Notice 2023 Blazers Free Agency

[SharpesTriumph]

Portland has 113M in guaranteed salary. If you add in the rookies, Scoot-Murray-Rupert, the Blazers would be at 127-128M with 12 players. Subtract Knox, and they are at 124-125 with 11 players. Their 3 primary free agents are Grant, Thybulle, Eubanks.

at this point, it's worth noting the tax line is around 162M and the Apron is around 169M. If the Blazers want to use their full-MLE, they can not, for any reason, go over that 169M apron. So effectively, cap-holds are irrelevant. What counts is committed salary

now, say Grant signs a deal with the first year at 27M. Portland is now around 151-152M in salary. Say Thybulle at 5M and Eubanks at 3M. Blazers are at 159-160M with 14 players. Only 9-10M below the apron. So it would be a challenge to use the full-MLE instead of the tax-MLE

Obviously that could change quite a bit if the Blazers sent out more salary in trades than they brought back. But I'm not sure Portland is in any position to be salary-dumping players

at this point, without some really significant trades, I can't see Portland in a position to use their full-MLE. No chance at cap-space. Keep in mind that the Blazers still have an 8.3M TPE too. If they simply use the tax-MLE, they keep alive the option of using that TPE

I'd imagine the Blazers could dump Little's salary and gain or lose a second round pick, or something like that if they are so close to being able to use the full MLE. I'd think first we would need a legit target for it though. If were getting Bruce Brown or Harrison Barnes ok that might make sense. If were bringing a Derrick Jones Jr type player here, then no just stick to the tax MLE.

 

[HansenYang]

He gives me Hassan Whiteside vibes

Maybe, but he has always had a net positive +/- the last 4 seasons (Detroit, Houston, Houston, Dallas).

+/- stat doesn't mean much with low minutes because of the high variability. However over the course of a season, I think it is a great measure of impact.
He would rank 2nd (to Lillard) if he were on the Blazers last season.

IMO, he'd be a great pickup.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I was talking about his potential to affect winning. I had high hopes about Hassan. I also wanted Christian Wood 2 years ago when he first joined the Rockets and they played us early in the season and killed us. But he hasn't made teams winners. Idk, maybe he'll work here. He's tall, something we need. .

Looks like Kidd brought him off the bench because of his lack of D.
But he still might be the best option with the MLE

https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2023/...failed-but-it-was-really-over-before-it-began

 

[SharpesTriumph]

I can't understand why Harrison Barnes isn't being talked about more as a keep-Dame-happy target. Is it because Sacramento is a lock to retain him? Or is it because he's not a "sexy" name?

Maybe this might give us more of a chance to land him:


Talking about Draymond is a waste of breath. We can't afford him and he wouldn't consider us. Cronin knows this, so even mentioning him is just disingenuous.

Only reason Draymond should be mentioned is if Dame brings it up and its like the Grant situation where he will pressure teams to force his way to Portland. Otherwise it makes no sense.

Barnes I agree with - I think he'd be an awesome addition for the MLE. Seems like that may depend on Sacramento using their cap space though. If they can't get a free agent they probably just resign Barnes.

 

[inconceivable]

Lot’s of options here, but that’s a great start

Add Laurie Markannen to the list

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I can't understand why Harrison Barnes isn't being talked about more as a keep-Dame-happy target. Is it because Sacramento is a lock to retain him? Or is it because he's not a "sexy" name?

Maybe this might give us more of a chance to land him:

With what asset might we procure said keep-Dame-happy target? Obviously he'll be getting more than the MLE, so we can't sign him outright. You think Sacramento is interested in Simons or Nurk? Or you think we can somehow get him in a 3-team, 2-S&T deal with SAC and WAS? Seems unlikely.

 

[Natebishop3]

I know Christian Wood does not meet the criteria we have discussed. But damn he did put up some nice numbers last year. Especially in January-February. Quite a few double-digit rebound nights. How bad of a defender is he?

That guy is the flesh embodiment of fools gold. He has been dumped by three teams. He puts up good numbers but he doesn’t get played as much as one should who puts up numbers. He has major warts.

 

[illmatic99]

Even if we manage to dump all 3 for nothing, we still won't be able to offer him 3/100.

I said a S&T where our guys go to a third team.

 

[Pinwheel1]

That guy is the flesh embodiment of fools gold. He has been dumped by three teams. He puts up good numbers but he doesn’t get played as much as one should who puts up numbers. He has major warts.

It sure seems that way. But we are not talking about that much gold if it is just the MLE. Is he worth that? If not who is our #1 MLE target? He got paid 14 mil last year

 

[Natebishop3]

It sure seems that way. But we are not talking about that much gold if it is just the MLE. Is he worth that? If not who is our #1 MLE target? He got paid 14 mil last year

I’m just wondering if it’s as simple as he’s not a good defender or if he’s a cancer in the locker room.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

It sure seems that way. But we are not talking about that much gold if it is just the MLE. Is he worth that? If not who is our #1 MLE target? He got paid 14 mil last year

I definitely think he's worth that, especially to this team, given its current construction.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I definitely think he's worth that, especially to this team, given its current construction.

Considering the list of FAs it comes down to this for me......is he better than Watford. If he is then we might have to. I am not saying he would even start for us, but he would add some length/depth. But I hope we find a better option for the MLE

 

[maxiep]

Considering the list of FAs it comes down to this for me......is he better than Watford. If he is then we might have to. I am not saying he would even start for us, but he would add some length/depth. But I hope we find a better option for the MLE

I think Watford is huge for us and we'll pay to keep him. He does all those little things and has the size to really bang. Winslow also did those small things, but I think lacks the size Watford has, as well as being too expensive.

Walker needs to bulk up a lot, but is worth keeping. I wouldn't mind seeing what Eubanks could do at the four as well, but he probably doesn't have a future with us, as he's not really a five. He has earned himself a nice payday, however, and I will always root for him.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I think Watford is huge for us and we'll pay to keep him. He does all those little things and has the size to really bang. Winslow also did those small things, but I think lacks the size Watford has, as well as being too expensive.

Walker needs to bulk up a lot, but is worth keeping. I wouldn't mind seeing what Eubanks could do at the four as well, but he probably doesn't have a future with us, as he's not really a five. He has earned himself a nice payday, however, and I will always root for him.

I agree but I don't think he needs to bulk up. He weighs in at 237 and for a PF that is enough. We need him at the weight he is quickest at. It doesn't mean he can't get stronger, but not sure I want him to bulk up.

 

[maxiep]

I agree but I don't think he needs to bulk up. He weighs in at 237 and for a PF that is enough. We need him at the weight he is quickest at. It doesn't mean he can't get stronger, but not sure I want him to bulk up.

Walker is 237 now? Nice! I looked up the roster and he was listed at 215 last year. Thank you for correcting me.

I think Walker is just a really nice piece. Not the most athletic, but he always seems to be in the right place making the right play.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Walker is 237 now? Nice! I looked up the roster and he was listed at 215 last year. Thank you for correcting me.

I think Walker is just a really nice piece. Not the most athletic, but he always seems to be in the right place making the right play.

Oh shit sorry, I thought you meant Watford. (Walker was around 215)

 

[Fitz303]

Even if we manage to dump all 3 for nothing, we still won't be able to offer him 3/100.

It's highly unlikely, but it is doable. If Portland re-signs Grant to a deal starting at 26 Mil year 1, re-signs Matisse at a 6 Mil year 1, and renounces the remaining FAs/decline Knox, that would leave roughly 29 Mil in cap space year 1, assuming you could find homes for Ant, Nurk, and Little, with no money coming back (probably including a 1st rd pick to get someone to take Nurk).

Dame/Scoot
Sharpe/Matisse/Keon
Grant/ Murray/Rupert
Draymond/Walker
FA/Watford

Would need to sign a starting C with the Room Exception and 2 more Vet Mins, but it's doable. Even having that as a possibility could at least create leverage with GS to come to the S&T table. This is all dependent upon Green saying to GS that he's going to play with Dame 1 way or another. I'd love to see it, but I'm not holding my breath

 

[Whyachi]

I think Watford is huge for us and we'll pay to keep him. He does all those little things and has the size to really bang. Winslow also did those small things, but I think lacks the size Watford has, as well as being too expensive.

Walker needs to bulk up a lot, but is worth keeping. I wouldn't mind seeing what Eubanks could do at the four as well, but he probably doesn't have a future with us, as he's not really a five. He has earned himself a nice payday, however, and I will always root for him.

Trendon has some nifty offensive skills. A sort of smaller, more mobile version of Zach Randolph. But similar to Z-Bo, Watford is really bad at defense. This especially shows up in weakside help, and checking bigger dudes.

I was listening to the Blazer tank win in Minnesota, and the T-wolves radio guy shouted " that's the worst defense I've ever seen in the NBA!". Trendon has a weird habit of putting his hands behind his back, then use his belly to bump people around. The Wolves radio guy was furious his team was losing to Watford & the gang.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Considering the list of FAs it comes down to this for me......is he better than Watford. If he is then we might have to. I am not saying he would even start for us, but he would add some length/depth. But I hope we find a better option for the MLE

I think Wood would start at the 4 easily, slide Grant to the 3. I also think it's the kind of acquisition that Dame would be happy about, if that's relevant.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

It's highly unlikely, but it is doable. If Portland re-signs Grant to a deal starting at 26 Mil year 1, re-signs Matisse at a 6 Mil year 1, and renounces the remaining FAs/decline Knox, that would leave roughly 29 Mil in cap space year 1, assuming you could find homes for Ant, Nurk, and Little, with no money coming back (probably including a 1st rd pick to get someone to take Nurk).

Dame/Scoot
Sharpe/Matisse/Keon
Grant/ Murray/Rupert
Draymond/Walker
TPMLE/Watford

Would need to sign a starting C with the TPMLE and 2 more Vet Mins, but it's doable. Even having that as a possibility could at least create leverage with GS to come to the S&T table. This is all dependent upon Green saying to GS that he's going to play with Dame 1 way or another. I'd love to see it, but I'm not holding my breath

Interesting scenario, good job on the creativity.

Minor nitpick is its not the TPMLE - it would be the room exception, but I believe in the new CBA they're very similar amounts.

 

[Fitz303]

Interesting scenario, good job on the creativity.

Minor nitpick is its not the TPMLE - it would be the room exception, but I believe in the new CBA they're very similar amounts.

You're right. Edited that. Thank you. Again, seriously doubt it happens, but it is doable

 

[Pinwheel1]

I think Wood would start at the 4 easily, slide Grant to the 3. I also think it's the kind of acquisition that Dame would be happy about, if that's relevant.

I think Wood and Grant could work together against some matchups....the ones where DDR might not be a good matchup. So maybe trade for DDR and sign Wood?

 

[illmatic99]

Lowe said the price for Finney-Smith could be Cedi Osman and a second or two.

If that's all it itakes, we need to be in on this.

 

[RR7]

Lowe said the price for Finney-Smith could be Cedi Osman and a second or two.

If that's all it itakes, we need to be in on this.

Little and Jeenathan gets us enough salary to take back DFS.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

Lowe said the price for Finney-Smith could be Cedi Osman and a second or two.

If that's all it itakes, we need to be in on this.

Yeah DFS is the kind of role player winning teams need.

The Brooklyn dynamic is odd though - I don't know that either team wants to trade with each other until its clear what direction they are going. Not sure if Brooklyn is trying to win now or rebuild - same as us.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Yeah, no to Christian Wood. When a guy puts up big numbers then suddenly gets shut down and shortly after is on a new team... and then that happens three times in a row, that's a red flag. See also Cam Thomas.

 

[B-Roy]

Lowe said the price for Finney-Smith could be Cedi Osman and a second or two.

If that's all it itakes, we need to be in on this.

He was talking about O'Neale. And the context was saving some money. So we could move Nas who makes about the same as Osman. But IDK if Brooklyn wants long term salary at the spot. Also O'Neale is expiring.

 

[Ha Seung-Boumtje-Boumjte]

That guy is the flesh embodiment of fools gold. He has been dumped by three teams. He puts up good numbers but he doesn’t get played as much as one should who puts up numbers. He has major warts.

Also, he is notorious for his unorthodox approach to interacting with the janitorial staff at every team he's played for. In Houston, he took his love for rebounding to the extreme by challenging the janitors to one-on-one battles on the court with mops as makeshift basketballs.

During his brief stint in Detroit, he developed an unconventional obsession with brooms. He would steal them from the janitorial closet, pretending to be a wizard battling imaginary dust bunnies in a magical realm. The janitors would often find him levitating on a makeshift broomstick, yelling "Expelliarmus!" at the unsuspecting trash cans.

In New Orleans, his antics reached new heights as he became convinced that he could communicate with cleaning supplies. Wood spent hours discussing game strategies with mops and buckets, convinced that they held the key to victory. The janitors were baffled as they witnessed him engaged in intense debates with brooms about pick-and-roll defense.

 

[LayneStaley]

There's a difference between a Blazers' management plan and Dame's statement that re-signing Grant and signing Green would be a perfect situation for him. A. Green is most likely going to re-signed by the Warriors, B. the Blazers don't have cap space to sign him, and C. the Warriors are pretty unlikely to cooperate in a sign-and-trade deal to facilitate Green moving to the Blazers. Doesn't sound like much of a plan to me. I swear the logical inconsistency of this place at times is incredible. One minute people are claiming the Blazers are intentionally lying to Dame and doing the exact opposite of bringing veteran talent in, and in the next they're complaining that Cronin is caving to Dame's demands. Crazy.

Is this rant directed at me? Or are you just so frustrated with a sports forum you’re trying to take some childish shot at me? Either way whatever, the real problem around here is that there are too many people who can’t fathom someone having a different opinion than them so they lash out to try and belittle that poster to prove their superiority, I usually let it slide cause there seems to be a lot of fragile egos around here but your response to me asking in a joking way about the Draymond rumors is pretty weak.

 

[e_blazer]

Is this rant directed at me? Or are you just so frustrated with a sports forum you’re trying to take some childish shot at me? Either way whatever, the real problem around here is that there are too many people who can’t fathom someone having a different opinion than them so they lash out to try and belittle that poster to prove their superiority, I usually let it slide cause there seems to be a lot of fragile egos around here but your response to me asking in a joking way about the Draymond rumors is pretty weak.

Sorry, I should have been more clear. The first part was just my general commentary about the Green to Portland idea. I don’t see any way that works out so it’s not worth worrying about. The second part wasn’t directed at you at all. More at what seems to me to be all over the place anger at the Blazers and/or Dame without having much in the way of factual basis for that anger.