http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/57443/20090220/cavs_and_blazers_made_push_for_butler/ Sounds like KP knew who he wanted - and when it did not happen - he did not make a trade just to make a trade. Try again in the summer?
I doubt the Wiz seriously consider trading Butler unless the prognosis on Arenas is more setbacks and a longer timetable to getting back healthy, in which case it would be hard to justify holding on to Jamison and/or Caron with team unable to be competitive. Still I think Jamison is much more likely to be moved than Butler unless their financial situation gets too dire.
I never took the Butler rumors seriously, but I would have loved it if the team could have landed him.
Personally, I think this summer there will be much more movement. Wizards think that if they can get Arenas back for the last 15-20 games of the season they can make a push, and they want to see their Big 3 healthy again. If they can't get everyone back, I expect this summer Caron to be much more available, then he was in-season. Not to mention we will have another draft pick or two to trade them, which could be enticing when they are looking at a high lotto pick.
Washington would be foolish to break things up now. They could make a run next year with Arenas back and they might land Griffen in the draft.
It's not about making a run. It's about finances for Mr. Pollin. He's heavily invested in real estate and entertainment in DC, and he's getting hammered. He's also one of the least wealthy owners in the League. He can't take losing tens of millions on the Wiz every year.
Wait a minute. KP was going hard after Caron Butler, but at the same time he was committed to keeping all of his young players?? How is that possible? Answer: it's not. Just one more evidence that KP was "spinning" like crazy after the trade deadline passed.
I don't understand why you are taking the all or nothing approach. It's silly. KP/Allen didn't receive anything that they felt would dramatically improve the roster. Did you listen to his interviews yesterday?
Not true. Check out the thread that says Pritchard wanted to make a deal, but the coaches blocked it.
Nothing, except that I know Pritchard is a notorious liar when it comes to these matters. He's a brilliant GM, mind you, but a notorious liar. Don't you remember about this time last year when he was caught in a lie about the Blazers' intentions regarding a certain player, and he sheepishly admitted it? I wish I could recall the exact circumstances, but I can't.
Well, it is somewhat reassuring that he did go after him, but if it would have been possible to swing by taking Arenas contract and giving up Bayless, i wish he would have done it. I'll assume that was not possible.
Is that a joke? Grunfeld & Pollin are delusional....I called this earlier regarding Butler....The bottom line is that WAS mgmt have deluded themselves into thinking that the team they have is a legitimate NBA contender...IF only everyone was healthy, which hasn't been the case for how long? Heck, there are rumours that Arenas may NEVER come back to what he once was...and even if he did, that team isn't good enough to challenge Clevland, Boston or Orlando...heck not even good to compete against Atlanta or rapidly declining Detroit... Oh they could make the playoffs, but they aren't going anywhere in it....Kind of like Phoenix (pre-Amare eye surgery)...That is great that they can run n' gun and put up 140 on the baord...good enough to have likely gotten them a playoff spot...but actually GO anywhere once they are in the playoffs? Hardly.... Expect WAS to unload players this summer....I am sure they would prefer to unload Etan Thomas or Antwan Jamison 1st and maybe they will get lucky and find a sucker....but if they don't Butler may have to be moved...b\c Abe isn't going to like paying all that luxury tax....don't think he ever has...
Good grief. A quote that says that the Blazers had "conversations" with the Wiz about Butler gets translated by that ever-accurate site, RealGM, as a "push", and that gets interpreted by some folks here as being the guy that Pritchard wanted, and that gets interpreted as being the deal that was nixed by the coaches, and to further compound this silly game of "telephone", KP is accused of not having the cojones to deal away any of his young players. I'd be willing to bet that Pritchard had "conversations" with just about every team in the league. I'm sure that Butler is on the team's radar. That doesn't mean that the Wizards were willing to do a deal or weren't asking too much in return.
Caron was my No. 1 target as well. I guess I'm glad that if KP couldn't get him for a reasonable price if this is true, then he wouldn't deal for Jefferson or whoever without it being a lopsided deal.
