Joe: I’ll do what’s best for the team

[KingSpeed]

I never said demanded. He's a former all-star who has publicly opined about wanted to be in Portland. How many of those are out there?

That’s more because he’s from here. Not the same as say, Giannis or even Ricky Rubio saying “I want to play in Portland.”

 

[mook]

Cronin has done very, very little to accommodate Dame recently. Why would he start now?

If there ever was a GM that would ship a beloved top 75 player off to the very best deal possible, regardless of what the player wants, I'd bet on Cronin.

What's the worst that can happen--we get a bad reputation and become unattractive to free agents? Oh god. We'd miss out on the next Evan Turner, Paul Gasol or Hedo Turkoglu.

Or maybe the media would paint the Blazers management as a cluster fuck. Gee, that would be such a big change.

Some fans might be outraged for a weekend. Right up until they fall in love with whatever we get in return.

There's not a whole lot to incentivise us to make Dame happy. When you got nothing left, you got nothing left to lose.

 

[Mediocre Man]

FWIW, I think Dame ends up in Miami. I think the package back for him will be subpar BECAUSE Cronin will try to accommodate Dame. I also think this might take a few days longer because Cronin will demand more assets than Miami has

 

[BonesJones]

I can't imagine BJ was serious he was just stirring the pot, or he's lacking in GM acumen here. If Miami can somehow get a 3rd team involved and we get 5ish firsts then I'm completely fine with trading them Dame, but if they think Herro, Martin and a couple of 1sts is gonna be enough for Mr. Clutch, they can go fuck themselves.

Not stirring the pot. It was important to maximize value in those prior trades. We didn't because we played nice and that's part of why we're in the position we are now with Dame. Dame is the one guy that'd deserve to go where he wants, but I agree on maximizing the return from Miami or looking elsewhere, because of how important this trade is.

 

[BonesJones]

Also, I only saw one person reporting Eric Gordon to Portland and so I quickly dismissed it as someone carrying water for an agent in an attempt to increase value. I'm not sure how "legit" it was. I listened for about 90-120 minutes, and I'm providing the feedback of what I heard and how it came across to me. If you think I'm off base, I totally understand.

I'm not saying you're off-base, I'm sure it sounded like an agenda, I'm not trying to argue just stating my truth. We're just two Blazer fans hanging out with other Blazer fans on a stream, I just say what I think and let that be interpreted however people want to interpret it, because I'm just a fan.

 

[mook]

I don't agree that Dame deserves to go where he wants. We really don't owe him anything beyond the quarter of a billion dollars we've signed away to him.

I know people who have worked 20 years for a company and just got let go with nothing. Capitalism is a bitch. Sometimes (albeit rarely) even for multimillionaires.

 

[inconceivable]

"I wanna go to Miami."

"Their offer is shit "

"Work something out."

"Not my problem. I'll wait til I get an offer I can't refuse."

 

[Portland2014]

 

[julius]

Good. They need to do whats best for them, not whats best for Damian. If the two meet up, good. But they shouldn't take less assets because Damian prefers Miami (who has jack shit to trade).

 

[illmatic99]

talking about it is one thing. need to see it in practice.

he hasn't done a single thing he has promised in 2 yrs.

 

[julius]

I don't agree that Dame deserves to go where he wants. We really don't owe him anything beyond the quarter of a billion dollars we've signed away to him.

I know people who have worked 20 years for a company and just got let go with nothing. Capitalism is a bitch. Sometimes (albeit rarely) even for multimillionaires.

This times about a billion.

My brother in law worked for his company for 25 years and his retirement/pension was eaten up because of a bankruptcy the company went through (they're still in business). He's now retired, but got none of his retirement he was promised when he started. Not even the money he put into it.

I'm not saying send Damian to the worst team in the league, but his preferred team has jack shit to return. The Blazers would be doing themselves a massive disservice if they were take the flaming bag of shit that Miami can offer.

 

[Ha Seung-Boumtje-Boumjte]

talking about it is one thing. need to see it in practice.

he hasn't done a single thing he has promised in 2 yrs.

Not to be contrarian, but this is not true. Joe Cronin made a promise to help Dame in moving into his new house. True to his word, Joe dedicated himself to fulfilling this commitment, going above and beyond to lend a helping hand.

On the designated moving day, Joe arrived armed with determination and energy. Together, they tackled the arduous task of maneuvering heavy objects up the narrow staircase. With synchronized efforts, they navigated the twists and turns, sweat pouring down their brows, their shared laughter echoing through the halls.

As they successfully conquered each flight of stairs, Joe's unwavering support and strength became evident. His dedication to the task at hand was unmatched, exemplifying his genuine friendship and willingness to go the extra mile.

However, the physical exertion took its toll on Joe. After the final piece of furniture found its place, Joe found himself in need of relief. The strain of the day's efforts caused him to rely on Salonpas pain relief patches, providing comfort and soothing relief to his weary muscles.

Since that memorable day, Joe thought that he and Damian shared an unbreakable bond, built on trust and the fulfillment of promises. Their shared experience of moving heavy objects up the stairs, coupled with Joe's reliance on Salonpas, became a symbol of their enduring friendship—a testament to the power of helping others and finding relief in the most unexpected ways. Dame threw that all away in his heel turn.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

I WANT TO BELIEVE

 

[Whyachi]

"I wanna go to Miami."

"Their offer is shit "

"Work something out."

"Not my problem. I'll wait til I get an offer I can't refuse."

The Blazers should do their best to complete this Lillard trade with a mutual agreement.

If the Blazers pull a John Wall, and trade Lillard to a really crummy team to improve their return assets, Lillard might sit out in protest. That would radically amplify the narrative that Portland did Dame wrong.

Lillard is not John Wall! Damian still has incredible talent left in his tank.

Portland is putting their reputation on the line if they continue screwing over Lillard.

I see team employees in Portland acting smug & cocky. The Blazers are just starting to get the best young players for the next generation. But the NBA is currently filled with the "now" generation. If this Blazers franchise tries to kick Damian in the butt as he's walking out the door, the implications of that action will stretch far into the future.

 

[wizenheimer]

talking about it is one thing. need to see it in practice.

he hasn't done a single thing he has promised in 2 yrs.

BPA in drafts?

 

[ehizzy3]

The Blazers should do their best to complete this Lillard trade with a mutual agreement.

If the Blazers pull a John Wall, and trade Lillard to a really crummy team to improve their return assets, Lillard might sit out in protest. That would radically amplify the narrative that Portland did Dame wrong.

Lillard is not John Wall! Damian still has incredible talent left in his tank.

Portland is putting their reputation on the line if they continue screwing over Lillard.

I see team employees in Portland acting smug & cocky. The Blazers are just starting to get the best young players for the next generation. But the NBA is currently filled with the "now" generation. If this Blazers franchise tries to kick Damian in the butt as he's walking out the door, the implications of that action will stretch far into the future.

so just bend over for dame and take it with a smile according to this guy

 

[RonBrewer]

The Blazers should do their best to complete this Lillard trade with a mutual agreement.

If the Blazers pull a John Wall, and trade Lillard to a really crummy team to improve their return assets, Lillard might sit out in protest. That would radically amplify the narrative that Portland did Dame wrong.

Lillard is not John Wall! Damian still has incredible talent left in his tank.

Portland is putting their reputation on the line if they continue screwing over Lillard.

I see team employees in Portland acting smug & cocky. The Blazers are just starting to get the best young players for the next generation. But the NBA is currently filled with the "now" generation. If this Blazers franchise tries to kick Damian in the butt as he's walking out the door, the implications of that action will stretch far into the future.

I completely disagree with this post. We don't owe it to him to trade him to Miami. Fuck that. We want him on the team. He wants to leave. I agree that we should try to appease him. But that is where it ends. We owe it to the franchise to do what's best for the franchise.

Dame waited until we resigned Grant then made his Miami or bust request. We owe him no more than he owes us.

 

[HoopsFanAZ]

Dame said he wanted "a shot." He said it during the Covid Championship. He said it two years ago. He said it again and again. Since he didn't get it (and had the core muscle injury surgery and calf tightness), give him his shot to a team that has talent and will have "a shot" after the trade. And if that team pays up with what Portland wants and needs and what fits -- TRADE. More than that? The NBA and the media and social media can kick rocks.

 

[blazerfan11]

The Blazers should do their best to complete this Lillard trade with a mutual agreement.

If the Blazers pull a John Wall, and trade Lillard to a really crummy team to improve their return assets, Lillard might sit out in protest. That would radically amplify the narrative that Portland did Dame wrong.

Lillard is not John Wall! Damian still has incredible talent left in his tank.

Portland is putting their reputation on the line if they continue screwing over Lillard.

I see team employees in Portland acting smug & cocky. The Blazers are just starting to get the best young players for the next generation. But the NBA is currently filled with the "now" generation. If this Blazers franchise tries to kick Damian in the butt as he's walking out the door, the implications of that action will stretch far into the future.

Cronin's job is to find and take the best offer. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[twobullz]

The Blazers should do their best to complete this Lillard trade with a mutual agreement.

If the Blazers pull a John Wall, and trade Lillard to a really crummy team to improve their return assets, Lillard might sit out in protest. That would radically amplify the narrative that Portland did Dame wrong.

Lillard is not John Wall! Damian still has incredible talent left in his tank.

Portland is putting their reputation on the line if they continue screwing over Lillard.

I see team employees in Portland acting smug & cocky. The Blazers are just starting to get the best young players for the next generation. But the NBA is currently filled with the "now" generation. If this Blazers franchise tries to kick Damian in the butt as he's walking out the door, the implications of that action will stretch far into the future.

Didn’t hurt San Antonio’s reputation when they didn’t trade Kwahi to the lakers like he requested, why should Portland be any different? Just cause you want him in Miami?

 

[1 Eye Jack]

I’ll say it again Dame will get his wish of playing for Miami. What they are saying through the media is BS Pat Riley knows it’s posturing and will give us the package he wants to give us.

They should be telling Dame give us list of 4-5 teams and we’ll make sure we trade you to one of those teams but we aren’t going to just pick one team that gives us no leverage.

 

[andalusian]

Not stirring the pot. It was important to maximize value in those prior trades. We didn't because we played nice and that's part of why we're in the position we are now with Dame. Dame is the one guy that'd deserve to go where he wants, but I agree on maximizing the return from Miami or looking elsewhere, because of how important this trade is.

I disagree with that. In the previous trades the Blazers wanted to get rid of what they deemed bad contracts - so they were willing not to stand pat for the last ounce of juice they could squeeze from the trade.

In this trade, the Blazers did not want to get rid of Dame, they just gave him a 100m$ 2 years extension after he was out from a serious injury. Of course they are going to squeeze everything they can from that.

These are both logical ways to go through business.

 

[andalusian]

talking about it is one thing. need to see it in practice.

he hasn't done a single thing he has promised in 2 yrs.

Just because you say it, does not mean it's true.

He did almost everything he said he would. Increase the talent first (Done), Balance the roster (work in progress, but much better balance positionally by finance), it will take time (it does).

Dame changed his mind about waiting out, that's fine. But Cronin is doing a fantastic job of rebuilding Portland from the crap he inherited. It's a shame Dame does not want to be in the long run to see it come to fruition, and that's fine.

 

[glazeduck]

I’ll say it again Dame will get his wish of playing for Miami. What they are saying through the media is BS Pat Riley knows it’s posturing and will give us the package he wants to give us.

They should be telling Dame give us list of 4-5 teams and we’ll make sure we trade you to one of those teams but we aren’t going to just pick one team that gives us no leverage.

You do realize that the other stuff is just posturing on the other side, right? It's the same exact thing that you're skeptical of. One would hope that OUR professional organization could equally see through that.

Cronin hasn't exactly excelled in past trades, so its possible we get screwed over again, but in general, the way you lay it out is just not the way these things go. Most stars don't end up going to the destination they most prefer, and if Cronin really is doing what's best for the team, Dame won't be going to Miami unless they somehow pull a few miracles out of their asses.

 

[1 Eye Jack]

You do realize that the other stuff is just posturing on the other side, right? It's the same exact thing that you're skeptical of. One would hope that OUR professional organization could equally see through that.

Cronin hasn't exactly excelled in past trades, so its possible we get screwed over again, but in general, the way you lay it out is just not the way these things go. Most stars don't end up going to the destination they most prefer, and if Cronin really is doing what's best for the team, Dame won't be going to Miami unless they somehow pull a few miracles out of their asses.

not sure I agree seems to me most stars get their way (Durant, Irving, Lebron, Anthony Davis, Westbrook) Dame will be no different.

That said I think the new CBA will hopefully limit that.

 

[blazerkor]

so just bend over for dame and take it with a smile according to this guy

I'm still a huge Dame fan but I'll tell you what Cronin should do. If Miami is low balling him or even more to the point doesn't have enough assets outside of the guys Dame wants to play with there to justify a Dame trade and on top of that they're low balling him. Find a trade partner that isn't Miami, who Dame would still have a chance to compete with, set up that trade and then if Dame says he'll sit or whatever the fuck then people can start complaining about his character. Up until then I'm going to say Dame's reputation remains intact and I can't say the same for Cronin.

 

[Mediocre Man]

I'm still a huge Dame fan but I'll tell you what Cronin should do. If Miami is low balling him or even more to the point doesn't have enough assets outside of the guys Dame wants to play with there to justify a Dame trade and on top of that they're low balling him. Find a trade partner that isn't Miami, who Dame would still have a chance to compete with, set up that trade and then if Dame says he'll sit or whatever the fuck then people can start complaining about his character. Up until then I'm going to say Dame's reputation remains intact and I can't say the same for Cronin.

Just let Dame sit. The team doesn’t have to trade him

 

[blazerkor]

Just let Dame sit. The team doesn’t have to trade him

What good would that serve us? His value isn't going up from sitting him for a season or half a season or whatever your idea is.

I don't even think he's threatened to sit. The team said they would work to get him traded so just trade the guy, don't worry about Miami if you don't want to and get the best value you can for him.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

I’ll say it again Dame will get his wish of playing for Miami. What they are saying through the media is BS Pat Riley knows it’s posturing and will give us the package he wants to give us.

They should be telling Dame give us list of 4-5 teams and we’ll make sure we trade you to one of those teams but we aren’t going to just pick one team that gives us no leverage.

We shall see. What will you do if you're wrong?

 

[Rastapopoulos]

ronin is doing a fantastic job of rebuilding Portland from the crap he inherited. It's a shame Dame does not want to be in the long run to see it come to fruition, and that's fine.

Somebody on Reddit said that this was building up to a LeBron-returning-to-the-Cavs-like reunion in a couple of years. Wonder if the thought of that is in the back of Cronin's mind...