I get that, but they're good people and decent players. Adding a player like Williams takes us from a marginal playoff team to one that could make a bit of noise.
It has always been a longshot. At this point, it either is still a longshot, or, the Blazers have already been told by Deron's people that he is not interested. Either way, our GM wouldn't bother acting like we are going to make a strong run at the #1 Free Agent.
I think you wildly overestimate the attractiveness of Portland's roster No, not a borderline playoff team, a total non-playoff team. Even adding Williams is this team really a contender? I certainly don't think so. So much depends on what kind of players they're able to get in this draft and if at least one of them can develop into an all-star.
LA has at least some power in luring him perhaps. Maybe even Wes to an extent as they are both close friends. But the only thing for certain that can attract him is $. And we really have nothing that sets us apart from other teams that can offer him the max.
