Zombie Sabonis Is Not Coming Back......What Now For Portland?

Portland heads into the upcoming season with a frontcourt of Randolph, Wallace, Boujmte, and Davis. 3 of which are capable players. In the West, that doesn't cut it. So what does Portland need to do?

First, Portland is trying to reshape its team with positive PR guys. Any trade must take that into consideration.

But they also need to bolster their frontcourt.

The best way to do that is via trade. With Sabonis' current situation, Portland can pick up his option, regardless if Sabonis doesn't want to come back? Now why would a team pick up an option of $7 million for one year when the player doesn't want to play for them? Trade bait. That contract is now worth quite a bit.

Plus, Rasheed's contract is off the books after this season as well. Together, those contracts combined can save a team $25 million in freed money the following season.

Proposed Trade Idea #1- Rasheed Wallace for Abdur-Rahim and Nazr Mohammed

Why for Portland? They get a starting SF with heigth to pair up alongside Randolph. They also get a backup Center, something they need. Suddenly, Portland has more depth upfront. Also, Abdur Rahim and Mohammed are positive PR guys.

Atlanta does it to gain even more cap room. Plus, Rasheed is better than Abdur Rahim, and should thrive in the East. Not to mention the thought of more expiring contracts for Atlanta who is currently rebuilding.

Proposed Trade Idea #2- Rasheed Wallace, Damon Stoudamire to Miami for Brian Grant and Eddie Jones.

Portland wants to move Stoudamire badly, and here's their best shot. They get a low post banger in Grant, who is a great PR guy, and whom many Blazer fans love. Jones is a great addition as well. It leaves Portland thin at PG, but they could pick up a veteran backu PG, like Kenny Anderson.

Jones would allow Bonzi to slide back to the 2G. Miami gets more cap room for next season. Plus, they get a PG to run the team, Wade can play at SG, Caron at SF. Damon wouldn't be a Riley favorite, but his contract has 2 years left. It makes Miami a lot more interesting team. Maybe Miami needs to throw in a 1st rounder.

Proposed Trade Idea #3- Rasheed Wallace, Boumtje Boumjte for Antonio Davis, Morris Peterson, JYD, and a protected pick.

Portland gets size in Davis(and a PR positive), a hustler who can backup both F spots(JYD), a SF that can start and keep Bonzi at the 2G(in Peterson), and a protected first.

Toronto gets a better PF in Rasheed(who can play Center), and a decent backup Center. But more importantly, it clears up cap room. Rasheed will be able to be resigned to a cheaper deal, at a more favorable contract than Davis' current one.

Then there is the NJ/Dal/Por one that is currently being talked about.

The above trades are just some basic pieces that could be swapped. I am not saying those trades could happen, or will happen. I am saying that those pieces could be swapped with other items(or players) thrown in as necessary.

 

Bump............

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Out of the 3 proposals I like #1 the best. I also think the Blazers should take a look at signing Steve Smith to get a solid locker room leader and PR guy on the team. Sheed needs a new start and moving him to Atlanta makes sense. He will be the #1 option on the team and he will play in the weak east. With Sheed's and Brandon's contracts set to expire the Hawks will be a big player in next year's free agent market.

The Blazers get 2 solid players for Sheed and they make room for Randolph to start. The Blazers won't lose much in scoring with Reef on the court and Nazr gives them a big body to back up the aging Dale Davis.

The Hawks might even be willing to take Patterson's contract on, if the Blazers are willing to take Alan Henderson's contract in return.</div>

Like I've said in other posts, although DA might not be a "leader" he'd make a fine PR guy. And frankly we don't need SS, he was on our team before.

But yeah, #1 was the best option. If the Blazers did anything involving Sheed for Brian Grant I would stop watching, honestly.

 

WTF?

 

BUMP

 

Please merge this with the Melo thread!

 

Please suspend whoever bumped this

 

Don't ask questions, you work for us!

 

Also, noticed that the first trade proposal was about what ended up happening with Sheed.

 

Guys, seriously, please merge this!

 

Death is only the beginning.

 

I was waiting for someone to write "Ha Ha Made ya look!"

 

Interesting bump..2003? That’s like 5 years before the great migration

 

Username checks out.

 

Wait, I got it! Since Sabonis is leaving, let's move Wallace to center and let Randolph play PF.