Exclusive Anthony Davis Sweepstakes Entry: Blazers

[CupWizier]

Do you think only CJ in the Davis offer would be enough to beat the field ? I am sure either Nurk or Collins has to be involved. And that's where I would balk.

I don;t think any discussion even starts unless McCollum and Nurkic are in the discussion. Pelicans need a center more than they need a shooting guard as they have Holiday to play sg.

 

[e_blazer]

I don;t think any discussion even starts unless McCollum and Nurkic are in the discussion. Pelicans need a center more than they need a shooting guard as they have Holiday to play sg.

As much as I love Nurk, I'd still consider it if the Blazers can re-sign Kanter.

 

[CupWizier]

As much as I love Nurk, I'd still consider it if the Blazers can re-sign Kanter.

I would want assurances from Davis. Otherwise, if he leaves then we are likely a lottery team and Lillard wouldn't be a happy camper.

 

[e_blazer]

I would want assurances from Davis. Otherwise, if he leaves then we are likely a lottery team and Lillard wouldn't be a happy camper.

I doubt that Davis would give any more assurances than Kawhi Leonard gave the Raptors. Making a trade for AD would definitely be an all-in swing for the fences, but it's beginning to feel to me like that kind of play is the only shot the Blazers have of winning a title with Lillard. I think the most likely thing that happens this summer is that Durant re-signs with the Warriors, they pay Klay, and they retool their bench with new ring-chasers. Given that, that means the only way to the title is through those guys. I HATE giving up Nurk and CJ, but what other move is there that gets another prime superstar next to Dame in HIS prime? I agree that if it doesn't work and AD leaves after a year, the Blazers are probably in a situation where the only fair thing is to trade Dame and start a rebuild. I guess it's just a matter of me feeling like it's time for Olshey to make a drastic move to try to win a title.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

I doubt that Davis would give any more assurances than Kawhi Leonard gave the Raptors. Making a trade for AD would definitely be an all-in swing for the fences, but it's beginning to feel to me like that kind of play is the only shot the Blazers have of winning a title with Lillard. I think the most likely thing that happens this summer is that Durant re-signs with the Warriors, they pay Klay, and they retool their bench with new ring-chasers. Given that, that means the only way to the title is through those guys. I HATE giving up Nurk and CJ, but what other move is there that gets another prime superstar next to Dame in HIS prime? I agree that if it doesn't work and AD leaves after a year, the Blazers are probably in a situation where the only fair thing is to trade Dame and start a rebuild. I guess it's just a matter of me feeling like it's time for Olshey to make a drastic move to try to win a title.

I dont think they have to trade Dame. You give him a choice, tell him hey we swung for it, do you want to stay your career here were open to that, or do you want to go to another team that might be closer to a championship?

 

[SwissBlazer]

The only sure thing imo is that Dame will be consulted before any significant move. That's how important his happiness has to be for the front office

 

[Wizard Mentor]

The only sure thing imo is that Dame will be consulted before any significant move. That's how important his happiness has to be for the front office

The Blazers have almost systematically gotten rid of Dame's best friends on the team.

 

[e_blazer]

I dont think they have to trade Dame. You give him a choice, tell him hey we swung for it, do you want to stay your career here were open to that, or do you want to go to another team that might be closer to a championship?

I'm sure that they would discuss that with him and the talks would center around whether there's a realistic shot at putting a contender again in the next couple of years, but I think the cupboard would be pretty bare to think that's going to happen. You'd have Zach and maybe Simons as quality pieces, surrounded by a bunch of role players. Probably both sides would be better off by trading Dame to a contender in exchange for young talent and picks.

On the rosier side of things, if the Blazers did manage to win big with AD, maybe he sticks and the Blazers can really build a machine around him and Dame.

 

[SwissBlazer]

The Blazers have almost systematically gotten rid of Dame's best friends on the team.

Frazier and WB aren't significant moves. CJ or Nurk would be.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Frazier and WB aren't significant moves. CJ or Nurk would be.

There was a lot of discussion when Ed Davis was let go, but whatever.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

There was a lot of discussion when Ed Davis was let go, but whatever.

It has been weird at times when stories come out of Dame really loves this particular guy, and then that guy isn't on the team anymore... I guess he understands the business part of it.

 

[SwissBlazer]

There was a lot of discussion when Ed Davis was let go, but whatever.

I ve got your point. But the magnitude of letting Ed go is not even close to both mentionned over here don't you think?

 

[e_blazer]

The Blazers have almost systematically gotten rid of Dame's best friends on the team.

Pretty sure that Dame and AD are pretty good friends.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I ve got your point. But the magnitude of letting Ed go is not even close to both mentionned over here don't you think?

So, you're saying they definitely consult Dame because they haven't traded the 2nd and 3rd best player on the team, even though they've systematically traded Dame's "friends"
(Davis, Plumlee, Frazier,...).

It's just not obvious to me that they consult Dame about who they are trading AWAY.
However, numerous on the record sources indicate that they consult Dame on who they want to trade FOR.

It's not really an important point, but there it is.

 

[CupWizier]

I'm sure that they would discuss that with him and the talks would center around whether there's a realistic shot at putting a contender again in the next couple of years, but I think the cupboard would be pretty bare to think that's going to happen. You'd have Zach and maybe Simons as quality pieces, surrounded by a bunch of role players. Probably both sides would be better off by trading Dame to a contender in exchange for young talent and picks.

On the rosier side of things, if the Blazers did manage to win big with AD, maybe he sticks and the Blazers can really build a machine around him and Dame.

My main question, is Davis better than McCollum, Nurkic and whatever assets we would need to give up? No doubt he is an outstanding talent, but Nurkic (still developing) and McCollum are pretty damn good players Davis has only been to the playoffs twice and with some decent rosters. Or could we parlay some of those assets into a piece to help us become better than we were this year? Tough questions.

 

[BBert]

CJ, Collins, scraps and a couple picks for AD.

Keep Nurk and Simons.

Dame, AD, Nurk, Simons, and some hangers on, and the Blazers have a shot every year.

And yes, if AD is OK coming to Portland in the first place, he will love the culture and stay. I have zero doubt.

Stop getting me excited, dammit. I'm trying to go fishing here.

 

[BBert]

I would want assurances from Davis. Otherwise, if he leaves then we are likely a lottery team and Lillard wouldn't be a happy camper.

"Assurances" aren't worth the CO2 they generate.

If he comes, he will stay.

Have faith, my brother!

 

[BBert]

It has been weird at times when stories come out of Dame really loves this particular guy, and then that guy isn't on the team anymore... I guess he understands the business part of it.

Exactly.

The Blazers need Dame to buy into 'the business part of it' (i.e. trading for AD); not the friendship part of it.

 

[BBert]

My main question, is Davis better than McCollum, Nurkic and whatever assets we would need to give up? No doubt he is an outstanding talent, but Nurkic (still developing) and McCollum are pretty damn good players Davis has only been to the playoffs twice and with some decent rosters. Or could we parlay some of those assets into a piece to help us become better than we were this year? Tough questions.

I agree that seems like an overpay. The Pels should be content with getting back a talented young big (Collins), some picks, and CJ.

Although if the Blazers are going for 'win now', and the Pels are in rebuild mode, I could see them wanting and the Blazers giving Simons instead of CJ.

 

[CupWizier]

I agree that seems like an overpay. The Pels should be content with getting back a talented young big (Collins), some picks, and CJ.

Although if the Blazers are going for 'win now', and the Pels are in rebuild mode, I could see them wanting and the Blazers giving Simons instead of CJ.

Curious, if you were the Pelicans GM who would you be asking for off the Blazers roster?

 

[CupWizier]

I doubt that Davis would give any more assurances than Kawhi Leonard gave the Raptors. Making a trade for AD would definitely be an all-in swing for the fences, but it's beginning to feel to me like that kind of play is the only shot the Blazers have of winning a title with Lillard. I think the most likely thing that happens this summer is that Durant re-signs with the Warriors, they pay Klay, and they retool their bench with new ring-chasers. Given that, that means the only way to the title is through those guys. I HATE giving up Nurk and CJ, but what other move is there that gets another prime superstar next to Dame in HIS prime? I agree that if it doesn't work and AD leaves after a year, the Blazers are probably in a situation where the only fair thing is to trade Dame and start a rebuild. I guess it's just a matter of me feeling like it's time for Olshey to make a drastic move to try to win a title.

If no assurance then at least an opt in to his last year so we are guaranteed 2 years and Davis can see if the team is a contending team.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Curious, if you were the Pelicans GM who would you be asking for off the Blazers roster?

My answer would be CJ to pair with Jrue and Zion, then probably Zach or Harkless, sounds weird but gives them some forward depth.

 

[CupWizier]

My answer would be CJ to pair with Jrue and Zion, then probably Zach or Harkless, sounds weird but gives them some forward depth.

Why wouldn't they want a center on a reasonable contract? They are losing a big guy and a true point guard would be more beneficial than McCollum for them. I wouldn't even answer the phone if I am the Pels GM without the name Nurkic being involved.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Why wouldn't they want a center on a reasonable contract? They are losing a big guy and a true point guard would be more beneficial than McCollum for them. I wouldn't even answer the phone if I am the Pels GM without the name Nurkic being involved.

If I Was the Pelicans GM I wouldn't want in exchange for AD a guy who just had his leg snapped, and risk he never makes it back fully from that. I'd want Zach (who can be a center especially if you also have Zion roaming down there defensively), and/or a wing to help play defense. Also they still have gentry who is a "run / gun" style coach, Nurkic doesn't fit that, he can run but I think coming off a broken leg, you probably don't want him to have to sprint back and forth 60 times a game...

 

[CupWizier]

If I Was the Pelicans GM I wouldn't want in exchange for AD a guy who just had his leg snapped, and risk he never makes it back fully from that. I'd want Zach (who can be a center especially if you also have Zion roaming down there defensively), and/or a wing to help play defense. Also they still have gentry who is a "run / gun" style coach, Nurkic doesn't fit that, he can run but I think coming off a broken leg, you probably don't want him to have to sprint back and forth 60 times a game...

The Blazers were a running team when we had Sabonis and as far as Gentry goes, I see him gone in a year or two anyway. As for Nurkic's injury, nobody knows how long it will take but it was reported there was no nerve or muscle damage so recovery should be easier.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

The Blazers were a running team when we had Sabonis and as far as Gentry goes, I see him gone in a year or two anyway. As for Nurkic's injury, nobody knows how long it will take but it was reported there was no nerve or muscle damage so recovery should be easier.

Ok, but you asked if I was the GM, if I was the GM and I didn't want Gentry I would have already made that move and gone with a different coach.
So Griffin is obviously giving Gentry some sort of endorsement and for his style I'd rather have Zach or a wing then a big center like Nurkic. They already had DMC and tried playing a more methodical pace it didn't work super well (though before his injury it was looking better). I guess my overall point is I don't believe Nurkic would HAVE to be included, I mean maybe he would, but neither of us really know what Griffin's thoughts are. Just my thoughts would be, CJ is a must because he could compliment Holiday well, and I'd want Zach or Moe, or Both, and a 1st.

 

[Reep]

My answer would be CJ to pair with Jrue and Zion, then probably Zach or Harkless, sounds weird but gives them some forward depth.

Yes, I would probably try for CJ, Collins and Simons. Gives Pels three point shooters, a defensive big man and some depth that can grow with Zion. Jrue and CJ would give you an interesting team to watch now and help the others develop.

 

[SwissBlazer]

So, you're saying they definitely consult Dame because they haven't traded the 2nd and 3rd best player on the team, even though they've systematically traded Dame's "friends"
(Davis, Plumlee, Frazier,...).

It's just not obvious to me that they consult Dame about who they are trading AWAY.
However, numerous on the record sources indicate that they consult Dame on who they want to trade FOR.

It's not really an important point, but there it is.

What I say is when you try to commit the face of your franchise for basically the rest of his carreer, you better make sure not to piss him off.

 

[ehizzy3]

If we really think Simons is gonna develop into something, does it make CJ easier to trade? Same with Skal, and Zach.

It would be risky, but AD is a special special player.

 

[hoopsjock]

I doubt that Davis would give any more assurances than Kawhi Leonard gave the Raptors. Making a trade for AD would definitely be an all-in swing for the fences, but it's beginning to feel to me like that kind of play is the only shot the Blazers have of winning a title with Lillard. I think the most likely thing that happens this summer is that Durant re-signs with the Warriors, they pay Klay, and they retool their bench with new ring-chasers. Given that, that means the only way to the title is through those guys. I HATE giving up Nurk and CJ, but what other move is there that gets another prime superstar next to Dame in HIS prime? I agree that if it doesn't work and AD leaves after a year, the Blazers are probably in a situation where the only fair thing is to trade Dame and start a rebuild. I guess it's just a matter of me feeling like it's time for Olshey to make a drastic move to try to win a title.

IF we traded both CJ and Nurk for AD and AD left next summer, we'd actually have one small window to fix things in the summer of 2020. I know cap space isn't ideal for Portland but we'd probably be about $70 million under the cap (depending on what other contracts we signed this summer) and could potentially offer two max contracts for two guys to come and play with Dame. We could also use that cap money to take on a contract from another team without having to send back equal salary in a trade.

It's probably a long shot but there would be a chance to salvage things for Dame.