Lillard is borderline untradeable for me. Unless he asks for a trade we shouldn’t even entertain the idea of moving him. He’s an intelligent man too. He knows we have no chance to compete now and will be patient for the next 2-3 years while we try to build a new team. Problem is we don’t seem very flexible in terms of reaching for young players to retool the team, we seem to not be willing to move too many of our rotation players.
We can do that by 2020 as is just by letting contracts expire, or trade them in the summer of 19 to get value. Why are you so hellbent on saving Paul money now?
What I don’t like about Summer 2020 is that despite having all this crap expire we still won’t have room for a max contract. Then again we might decide to move CJ by then for someone cheaper. My fear is that Neil will just re-sign the same players for slightly less if we make the playoffs for the next two years. Something like Turner for $10million, Meyers for $6million and Harkless for $8million, telling us how this core is reliable and growing.
I could use the entertainment, please list all the current players you'd trade Lillard for. In my opinion, if there is a point guard on that list then you're incorrect.
It's not about saving Paul money....couldn't care less. It's about more financial flexibility than we have now, which is almost none. (Especially given the lack of Playoff production)
Well what I can see you need to trade cj after this year if we don't improve. They need maybe groom Trent this year for his replacement for next year. In some ways I wouldn't be mad if we had a real bad season this year to land one those very talented SF next year draft. Sometimes you got to a few step back to able move ahead what your goals to achieve for the team. I will still support this team win or lose but this team right now might make it as a 8 seed next or barely falling short of the playoffs.
I’ve been saying this for MONTHS and getting absolutely slammed for it. It’s the right course of action.
Can you imagine acquiring Tatum and building around the frontline of Nurk/Collins/Tatum...yes please.
And after 5 years they are contenders, we haven’t been contenders in 17 years. And if they had a shit load of good luck couldn’t you say Sac/Orl had a shit load of bad luck? Look at Phoenix, they are headed in right direction because of lottery too.
The Miami pick from Philly would be my target, it's unprotected. Along with any combo of Saric, Fultz, Covington ???? That's in no way tanking, in fact, we would probably be better...with a future. If Philly fails on getting Kawhi we have a chance, They are not F'in around.
Here's my thought process on trading Dame: He's been vocal about wanting to stay in Portland. I'm a fan of the trailblazers - if we finally have someone wanting to stay with the Blazers.. the team I cheer for, then I will ride it out with him.
I ride or die with Dame Lillard, fuck a rebuild with him in his prime. If we drafted a scenario 14 million times with blowing it up and tanking, we won't get a player of Dame's caliber. He is the best thing to happen to this franchise and the perfect player for this city. How people want to trade him is unfathomable for me. From his leadership, embracing of Portland, skills, and attitude, it just doesn't get any better for me.
Agree 100%. Unless Dame requests a trade and wants out, there is no way in hell I move him. Try like mad to actually build a roster that fits around him first before getting rid of him. Neil totally fucked us over.
