<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> If the Charlotte Bobcats still want to move up a space or two in this draft, the teams picking directly ahead of them will certainly take their calls. Portland Trail Blazers general manager John Nash and New Orleans Hornets GM Allan Bristow both confirmed to the Observer that they're open to the idea of trading out. Portland is third in this draft and New Orleans is fourth. The Bobcats select fifth and 13th overall. Nash said his first preference would be acquiring a quality veteran. "We're seriously exploring it," Nash said of trading out of the three spot. "We have a unique opportunity in that one of the contracts we have, that of Nick Van Exel, is non-guaranteed. So it's possible we could couple the third pick and that contract to a team that might be looking to save some money." "But we would only do it if we were going to get a high-level player in return." That option probably isn't a good fit for Charlotte, since the Bobcats have only four players under contract for next season. But Nash said he'd also consider a swap of three for five. Nash wonders if moving up to three is high enough for the Bobcats. "We'd be open to discussing anything, really, but it seems as if Charlotte would be more interested in obtaining the second pick than the third pick," Nash said. "So they may want to see what their chances are with Atlanta (at No. 2) before coming to us." Bobcats coach-general manager Bernie Bickerstaff has said he's not interested in giving up the 13th pick to move up in the draft, but might consider other options, such as packaging the future first-rounder that Toronto owes them. Sources have indicated the Bobcats most want North Carolina forward Marvin Williams, a virtual lock to be gone in the first two picks. But the third pick would likely give the Bobcats their choice of point guards Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Raymond Felton. Bristow said he's open to trading up or down because he's not sure who will be available at No. 4. "We want to see if we can do better," Bristow said. "We may not get the best point guard at four."</div> Source
