Exclusive Anthony Davis Sweepstakes Entry: Blazers

I don;t think any discussion even starts unless McCollum and Nurkic are in the discussion. Pelicans need a center more than they need a shooting guard as they have Holiday to play sg.

 

As much as I love Nurk, I'd still consider it if the Blazers can re-sign Kanter.

 

I would want assurances from Davis. Otherwise, if he leaves then we are likely a lottery team and Lillard wouldn't be a happy camper.

 

I doubt that Davis would give any more assurances than Kawhi Leonard gave the Raptors. Making a trade for AD would definitely be an all-in swing for the fences, but it's beginning to feel to me like that kind of play is the only shot the Blazers have of winning a title with Lillard. I think the most likely thing that happens this summer is that Durant re-signs with the Warriors, they pay Klay, and they retool their bench with new ring-chasers. Given that, that means the only way to the title is through those guys. I HATE giving up Nurk and CJ, but what other move is there that gets another prime superstar next to Dame in HIS prime? I agree that if it doesn't work and AD leaves after a year, the Blazers are probably in a situation where the only fair thing is to trade Dame and start a rebuild. I guess it's just a matter of me feeling like it's time for Olshey to make a drastic move to try to win a title.

 

I dont think they have to trade Dame. You give him a choice, tell him hey we swung for it, do you want to stay your career here were open to that, or do you want to go to another team that might be closer to a championship?

 

The only sure thing imo is that Dame will be consulted before any significant move. That's how important his happiness has to be for the front office

 

The Blazers have almost systematically gotten rid of Dame's best friends on the team.

 

I'm sure that they would discuss that with him and the talks would center around whether there's a realistic shot at putting a contender again in the next couple of years, but I think the cupboard would be pretty bare to think that's going to happen. You'd have Zach and maybe Simons as quality pieces, surrounded by a bunch of role players. Probably both sides would be better off by trading Dame to a contender in exchange for young talent and picks.

On the rosier side of things, if the Blazers did manage to win big with AD, maybe he sticks and the Blazers can really build a machine around him and Dame.

 

Frazier and WB aren't significant moves. CJ or Nurk would be.

 

There was a lot of discussion when Ed Davis was let go, but whatever.

 

It has been weird at times when stories come out of Dame really loves this particular guy, and then that guy isn't on the team anymore... I guess he understands the business part of it.

 

I ve got your point. But the magnitude of letting Ed go is not even close to both mentionned over here don't you think?

 

Pretty sure that Dame and AD are pretty good friends.

 

So, you're saying they definitely consult Dame because they haven't traded the 2nd and 3rd best player on the team, even though they've systematically traded Dame's "friends"
(Davis, Plumlee, Frazier,...).

It's just not obvious to me that they consult Dame about who they are trading AWAY.
However, numerous on the record sources indicate that they consult Dame on who they want to trade FOR.

It's not really an important point, but there it is.

 

My main question, is Davis better than McCollum, Nurkic and whatever assets we would need to give up? No doubt he is an outstanding talent, but Nurkic (still developing) and McCollum are pretty damn good players Davis has only been to the playoffs twice and with some decent rosters. Or could we parlay some of those assets into a piece to help us become better than we were this year? Tough questions.

 

CJ, Collins, scraps and a couple picks for AD.

Keep Nurk and Simons.

Dame, AD, Nurk, Simons, and some hangers on, and the Blazers have a shot every year.

And yes, if AD is OK coming to Portland in the first place, he will love the culture and stay. I have zero doubt.

Stop getting me excited, dammit. I'm trying to go fishing here.

 

"Assurances" aren't worth the CO2 they generate.

If he comes, he will stay.

Have faith, my brother!

 

Exactly.

The Blazers need Dame to buy into 'the business part of it' (i.e. trading for AD); not the friendship part of it.

 

I agree that seems like an overpay. The Pels should be content with getting back a talented young big (Collins), some picks, and CJ.

Although if the Blazers are going for 'win now', and the Pels are in rebuild mode, I could see them wanting and the Blazers giving Simons instead of CJ.

 

Curious, if you were the Pelicans GM who would you be asking for off the Blazers roster?