Improve now and still have room this summer

[magnifier661]

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=aemwtnh

I posted this on another thread; but I wanted to go a little further.

Portland trades: Babbitt, Smith, Jeffries, E. Will and Leonard
Portland Receives: Brown and Gortat

Why does Phoenix do this?
They will free up another 4 million in cap to go after free agents. They are rebuilding; so adding Leonard would help with the rebuilding process. Like RR7 said; Phoenix training staff does wonders for injured players. E. Will healthy is a nice piece to add to the rebuild. Babbitt would be a perfect type player for their stretch offense.

Why does Portland do this?
They will still have around 6-8 million free this summer; or they can just resign Hickson as the back-up PF/C combo. Brown is a pesky defender and can finish around the rim. Brown should add an additional 8-10ppg, with a few steals and a couple rebounds. Hickson coming off the bench would be a huge improvement. We would be able to keep the rebounding advantage when the bench walks in. Gortat is one of the better pick and roll players at center. Lillard would have many more options coming off the screen.

Gortat is a back to the basket scorer and has a nice mid range game. He can block shots and rebound with efficiency.

If Portland made this move; then we could resign Hickson and use a mid MLE to grab another player. Hopefully that player would be someone like JJ Reddick; but even if we couldn't get him; we would still be in very good shape.

New starting line-up: Lillard, Matthews, Batum, Aldridge, Gortat
New key bench players: Hickson, Brown, Rice and Freeland.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I have difficulty believing that Phoenix would want to swap Gortat for Leonard and cap-space. None of the other proposed inclusions are significant enough to offset that imbalance.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Eh, I'd like to see Leonard develop on the Blazers more. He's really green still but he's going to be an absolute beast in a year or so.

 

[magnifier661]

I have difficulty believing that Phoenix would want to swap Gortat for Leonard and cap-space. None of the other proposed inclusions are significant enough to offset that imbalance.

I think it has more to do with the age factor; but I do understand what you mean. Gortat is 28 years old and I don't think he has enough years left to get through rebuilding years. Basically he would be wasted like many in here said with Aldridge. We are further along in the rebuild than they are; which would fit in nicely.

Brown is decent for them; but Telfair and Dragic should be a good synergy. Remember Phoenix still has Scola who would compliment Leonard nicely. In the meantime; they can still play Jerm for 20-25 minutes at center to help absorb the loss of Gortat.

 

[magnifier661]

Eh, I'd like to see Leonard develop on the Blazers more. He's really green still but he's going to be an absolute beast in a year or so.

Yeah I agree, but I think that's why Phoenix would take the trade. Gortat is already extremely efficient and runs the pick and roll sooooo well. Lillard would have a field day with a center that actually knows how to set a pick.

Leonard is still way too green. The kid needs another 2-3 years before he becomes relevant. Aldridge isn't getting any younger; so we need to pair him with a center that isn't undersized and can protect the basket.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

for me to trade Leonard, youth with some potential would have to come back.

 

[magnifier661]

for me to trade Leonard, youth with some potential would have to come back.

I think Gortat is potential. And keep in mind that Gortat wouldn't have to be bid on this summer. Then we could use our cap space to either resign Hickson or find a couple other players to fill our void. Personally I think Hickson would love to stay in Portland, as long as well give him a semi-decent contract.

 

[Carlito]

I would trade Meyers for Gortat in heartbeat

 

[PtldPlatypus]

for me to trade Leonard, youth with some potential would have to come back.

See, I disagree with this. Leonard is a question mark; Gortat is a proven commodity. Unless you think Leonard has home-run potential, you take the bird in the hand.

 

[Further]

I understand the reasoning, but I think they could get much more than ML for Gortat.

 

[magnifier661]

I understand the reasoning, but I think they could get much more than ML for Gortat.

Depends on how you look at it.

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/phoenix.htm

With their amnesty; they will have around 16 mil to offer a free agent. This deal would free up an additional 6-8 million; which gives them around 22-24 million to buy a max player.

This summer's draft class is pretty weak; but I hear the year after is pretty good. They should have 2 solid years of extremely good picks (2 this summer with the Lakers and their own, then a high draft pick next summer). They have an opportunity to get far enough under cap to offer a Max to a Howard or other free agents and still have a roster to work with this max player.

And could you imagine if Howard joined Phoenix and brought the Laker's first round lotto pick with him? LOL I'm dreaming, but it's pretty awesome to think of!

 

[magnifier661]

How about using a third team and really making the deal sweet for Phoenix?

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=aq5uk8g

Sacramento trades: DMC
Sacramento receives: Phoenix first rounder and Leonard

Portland trades: Leonard, Jeffries and Smith
Portland receives: Gortat

Phoenix trades: Their first rounder (possibly protected) and Gortat
Phoenix receives: DMC

 

[BoomChakaLaka]

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=adtfc6u

Just trade LMA for Gortat, Brown and Sun's number 1 pick (unprotected).

We'll be as good or better now, shed cap space and acquire a lottery pick.

 

[Further]

How about using a third team and really making the deal sweet for Phoenix?

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=aq5uk8g

Sacramento trades: DMC
Sacramento receives: Phoenix first rounder and Leonard

Portland trades: Leonard, Jeffries and Smith
Portland receives: Gortat

Phoenix trades: Their first rounder (possibly protected) and Gortat
Phoenix receives: DMC

That's actually interesting. I think sac is not there quite yet, wanting to trade a troubled but über talented C, but they are then this would make sense for all teams.

But if I were buying the kings I would be signing vets to put around DMC, not trade the guy. And if he were available I would really like to for him directly. Ooooohhh that makes me dream.