Blazers called PHX about Shaq

If GMs only called about deals where message board devotees thought fair value was being exchanged, KG would still be in Minnesota, Ray Allen would be playing in OKC, Pau Gasol would be in Memphis...etc., etc., etc.

Realism is in the eyes of the GMs and the owners. Given the economic climate, I think we'll see some deals this summer that won't pass your "realism" test.

 

Again, you're confused. As I said, I like the idea of Pritchard calling and exploring all sorts of options. I said that explicitly to clear up this misconception you have of my position. I am in no way saying Pritchard shouldn't be making such a call.

And sure, lopsided deals happen. I didn't say it was impossible. "Not realistic" simply refers to a high degree of unlikelihood. It doesn't mean that there's a zero chance of it happening.

My position is that attaining Shaq is not likely to produce big cap space next season. Your deal structure of how it could happen doesn't change my mind, since I consider such a deal to be very unlikely. That's all. My position has nothing to do with what Pritchard should and shouldn't be discussing with other GMs.

 

That's a whole lot of conversation to say that we're pretty much in agreement.

 

I think Shaq would be a good mentor for Oden. He could teach him how to use his big body. He could teach him how to get calls from the refs and stop getting calls against him. He could teach him how to relax, goof off and have fun. I agree though that finding a deal for him isn't easy though, and I also agree that center is a low priority for us right now. I'd much rather trade Outlaw than Webster, but I'd still want a way to replace Outlaw's role on our team. It was much easier when we had Raef's contract.

 

I see the Suns "held out" for a package of Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic.

Sure beats the package of Joel, Webster, Sergio, and maybe Frye that I threw out there.

 

Hell I almost wonder if acquiring Shaq and his salary for the last few years of his career just to keep him off other teams might have been worth it.

 

This gives lie to the idea that expiring contracts are not worth all that much. Look at what two of them got Cleveland.

Can anyone tell me a similar deal couldn't have been done for RLEC now?

 

To be fair to KP (and I know that's not a prerequisite around here), this deal for Shaq couldn't have been made prior to the trade deadline. The Suns still were in the thick of the playoff hunt. Teams are more likely to make a trade for a significant player after the season ends.

 

This wouldn't be the first time a team resigned a player for the purpose of trading them for salary cap purposes. Dallas did it with Keith Van Horn a few years ago. Provided Raef has not filed his retirement papers, it is still possible.