Now I understand we don't have to offer it, but if we can get a bargain free agent then I think Neil needs to pull the trigger. More tradeable assets is a good thing and there are normally a few injuries during the year so we could use the bench depth. Now that Dalembert is in Dallas and Atlanta has Elton Brand I'll throw a name out there, Greg Oden. Its a long shot but I'd make him the offer in case he wants to be our 15th man and finally play for Paul Allen. If he'd rather go somewhere else thats fine but it doesn't hurt to ask. After that I'm not sure who we should offer a deal to. Mozgov but I'd assume Denver would match. At least it would suck up a few million on their cap.
Olshey said a couple times that he is leaning towards leaving the last roster spot open (after cutting T Harris) and then having the ability to make mid-season trades (where he sends out 1 less player then brings in) available easier. I don't think we fill the 15th spot. I would take Oden but he won't take us.
Meh... I think I would say no to Oden. The Reason? If he gets hurt again I think it would be too heartbreaking (even if we aren't giving up much for the opportunity). Better to just turn the page.
I think oden is going to take the 3 million, play a few games, and sit inactive all season with "knee swelling"
This... He was in Vegas at the Wynn when I was there. He was drinking up a storm. He won't have any motivation but to get paid
If we wanted Drew couldn't we have just bid the vet minimum for amnesty claim? I thought that could make some sense and we'd still have the room exception.
I don't think that he'll use the exception right now because there are more trade options open if the Blazers are under the salary cap. As it is, Lopez and Robinson could be included in multi-player trades because the Blazers are still under the salary cap. Once they're over the cap, I think that option goes away and they can only be traded individually. Once the summer's over and there aren't any other deals to be done, then I'd like to see another big added to the roster.
I do not see any rush to fill it as there is really not any value left out there to spend it on. Thinking the roster spot is more valuable at this point.
Uncool conspiracy theory--- We're not going to get a one-on-one equal to LMA in trade (All-Star PF on a long-ish contract), so it's going to be at least 1-for-2 or 2-for-3. Which means you need a spot.
I wouldn't mind Drew Gooden, but i think like you guys were saying that spot is going to be left open for various reasons.
I would say this is the best option from any so far. We do not need another average PF, SF, or SG. What we lack is bulk. True that Hamed Haddadi lacks mobility, but he "plays big" and physical underneath. He is foul prone but he is strong and actually has a nice touch close to the basket. I see the advantage of waiting on a cheaper young player player who could slip through at the end of training camp. But I would not be upset at all if we grabbed this guy.
He can't use the exception right now, because there are currently 15 players under contract. Harris would have to be cut first. People who are fired up to trade LMA should be hoping that Harris is cut and the room exception isn't used, because extra roster spots would be nice in a LMA trade to increase options.
Just a guess. I don't see anyone that I'd want that's left in the pool, maaaaybe Gooden. If they release Harris I think LMA is on the move, not that that is what I want, unless we get a nice basket of goodies back.
I would love to work with Atlanta and try and pry Horford away. I doubt they do it, but I think pairing Horford with Aldridge and having Lillard be the beast in the back-court; would be a hell of a trio. It would put us easily into contention.
