So it seems that getting a center might be tough. Not many options in free agency other than a toxic offer to Pekovic, and I'm not sure he fits all that well. Not noted for his D, not a good pick n roll guy, which would be great for Damian. And he plays in the low post on offense, meaning he'd crowd Aldridge off. Gortat, while debatably the worse overall player, seems much better in post D, a much better pick n roll player, and quite successful playing the higher post. He's basically what we'd like Meyers to become. So, it doesn't seem like we drafted McCollum in order to give to Phoenix, and it leaves us with limited options for picking up Gortat. Perhaps we're dealing Wes, but I don't see why Phoenix would be interested in that. We don't have a pick in next years draft to send their way. What could we really offer them? (or Houston for that matter if we go after Asik) Cap space is the main thing I see, unless we want to give up on Meyers this early. Although I doubt they're seeking to make a big free agent splash, unless they want to go after Eric Gordon again, which they can do in a couple of weeks and now that the Pelicans have Jrue they might not mind losing the fat contract. However, Sarver is a cheap skate and I'm sure he'd love to get rid of the contracts of Frye or Beasley. Would it be worth it to take on Frye? While his last time in Portland didn't go well, it was under McMillan iso-ball. Stotts has coached Dirk and other perimeter forwards well int he past and his system seems to involve more picks in general. Additionally, Aldridge is much more of a post threat than when Frye was here last and Frye has improved his post defense substantially. The big question is if he can even play again, but assuming he could I think you'd have a very versatile three man rotation with Aldridge, Gortat, and Frye, who all operate at different spots on the floor and could be mixed and matched. We could probably add Freeland in order to make things a little easier upon ourselves. Houston is also looking to move Robinson, maybe the suns, who are probably tanking next year, would be interested in acquiring him? Would something like this work? I know it would take most of our cap space, but maybe leave enough (5 mill?) to sign someone like Martell Webster or bring in Vince Carter from Dallas who is also looking to clear cap space. Robinson, Freeland to Phoenix Gortat, Frye to Portland Popinakalou to Houston (along with a future pick or some second rounders in next years draft?) Pick up Carter from Dallas for something. It might be very nice to have a 2/3 with ballhandling/distributing skills if Mccollum becomes our de facto b/u PG and Matthews is our starting 2. Lillard/McCollum Matthews/(McCollum/Carter) Batum/Carter Aldridge/Frye Gortat/Leonard /\ is that team a long ways off from being a contendor? I could see us making some noise next year. Probably not more than a second round team, but with enough improvement from Mccollum and Lillard it might not be a long ways off.
