Canzano: Summer Catch

[Reep]

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/or...f/2009/02/blazers_likely_fishing_for_a_b.html

Some good points.

Remember, we've just watched NBA teams make financially motivated decisions over the last week. The teams aren't seeking talent, they're seeking payroll relief. Which only means already desperate and cash-poor NBA owners who are looking for financial freedom will be even more leveraged next summer.

I want the Blazers to make a trade that gets them closer to a championship today. You want a big trade. Your wife wants one. Your children want one. Even your family dog wants one. And that the team is closer now to breaking through amplifies the urgency of that to us all.

Except, turns out the offers for Raef LaFrentz's expiring contract have been interesting, but not ideal for the Blazers' needs. Vince Carter, 32, doesn't fit at all. Others, so far, are asking for Nicolas Batum or one of the other good young players, and the Blazers aren't going to give up the future unless they're getting exactly what they need in return.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

I'm actually pleased by this - particularly the refusal to part with Batum. I can live with a bit more cake-baking. Better to be NJ holding out for Bynum than to be Dallas giving away Devin Harris...

 

[Blaze01]

Can someone explain how this will work? b\c I don't see it

Raef's contract is worthless at the end of this season, with Miles' contract back on the books, POR may have what 6? 7? million, if they renounce some players...that trade exception (I think) becomes worthless as you have to be over the cap to use it...

The NBA has already declared that the salary cap will be coming down next year, further reducing the available cap space POR could have...

Your looking at POR having...maybe...1-3million over the $5mil MLE? and somehow that is going to be better for POR? I don't think so....

Not w\o trading young players and\or picks away....

 

[Reep]

Can someone explain how this will work? b\c I don't see it

Raef's contract is worthless at the end of this season, with Miles' contract back on the books, POR may have what 6? 7? million, if they renounce some players...that trade exception (I think) becomes worthless as you have to be over the cap to use it...

The NBA has already declared that the salary cap will be coming down next year, further reducing the available cap space POR could have...

Your looking at POR having...maybe...1-3million over the $5mil MLE? and somehow that is going to be better for POR? I don't think so....

Not w\o trading young players and\or picks away....

I'm not sure I completely understand this, but having 1-3M over the MLE still gives you more to spend than any of the teams over the cap (which is most teams). Can you also add in the $3M TE if you did a sign and trade to get you up to close to $10M? That is a decent amount for all both the most max of players.

 

[LittleAlex]

If KP can't do a trade with the best trade asset Portland has ever had, why would you think he could better this summer with less? The last thing Portland needs is to get more draft picks.

This whole thing with Batum is a mystery to me. Sure, he might be good someday. The chances are not good, though. If you can get a high level player for him, you pretty much have to.

If KP stands pat now, then the current roster is the one Portland is going to have long term. That isn't horrible by any stretch, but it sure is counting on some players being WAY better then they are right now. In essence, they are betting Oden becomes star center. As much as I hope that he will get there, it really isn't something I would bet much on. KP is betting the team on it.

 

[Reep]

If KP can't do a trade with the best trade asset Portland has ever had, why would you think he could better this summer with less? The last thing Portland needs is to get more draft picks.

This whole thing with Batum is a mystery to me. Sure, he might be good someday. The chances are not good, though. If you can get a high level player for him, you pretty much have to.

If KP stands pat now, then the current roster is the one Portland is going to have long term. That isn't horrible by any stretch, but it sure is counting on some players being WAY better then they are right now. In essence, they are betting Oden becomes star center. As much as I hope that he will get there, it really isn't something I would bet much on. KP is betting the team on it.

Playing the draft doesn't mean getting more draft picks. Sometimes you go the other way. Trading your pick plus your cap space for a vet.

 

[hasoos]

I'm actually pleased by this - particularly the refusal to part with Batum. I can live with a bit more cake-baking. Better to be NJ holding out for Bynum than to be Dallas giving away Devin Harris...

I'm not. Because if you actually think about it, Wallace is fairly young. If Batum ever turned out to be as good as Wallace, you would consider yourself extremely fortunate. You have a chance to trade multiple scrubs for a tier 2 star, you do it.

 

[MIXUM]

FUCKIN PLEASE..... ive heard the blazers are gonna make a big splash for teh last 3 damn summers. KP NEVER DOES SHIT ACCEPT ACQUIRE LOTTO PICKS.

 

[hasoos]

That is completely stupid. It's not a good point, because Raefs contract will be gone by next summer, so what the hell does he think we are going to deal with then?

 

[TripTango]

That is completely stupid. It's not a good point, because Raefs contract will be gone by next summer, so what the hell does he think we are going to deal with then?

The old fashioned way: money.