from certain. A more realistic option might be to use those assets as pieces in another trade for a PG, probably during the offseason. I have to think a lot of teams would be intrigued by a package that includes multiple 1st round draft picks and expiring contracts; maybe even the Hornets. And if worst comes worst and nothing happens this offseason, they still have Miller as PG for next year, keep both their picks in this year's draft, and have two 2012 picks to use in trades next year.

Thoughts?

Tweet Comment 32 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

i dont wana lose oden or wes

wes in my opinion will b better then iggy in the near future

by golfballer333 on Jan 17, 2011 3:54 PM PST reply actions

Agree

"Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes, but no plans."

by SurReal on Jan 17, 2011 4:23 PM PST up reply actions

agree about not wanting to lose oden or wes

completely disagree about Wes being better than Iggy. Wes has athletic limitations that keep his ceiling down…Iguodala is a world class athlete and I think he gets sold short on Blazersedge quite frequently

"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'

by sammymohawk on Jan 17, 2011 5:35 PM PST up reply actions

i'm a big iggy fan but

i mean in terms of what our team needs, wes is a better fit and will b in the future and for longer

by golfballer333 on Jan 17, 2011 6:03 PM PST up reply actions

to afford Iggy, Cho has to move either Roy or LMA

bottom line, there’s no room on the payroll to add his long-term contract, otherwise

2010-11 12,345,250
2011-12 13,531,750
2012-13 14,718,250
2013-14 15,904,750

You could remove Camby, but that only takes care of those 1st two years

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Jan 17, 2011 6:30 PM PST up reply actions

What about this?...

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2bpbkj7

-Plus 2 future first round picks(one via Warriors),from Nets to Nuggets..
-Plus rights of Claver and a future first round pick(via Hornets),to Pistons..

by Brutal on Jan 17, 2011 4:44 PM PST reply actions

alright but

i dont think we need to give up so much to the pistons also i think rudy is better then morrow, but Greg Monroe seems he has good potential, also ive come to think that devin harris is not the answer

by golfballer333 on Jan 17, 2011 4:50 PM PST up reply actions

Yeah I must've missed the Devin Harris bus...

I know he is talented but I just don’t think he’s our PGofTF…

GO BLAZERS!!!

by Ilikeemall on Jan 17, 2011 9:45 PM PST up reply actions

I'll disagree about Rudy/Morrow

Morrow is a career lights out shooter from 3, (45% for his career) Rudy is very very pedistrian from 3, (37% for his career). Both are bad defenders, who sometimes get steals, and neither one are very good creating their own shot.

Ben II Blazersedge.com || New to Blazers' Edge?

by usmcr3049 on Jan 18, 2011 7:42 AM PST up reply actions

crazy different trade but i like it

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4eepmsl

by golfballer333 on Jan 17, 2011 4:54 PM PST reply actions

draft picks obviously sprinkled around

by golfballer333 on Jan 17, 2011 5:14 PM PST up reply actions

Not that the trade would happen....

but if it did, you realize that next year we would have about $60 million committed to five players on our team.

About $11 mil to Camby
About $12 mil to Aldridge
About $15 mil to Roy
About $12 mil to Iggy
About $8 mil to Varejao

And all of those contracts, other than Camby, still have at least 4 years left.

Would be an interesting team to watch, but no chance, especially with a new CBA.

by Blazas! on Jan 17, 2011 4:59 PM PST reply actions

I thought of that, but...

We already have $55 million committed to Camby, Aldridge, Roy, Oden, and Matthews. Doesn’t seem like that big a difference to me. And Camby’s salary comes off after next year.

by MDBlazerfan on Jan 17, 2011 5:36 PM PST up reply actions

And all of those contracts, other than Camby, still have at least 4 years left.

This^

And to think the Blazers have been under fire for offering Roy the max back in July, 2009. I’m not saying that Iggy and Varejao aren’t solid players, but their salaries added to Roy and LMA’s would put the franchise in luxury tax hell, and that’s not going to happen unless they’re challenging for the finals every year.

Is Iguodala a real difference-maker? Ask Philly’s fans. Andre’s a good player, but he doesn’t elevate his teammates into the post season

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Jan 17, 2011 6:38 PM PST up reply actions

His teammates are sorely lacking talent but

the good player on the bad team always makes me nervous in trades…

wha??

by Hipster Olympic Team! on Jan 17, 2011 10:46 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Another thought

I’ve heard Okafer is on the market, we could really bolster our frontcourt adding him. Having 2 of the 3 (Camby/LMA/Okafer) on the floor at all times would be nice instead of having to put in Dante at PF (though I love him, I’d love him more at SF if he could play it) and get rid of Marks…obviously. But what does New Orleans want for Okafer? Veterans, young talent, draft picks, expiring contracts…anyone know?

by jons_guitar on Jan 17, 2011 5:39 PM PST reply actions

I'm the lowest of the low when it comes to expectations of Oden but I still expect better than this.

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

by faith on Jan 18, 2011 7:23 AM PST reply actions

what, no faith?

by hoodieNation on Jan 18, 2011 11:41 AM PST up reply actions

Thank you for contributing to BlazersEdge!

I like your idea’s, and especially your well thought out reasons for them. I’m not a fan of giving up Oden just yet, I know and can understand how other fans want to move on from him, but I really believe this kid will come back, and be not just a productive player for the Blazers, but an All-Star. I was at the garden for the Wolves game last night, and Greg was sitting on the bench for the whole game, he had a cane, but didn’t seem to be using it for much support. I can’t wait for next year just because of the potential of Greg, and what adding him to this current team could mean.

I’m not a big fan of Andy either, which would mean that I don’t really like the trade you proposed with Cleveland. I could see the Blazers moving Oden in the right type of deal, but it would have to bring back alot of talent, because Portland has so much invested in Oden. And with Varejao being unreliable to hit anything beyond the rim area, I don’t believe he would be a very good fit for LMA. At least with Oden, teams couldn’t leave him to double LaMarcus, because of his ability to hurt them at the rim, something that Varejao can do, but is not the threat that Oden is.

As for your Iggy trade, after it is completed, would Iggy be asked to play the 2? If Roy came back, would Batum move to the bench, where he has historically struggled? I don’t mind the trade so much, (although it would be hard to see the Blazers moving Matthew’s after just signing him, and his stellar play) but the resulting roster embalance is not good. You stated in your opening, that you wanted to improve the team without giving up Batum, but by bringing in Iggy you are basically giving up on him in my view. This is because iggy would be playing 30-35 mins a night, and unless he is playing out of position at the 2, that means scrap minutes for Nic.

I believe Nic should be the long term answer at the 3 for this team, so I would not do a trade for Iggy, unless Batum was moved for an All-Star type pg, (i’m assuming that if the Blazers were able to pull off such a trade, Batum would have to be included). That seems a stretch though, so for me, I wouldn’t do it, and I don’t think the Blazers would take on that much salary either.

I don’t believe the Bulls would do the Rudy trade, they were unwilling to do a trade for Rudy during the summer, when the Blazers were only asking for a good 1st round pick, I’m not sure why they would change their mind now, with Rudy’s inconsistant play, and their own hot start.

Thanks again for contributing to the site, keep your ideas flowing.

Ben II Blazersedge.com || New to Blazers' Edge?

by usmcr3049 on Jan 18, 2011 7:55 AM PST reply actions

I thought it was the Blazers who said no to Chicago on the Rudy deal.

I recall several people on Blogabull being mad that we wouldn’t do it.

by hoodieNation on Jan 18, 2011 11:42 AM PST up reply actions

Maybe your right,

but from my memory, the Blazers were willing to move Rudy for a 1st round pick, even a low pick.

Ben II Blazersedge.com || New to Blazers' Edge?

by usmcr3049 on Jan 18, 2011 1:22 PM PST up reply actions

I think the Blazers were trying to get a high 1st round pick for Rudy

As the Bulls had 2 of them, one a trade from (I think) the Bobcats. The Blazers wanted the higher pick, but the Bulls only offered their lower one, so no deal.

by BassBall on Jan 18, 2011 1:55 PM PST up reply actions

yeah this is how I remember things

by hoodieNation on Jan 19, 2011 12:02 AM PST up reply actions

Greg was sitting on the bench for the whole game, he had a cane, but didn’t seem to be using it for much support

Barrett said he saw Oden on the treadmill and that he “looked great” last night

I know it was Mike “never is heard a discouraging word except for during 4th quarter quasi-meltdowns” Barrett but still it’s good to see that Greg is up and about and not hiding and rehabbing (or not) in Indy, all winter. I hope he’s been given encouragement from every Portlander he meets, not rolled eyes, etc

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Jan 18, 2011 4:47 PM PST up reply actions

Your trades are great

I’ve said all along that the Oden “potential” is a crack dream and you might as well try to get a guy like Varejao if possible. I’m sure he’d love out of Ohio and Greg would probably like it as it’s a wee 4 hour drive to Indy with a White Castle every 10 miles and a big ole amusement park halfway there.

And only a few brave bedgers would tell you they’d rather have Wesley than Iguodala. Really isn’t it a question of money? If money were not an issue who wouldn’t want Iguoala for any wing player on this team – any!

As far as Rudy goes he belongs in Madison Square Garden where entertainment trumps winning.

by oregonslee on Jan 18, 2011 10:45 AM PST reply actions

I like these ideas

this is what the trade drawer is for: good ideas that are within the realm of possibility that don’t involve 12 superstars and 4 teams and all our bench for Kevin Durant and BlaBLABLAAAAAAAAHHH!
I’m not quite sold on trading Rudy right now. regardless of what kind of player we think he is, what his potential is, and what he has shown us, with Roy out for the foreseeable future, Rudy’s stock is higher with our team than with others. he’s not worth a ton to say, Chicago or NY, but worth his weight in gold to us. plus, the guy’s playing the best team basketball since he entered the league. I can see this as a summer time trade, when more is defined (in an undefinable looming lockout situation).
and Duke’s fine young (injured) PG is Kyrie Irving, whereas their tweener from Salem is Kyle Singler… despite many many MANY articles on the internet that mix that up

by sparks89 on Jan 18, 2011 3:24 PM PST reply actions

Rudy’s stock is higher with our team than with others. he’s not worth a ton to say,

Reality is stranger than fiction department:

Now Rudy is telling the media now that he doesn’t want to be traded away from Portland

Less Roy = more fun time for #5. Now only if he could find his lost jumper…

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Jan 18, 2011 4:52 PM PST up reply actions

I’m not too worried about his reasons for wanting to play here. It could be that, to Rudy, it’s a career, and he’s looking at it like a business. Less Roy = more Business Time for #5. Now if only somebody could tell me how to paste the Flight of the Conchords picture at the end of this comment…

by sparks89 on Jan 18, 2011 8:17 PM PST up reply actions

If he was looking at basketball only as a business

Rudy would have taken the CSKA money back in ’08 and never joined the NBA considering his (relatively paltry) rookie contract

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Jan 18, 2011 8:39 PM PST up reply actions

talking 'bout the here and now

regardless of the past, he must recognize that his stock is lower than it was when he entered the league, and he’ll need to shape up or ship out. there’s gotta be a certain amount of pride that he has, playing in this league, and he would maybe feel like a failure if he didn’t give it the old college try. that’s why he turned down the Moscow money, and why (I think) he’s gonna stick it out and try to be somebody in the NBA

by sparks89 on Jan 22, 2011 1:17 PM PST up reply actions

Thanks for all the great comments...

Both supporting and against my trade ideas. I really just had some ideas knocking around in my head that did not seem outside the realm of possibility to me, so I wanted to see what others thought. Thanks again.

by MDBlazerfan on Jan 18, 2011 4:36 PM PST reply actions