All right, how about Webster, Blake AND Przybilla for Elton Brand? Why does Philly do it? Because they would do ANYTHING to get rid of Brand's contract, even take on Prz (waiving the physical) because he has 2 years less on his contract. Why do we do it? Because Brand can play, and can even play C because of his HUMUNGOUS arms.
I'd consider it. Brand seems to be regaining at least a little of his old form (though his all-star days are probably long gone). But the big caveat for me, is what about the looming lockout and a potential hard cap in two more years? I'd be plenty bummed out if we couldn't extend one of our own free agents like Nic because Brand is eating 18 million that year in cap room.
There's a reason why they'd do anything to get rid of Brand's contract. Old and overpaid. Terrible combo.
Martell has competed for, and won, the starting spot at least twice that I can remember. I don't remember him actually losing it, other than to injury.
fixed. Seriously, I am so tired of hearing how our depth is actually just a bunch of crappy players. Our record, reality, and the opinions of nearly all people actually making their livings playing in, managing in, coaching in or reporting on the NBA say just the opposite. Portland may be the only NBA team whose fans consistently UNDER-RATE the players. And Hinrich is nothing KP or Nate would waste time and money on.
Agreed - that is a danger. BUT: any speculation about a hard cap is just that. And you can bet that even if there was one, it would be phased in slowly, because a bunch of teams would be in the same situation.
I just think there are cheaper options out there that are just as 'good.' I'm still holding out hope that some kind of trade will be made between the Wiz and Blazers for Haywood.
Yeah, down the line it could hurt chances of resigning rudy/batum/bayless/oden since we'll have essentially 3-4 max players.
I think you're going to have to give up that dream, for the following reasons: 1. Asking for Batum AND Fernandez is just too ridiculous. Either they're just mocking us, or they're WILDLY overvaluing him. 2. They don't HAVE to trade him. They're in full break-down mode, and his contract expires at the end of the season. They're not even particularly interested in moving him, I bet, unless it's along with one of their catastrophic contracts. But anyway, I'm suspicious of Haywood. He's been a career chronic underachiever, he's actually gotten into fights with teammate(s), and suddenly he's great because he's putting up semi-decent stats on a stinky team in a contract year? Plus there was that whole Tiger-Woods-shoulda-slugged her back thing. He doesn't do it for me, quite frankly.
To alleviate the time crunch, I would like to see a combination of Blake, Outlaw, Rudy, and Joel moved. I want to ensure there is plenty of playing time for Bayless, Batum, and to a certain extent Pendergraph and Cunningham. Webster is an enigma for me. I love what he brings to the team, shooting, defense, energy... but he has always had confidence issues and we've seen a drop in his production since Nic came back. I want to hold onto Jerryd because I think he can play both guard positions, which I'm not convinced Rudy can do. With a three guard lineup of Miller, Roy, and Bayless, I think we're in good shape for the next few years. I think we should target a f/c because when Oden comes back, they can backup both Greg and LMA. There should be plenty of minutes to go around. Pendy might be that guy, but I'm not sure he can do the backup center job. Rudy/Blake/Outlaw for Okafor. http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ykb74of New Orleans is sunk without Paul. Okafor is a big contract with five years left. He starts for us immediately and then he backs up both front court spots next year when Greg comes back. If Greg never gets healthy again, Okafor is a nice replacement long term. Miller/Bayless/Mills Roy/Bayless/Webster Batum/Webster/Cunningham Aldridge/Okafor/Pendergraph Okafor/Howard/Oden (until healthy)
Dude, I am only saying this cuz I care: the next time you get bit by a rattlesnake, try to get medical attention *before* the hallucinations start.
