This works as per realgm.com's trade checker: Richard Jefferson SF Charlie Villanueva PF for: Raef's Expiring Channing Frye Travis Outlaw Blake/Bayless/Sergio for the remainder of the year, then Portland let's Blake go by not signing team extension - looks to free-agent market for PG vet for 2010 season Roy/Rudy Jefferson/Batum for remainder of the year, then we see what Webster brings to the table (Batum expendalbe) Aldridge/Villanueva/Ike great depth at the PF Pryz / Oden / Randolph Starting 5: Second Unit: Blake Sergio/Bayless Roy Rudy Jefferson Batum/Webster Aldridge Villanueva/Ike Pryz Oden/Randolph If Oden has any knee trouble, you could start Aldridge with Villanueva and bring Pryz off the bench for smaller teams. I love Travis, but getting Jefferson AND Villanueva back in return adds scoring punch (other than BRoy) and depth to get us out of the first round. I thought I'd give this a try - since we're not hearing too much by way of a Bucks/Blazers partnership. PS: This trade is a +17 ppg. in the Blazer's favor!
Eh ... I can see where you're going, but I just can't imagine why on earth the Bucks would part with Villanueva, unless they are convinced they can't retain both he and sessions this summer when the two of them hit restricted free agency. For the Blazers it doesn't make a lot of long term sense since Charlie V. will probably command somewhere above the MLE in free agency and that is way more than the Blazers would be wanting to commit to a backup power forward. Bottom line is that we end up top heavy in the front court and we still haven't addressed the looming minute crunch between our 3 point guards.
I think what this trade does is: 1. Gets us Jefferson (SF solution for a couple two years) and we still have Webster and Batum to earn the starting job later on. Nothing wrong with Jefferson coming off the bench in a year or two either! 2. With Villanueva, we have some depth THIS SEASON for a playoff push - who knows what lies ahead with Oden and his injury...his foul problems, even if the injury is minor. We essentially "rent" Villanueva for the remainder of the season. Who knows? he may be a player to hang onto if he sees rings by staying with Portland for a reasonable contract when his expires this summer? 3. Again, I love Travis - but this trade frees up some of our log-jam problems. 4. We retain some Cap manueverability (Villanueva); we still have a log jam at the point, but I'm feeling that we'd find who we want over the summer - and I don't see a move happening now. Come on - Mike Bibby? I'd rather have Jefferson and Villanueva - as we all know Roy can bring the ball up for the rest of this year and playoffs. I still see potential in Bayless too.
