After acquiring Marcus Camby from the Clippers for Steve Blake, Travis Outlaw and cash, the Trail Blazers may just be getting started. A person familiar with the team's thinking told CBSSports.com that Portland remains active in trade discussions and has targeted Tyrus Thomas in a secretive bid to acquire a second frontcourt player for the stretch run.
The Blazers have kept in close contact with Bulls officials regarding Thomas, and the acquisition of Camby has not dampened their interest, a source said. They may need a third team to facilitate a deal since they sent their two most significant expiring contracts to the Clippers for Camby.
Adding a second big man would not only numerically atone for the loss of Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla, it would also give the Blazers the best of both worlds with those acquisitions. Camby will help them this season, but his $7.7 million expiring contract wouldn't cloud their future plans. With Thomas, who will be a restricted free agent this summer, the Blazers could take a look at him for the rest of the season and decide whether they want to tender him the $6.3 million offer sheet or let him walk.
The Knicks and Spurs also are engaged in discussions about Thomas. The Nuggets are still trying, but sources say they're not optimistic they'll be willing to pay the price to get a deal done.
