First of all, there is a difference between flexibility and opportunity cost. Second of all, the Rockets got CP3 because he chose to go there. No other explanation is correct. The Clippers got an ultimatum that they could either trade him to Houston or he'd opt out and would leave for nothing. It had nothing to do with them having more trade assets or a better package than we could trade. To use that as your argument is just completely irrational.
Total BS. They aren't more valuable. They may become more palatable, or less terrible - but in no way will those contracts ever have ANY value.
It’s so obvious Neil thinks this roster is a lot better than it is lol. He’s absolutely unwilling to admit any fault in getting us into this mess and I wouldn’t doubt that he’s calling for Stotts to be fired behind the scenes to bite the bullet for his fuck ups. If he doesn’t make us clearly better by the summer then PA needs to bring in a new GM who’s intial sole task is to find a good deal for one or more of CJ, Collins, and Nurk. We’re not going to somehow sky rocket into contending by developing what we have, making bargain deals, and drafting in the mid to late first round. This is hell.
We don't know what the climate is right now but if those contracts were expiring right now they'd have a TON of value. We could get just about any name available right now since most teams are asking for no long term money. If expiring... Harkless, Leonard, and a 1st for Jordan would be possible. Turner for George Hill. Leonard for Jordan Clarkson. Turner, Leonard, and a 1st plus a young guy for Gasol. I'm not saying I'd make these trades but our players instantly become this valuable once the summer of 2019 gets here.
Dame, CJ, Collins, and Nurk IS a decent core to build around. The problem is that they need a huge upgrade on the wing to make it work. That is a difficult task considering our salary position but not impossible.
The thing is, all those other guys that signed contracts in 2016 will be expiring too. And expirings have lost value over the last couple years. I don’t doubt we’ll be able to move those contracts but it’s not going to be for a nice piece in return unless we attach a valued asset to them. Even the Clippers who are clearly wanting to shed salary asked for Harris and Bradley to get out from BG’s contract. The ET, Leonard, Harkless contracts will be dealt to simply get out from under them but I doubt they will met us anything of value in return unless we attach picks or young players.
If it’s true that’s a decent core than we wouldn’t NEED a “huge upgrade” on the wing to make it work. One we will never be able to acquire without shipping out one of the players from said decent core. I think this team is a lot further off then people assume.
I think Olshey understands what a mess we are in and is doing whatever possible to try to make the situation better. Whether that is possible, who knows? Also, I wouldn't assume that he isn't willing to trade CJ; the sentiments being leaked could be just to try to inflate his trade value.
When Olshey says certain players are not for sale, it just means if you're going to inquire, it better be a damn good offer or don't waste my time. Everyone is for sale. Just sayin'.
I agree that we’re not that far off and have a nice core in place. We’re really only missing a 3&D wing. Problem is they’re not easy to find and a bunch of other teams are looking for one as well so Olshey has his work cut out
Sounds like wishful thinking. I really doubt CJ is on the block after just going off for 50 and while he is having a monster year in general. The Blazers need a long strong SF that can shoot. A solid 3&D player. Harkless should have been that player. At times he is that player. But obviously between him and Turner the Blazers have got to have at least one of them having a good game.
Might be too late but maybe we should just give Harkless another shot. He’s quietly shooting over 38% from outside. He reminds me a little of Trob in that he thinks he’s a lot better than he actually is and deserves more, but if he just accepted his role he’d have a long career in the league.
Maybe but I didn’t get that vibe from Woj and it’d go against everything I’ve come to think of Neil. I honestly believe his backcourt is untouchable. He’s going down with that ship and we should just deal with it.
Just look at the rosters of Houston, GSW, Boston, Minnesota, even Philly and Milwaukee and try and justify how our current roster, without drastic change, can compete with that. Without a PG level talent at the 3 or 4 I just don’t see how we even come close to the level of some of those rosters.
I see it slightly differently. I agree with you about the entitlement mindset likely being a big hindrance to Harkless, but I don't see it as him thinking he's better than he is, so much as not realizing how good he could be if he just went out and took the role he wanted. Either way, though--I don't think he has the mentality necessary to be the kind of wing we need for this team to take the next step, and I don't see it as something he'll develop any time soon.
