From the not-exactly-reliable HoopsWorld: So... Hinrich again? Maybe we can help Toronto clear cap room for Hedo by taking Calderon off their hands...
This is the best option that is left. No need to panic. If we could somehow pry away both Kirk and Battier without giving up Roy, LMA, and Oden (yeah I am not exactly sure how) that would be a significantly better defensive team and would be a good move for the team this summer. I was thinking the other day, if we were thinking with our head and not our hearts, we would try to get Chris Paul in a deal that included Roy. While my head would do it, it would not feel like the Blazers any more without Roy. Paul/Bayless/Mills Rudy/Bayless Batum/Webster LMA/Outlaw Oden/Joel Oh well, back on topic, I would like to see a deal done before training camp, but you have to think there is some team that has high expectations but falls flat early and decides to make a cap move before the trading deadline. Should we wait to make a move when we can make a more lopsided trade and perhaps have better opportunities in mid-season? Or should we make a move this summer? Which teams are likely to be sellers now? Probably only NJ, Phoenix, Detroit? That list will grow after the season starts.
I'm not opposed to Kirk, but he 's a marginal upgrade from Blake at a price that's stupidly high. I just think KP's smarter than committing to a "PG of the future" that's maybe 10% better than Blake and pay him so much he's untradable when they realize we still need an upgrade at PG.
Battier should be one of our top targets. Houston is retooling their roster with younger players who have upside, they don't need the last few good season of a solid veteran, but we do!
That's not necessarily a bad thing. If we can't get the people we want/need, then we should stand pat for now.
What about Chris Anderson....besides the drug thing, isn't the most logical free agent choice out there? Portland says they want a tough backup PF, and Chris Anderson fits that to a T. He's been a career backup, and accepts that role. Taking him would also be weakening a division rival. Our interior defense off the bench would be smothering!
I live in Denver for most of the year. Just say no to Birdman. You know, Sinobas, it's okay not to do anything if there's nothing out there that will improve the team. You don't have to do something just to feel like you've been active.
If you ever say anything that has to do with trading any of our big 3, I am blocking you. You are not a true Blazer if you want to trade Roy. You disgust me. I agree, Battier would be cool, but for who? Are you gonna cry about it? We have a good team.
That's true - but it raises another question. Why do *other* teams seem to be able to find players to trade for or sign in FA? For example: you might believe Carter is not an upgrade over Hedo in Orlando. Fair enough - but beside the point. Orlando management was able to go out and find a guy *they* think was an upgrade. The same with Jefferson to the Spurs, or Shaq to the Cavs. You or I might disagree with the trades, but they weren't made just to "feel active." They were made because somebody felt they were helping make their team better. (and were willing to assume an element of risk to get there)
Yeah, it's looking more and more like we're going into next season with the same team, minus sergio and frye, and adding some rookies. Nate McMillan is going to shoot himself.
In all fairness, Claver and Mills probably will spend the year in Europe. I don't Portland will have 4 rookies on the team all playing significant minutes at various times during the season.
