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Sean Deveney of SportingNews.com threw out a couple tweets today regarding Minnesota Timberwolves small forward Chase Budinger:
Another potential destination for @MNTimberwolves Chase Budinger, I have heard, would be @trailblazers. Thomas Robinson, possibly.
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) October 17, 2014
To be clear, not saying the @trailblazers are out there shopping Thomas Robinson. They're not ...
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) October 17, 2014
It's an interesting proposal. After an up-and-down season last year Robinson has fallen out of Portland's pre-season rotation (for whatever that means, which may not be much.) The Blazers carry Chris Kaman, Joel Freeland, and Meyers Leonard, all of whom are capable of playing behind LaMarcus Aldridge at power forward in Portland's system. Without a face-up shot to speak of, Robinson is an odd fit at the 4 despite overwhelming athleticism, unlimited rebounding potential, and the occasional highlight reel play.
Budinger was considered an intriguing small forward prospect in Houston, known primarily for his 40% shooting clip from beyond the arc in his third and final season with the Rockets. He was injured soon after being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012. He played 23 games in 2012-13, 41 games last season. His shooting stroke has yet to re-emerge. He doesn't have the game-changing potential that Robinson does but he does fit Portland's job description for a reserve small forward. If he can shoot at all, chances are his percentage from distance will recover in Terry Stotts' system.
Budinger makes $5 million per year through 2015-16. Robinson is scheduled to make $3.7 million this year and $4.7 million next.
How would this trade strike you? Would you sacrifice promise for shooting and a smoother fit? Or would Budinger's injuries and decreased performance with the Timberwolves scare you off?
Weigh in below.
Hat tip to BrewDude for getting this up in the Fanshots. He found Deveney's tweet aggregated in to the daily rumors at HoopsHype.
--Dave blazersub@gmail.com / @DaveDeckard / @Blazersedge