LMA wants out?

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Yeah but lillard is untouchable.

 

[OregonHuskerMan]

LMA might be a better fit, but when considering all the options LAC would have if they actually decided to move Griffin, LMA's got to be pretty low on that totem poll.

LAC could make a push for Love, Horford, or Lopez, and acquire decent future assets in the process, or they could even throw in some picks of their own and make a run at someone someone like Westbrook or Harden. I just don't see that deal happening unless it's a deal involving Lillard, and because LAC doesn't need a PG, they'd have to bring in a third (or fourth) party to facilitate.

Ah, but you're assuming those teams would take that deal. They would need incentive to move such a player. Minny might, because they know they pissed off Love. But he seems to really enoy playing with Rubio. Also, his recent injuries woes may be cause for concern. Horford tempting, but he is another abysmal FT shooter. Couldn't play him AND DeAndre in a close game. And there is no way Brooklyn trades their center for a PF. Just, no way.

 

[OregonHuskerMan]

So, I think LMA would actually be pretty high. Good outside shooter (pick and pop), can play in the paint, decent-mediocre rebounder (ideal pairing for DJ), good FT shooter, and has an arsenal of post moves and can run the floor like a deer.

 

[Natebishop3]

You guys are hilarious. How is this a fan issue?

Where there's smoke, there's fire. First the Cleveland rumor a few weeks ago, then Bucher, now this.

Do you think these rumors would surface for no reason at all?

Do you think Olshey would trade Aldridge unless either he requested it, he had strong indications that Aldridge would leave in two years, or that there was a good offer on the table?

Why can't you at least consider the idea that Aldridge wants out and that it's not about running him off? I am with Brian. I think Aldridge is gone one way or another when his contract is up, and I think it will most likely be a team in Texas.

 

[NOVoodoo]

Ah, but you're assuming those teams would take that deal. They would need incentive to move such a player. Minny might, because they know they pissed off Love. But he seems to really enoy playing with Rubio. Also, his recent injuries woes may be cause for concern. Horford tempting, but he is another abysmal FT shooter. Couldn't play him AND DeAndre in a close game. And there is no way Brooklyn trades their center for a PF. Just, no way.

I actually think that Mikhail Prokhorov would jump at the chance to bring Blake Griffin into the Brooklyn hype machine. Lopez is very tradeable if Griffin's on the table, and they'd probably even have to throw in some other assets along with him. I think ya'll are underestimating the value that Griffin's presence immediately adds to a franchise.

Either way, is LAC even trying to shop him? I've heard Jordan and Bledsoe rumors, but I haven't heard that they're shopping Griffin. It seems like to even attempt to bring him on board, you'd have to give up way more than you'd be willing to give up, even if it makes sense basketball-wise.

 

[BrianFromWA]

There was a rumor from before the Rivers/KG saga that LAC wanted to hold Bledsoe back from the deal b/c they wanted to do a Griffin/Bledsoe for Dwight deal. I don't put a lot of stock in it, but there was that rumor.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

You guys are hilarious. How is this a fan issue?

Where there's smoke, there's fire. First the Cleveland rumor a few weeks ago, then Bucher, now this.

Do you think these rumors would surface for no reason at all?

Do you think Olshey would trade Aldridge unless either he requested it, he had strong indications that Aldridge would leave in two years, or that there was a good offer on the table?

Why can't you at least consider the idea that Aldridge wants out and that it's not about running him off? I am with Brian. I think Aldridge is gone one way or another when his contract is up, and I think it will most likely be a team in Texas.

This.

 

[Rhal]

You guys are hilarious. How is this a fan issue?

Where there's smoke, there's fire. First the Cleveland rumor a few weeks ago, then Bucher, now this.

Do you think these rumors would surface for no reason at all?

Do you think Olshey would trade Aldridge unless either he requested it, he had strong indications that Aldridge would leave in two years, or that there was a good offer on the table?

Why can't you at least consider the idea that Aldridge wants out and that it's not about running him off? I am with Brian. I think Aldridge is gone one way or another when his contract is up, and I think it will most likely be a team in Texas.

Rumors fly this time of year because analysts are bored and love to come up with random trade scenarios. They just look at situations they think are ideal for a trade because of certain scenarios and BAM post a hypothetical trade about it. Just because there are rumors has no relation to whether LMA stays or leaves. Your point on Olshey is pretty dead on though, if LA gets traded it means the offer was either AMAZING or Olshey knows LA wants to leave and Olshey got what he figured was the best offer for him.

I don't think he is leaving in 2 years unless were a lottery team and even then were going to be able to deal him instead of just letting him walk as a UFA.

 

[Rhal]

I actually think that Mikhail Prokhorov would jump at the chance to bring Blake Griffin into the Brooklyn hype machine. Lopez is very tradeable if Griffin's on the table, and they'd probably even have to throw in some other assets along with him. I think ya'll are underestimating the value that Griffin's presence immediately adds to a franchise.

Either way, is LAC even trying to shop him? I've heard Jordan and Bledsoe rumors, but I haven't heard that they're shopping Griffin. It seems like to even attempt to bring him on board, you'd have to give up way more than you'd be willing to give up, even if it makes sense basketball-wise.

I don't think people are underestimating what Griffin brings to a franchise its what he brings to the court people are talking about. He has very very glaring holes in his game and has seemed to regress every year he has been in the league. The Hype/Money/Attention Griffin brings to any team is worth a lot, that just doesn't translate to the court.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

I called this when zbo was traded. I said eventually you (people) would turn on aldridge...who needed zbo gone to flourish and in a few years the same will happen with Lillard. Its all cyclical around these parts.

We will be a solid playoff team in two years if not next if we keep trucking along.

hoop fam

 

[Natebishop3]

Rumors fly this time of year because analysts are bored and love to come up with random trade scenarios. They just look at situations they think are ideal for a trade because of certain scenarios and BAM post a hypothetical trade about it. Just because there are rumors has no relation to whether LMA stays or leaves. Your point on Olshey is pretty dead on though, if LA gets traded it means the offer was either AMAZING or Olshey knows LA wants to leave and Olshey got what he figured was the best offer for him.

I don't think he is leaving in 2 years unless were a lottery team and even then were going to be able to deal him instead of just letting him walk as a UFA.

I think people have more faith in Aldridge than they should. What has he said or done that has led you, or anyone else for that matter, to believe he's such a fiercely loyal person?

The last time we had this many rumors surrounding an All-Star caliber power forward, we were assured there was nothing on the table and he was eventually dealt.... on draft day. I will not be surprised to see LMA gone, and if he is, I will assume it was for good reason.

 

[Natebishop3]

I called this when zbo was traded. I said eventually you would turn on aldridge...who needed zbo gone to flourish and in a few years the same will happen with Lillard. Its all cyclical around these parts.

We will be a playoff team in two years if not next if we keep trucking along.

hoop fam

Who cares? Do you think Neil Olshey gives a shit about the fans when he's making a trade? If Aldridge is on the table, it's either because he wants to be there, or because Olshey feels it's necessary to put him there.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

I think people have more faith in Aldridge than they should. What has he said or done that has led you, or anyone else for that matter, to believe he's such a fiercely loyal person?

The last time we had this many rumors surrounding an All-Star caliber power forward, we were assured there was nothing on the table and he was eventually dealt.... on draft day. I will not be surprised to see LMA gone, and if he is, I will assume it was for good reason.

More imaginary cap space? Maybe some hypothetically future stars?

hoop fam

 

[Natebishop3]

More imaginary cap space? Maybe some hypothetically future stars?

hoop fam

So do I get to remind you in a couple years when Aldridge leaves that I was right and you were wrong? Or will you blame the fans then too?

If you were invested in a company, and you saw a potential pitfall coming down the road, would you leave your money and risk it, or would you pull it out and reinvest it?

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Who cares? Do you think Neil Olshey gives a shit about the fans when he's making a trade? If Aldridge is on the table, it's either because he wants to be there, or because Olshey feels it's necessary to put him there.

Ahh...the good ol "if he was traded thats the best he could have done and is best for the team" argument that also surfaced in the zbo trade. Bravo. Once again I dont see the urgency id just as rather have him here and let him walk than the shit proposals going around.

hoop fam

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

So do I get to remind you in a couple years when Aldridge leaves that I was right and you were wrong? Or will you blame the fans then too?

If you were invested in a company, and you saw a potential pitfall coming down the road, would you leave your money and risk it, or would you pull it out and reinvest it?

Well you are never right so I dont have much to worry about.


hoop fam

 

[Natebishop3]

Ahh...the good ol "if he was traded thats the best he could have done and is best for the team" argument that also surfaced in the zbo trade. Bravo. Once again I dont see the urgency id just as rather havr him here and let him walk than the shit proposals going around.

hoop fam

Except with ZBO, Roy wanted him gone and we had Aldridge backing him up. And most of us STILL hated that trade. But the circumstances were very different. Firstly, Randolph was locked up for another four years I think. We had Oden coming in and I think Pritchard wanted Randolph gone because he didn't want him in the locker room. I think we could have gotten more for Zach, but then again he was traded twice more before he finally found a home. I really don't see how this situation is at all like the Randolph trade. They are completely separate issues.

 

[Rhal]

I think people have more faith in Aldridge than they should. What has he said or done that has led you, or anyone else for that matter, to believe he's such a fiercely loyal person?

The last time we had this many rumors surrounding an All-Star caliber power forward, we were assured there was nothing on the table and he was eventually dealt.... on draft day. I will not be surprised to see LMA gone, and if he is, I will assume it was for good reason.

Its not a loyalty thing to me. I don't think LMA is a fiercely loyal person and is going to refuse to leave Portland. It comes down to two things for me. One is that we should have a good idea if he is staying or leaving by this time next year so delaying our dealing him isn't that big of a deal. Two LMA doesn't make a lot of money in endorsements he makes the majority of his money from his contract and Portland can offer him over 20m more then anyone else by adding in that fifth year of a max deal. Thats a HUGE amount of money to leave on the table for a player who will turn 34(if he signs with someone else)/35 at the end of their max contract. He isn't getting another Massive contract after this one so I think the money situation is a big deal. I don't think there is anyway The Blazers let LMA get to UFA without being completely sure he resigns.

 

[Rhal]

Except with ZBO, Roy wanted him gone and we had Aldridge backing him up. And most of us STILL hated that trade. But the circumstances were very different. Firstly, Randolph was locked up for another four years I think. We had Oden coming in and I think Pritchard wanted Randolph gone because he didn't want him in the locker room. I think we could have gotten more for Zach, but then again he was traded twice more before he finally found a home. I really don't see how this situation is at all like the Randolph trade. They are completely separate issues.

Yep, Randolph was considered a Toxic player with a horrible contract at the time of the trade. Two other teams tossed him away for less value then we got for him after only a season. He finally found a good home in Memphis and got his shit figured out. Not close to the same situation.

 

[Natebishop3]

Its not a loyalty thing to me. I don't think LMA is a fiercely loyal person and is going to refuse to leave Portland. It comes down to two things for me. One is that we should have a good idea if he is staying or leaving by this time next year so delaying our dealing him isn't that big of a deal. Two LMA doesn't make a lot of money in endorsements he makes the majority of his money from his contract and Portland can offer him over 20m more then anyone else by adding in that fifth year of a max deal. Thats a HUGE amount of money to leave on the table for a player who will turn 34(if he signs with someone else)/35 at the end of their max contract. He isn't getting another Massive contract after this one so I think the money situation is a big deal. I don't think there is anyway The Blazers let LMA get to UFA without being completely sure he resigns.

But Portland is also a horrible city for endorsements. I think this was brought up before, but there simply isn't any money to be had here. If he were to go to a bigger city, he might be able to make back some of that money in endorsement deals. I also get the impression that he's a mama's boy, and he would like to be closer to his mother.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

I think LA has a nice situation in Portland. Even if he were to go to texas...in 2 years he would be on basically a barren roster. I dont know what max player he would play with there. The clippers situation is perfect for him though and if we were to get blake back somehow it would be ok with me if he was going to bolt. Just not high on this draft class. Cleavland would be a good situation too but does he want to go there? I dont really want what they have unless its a hugely lopsided deal.

hoop fam

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Yep, Randolph was considered a Toxic player with a horrible contract at the time of the trade. Two other teams tossed him away for less value then we got for him after only a season. He finally found a good home in Memphis and got his shit figured out. Not close to the same situation.

Yeah two other poorly ran organizations. He is the same player as before just had more talent around him.

hoop fam

 

[Rhal]

But Portland is also a horrible city for endorsements. I think this was brought up before, but there simply isn't any money to be had here. If he were to go to a bigger city, he might be able to make back some of that money in endorsement deals. I also get the impression that he's a mama's boy, and he would like to be closer to his mother.

Unless your in LA/NY then you'v got to be a superstar to get those big endorsement deals. LA isn't that so even if he goes to Houston/Dallas I don't think he is going to make close to that 20m he left on the table.
He is a huge Mama's boy, you can tell from every interview when he talks with her but even for a Mama's boy thats a lot of bread to leave on the table just to be closer to your mom for the season.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Houstons blowing their load this summer. Dallas next. Well see who lines up san antonio would have the best cap postion but I dont know if he goes there

hoop fam

 

[Natebishop3]

Unless your in LA/NY then you'v got to be a superstar to get those big endorsement deals. LA isn't that so even if he goes to Houston/Dallas I don't think he is going to make close to that 20m he left on the table.
He is a huge Mama's boy, you can tell from every interview when he talks with her but even for a Mama's boy thats a lot of bread to leave on the table just to be closer to your mom for the season.

Didn't someone say that David Lee was pulling in a fairly hefty sum in endorsements when he was in NY?

 

[Rhal]

Didn't someone say that David Lee was pulling in a fairly hefty sum in endorsements when he was in NY?

He did thats why I said "Unless your in LA/NY"

 

[Natebishop3]

He did thats why I said "Unless your in LA/NY"

So you don't think he could make quite a bit more in Houston or Dallas? I mean, obviously not on the same level as LA or NY, but the guy only does the one commercial here in Portland. It's pretty sad that we can't support our All-Star.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Remember when Batum's very own agent said he didn't want to be here? That was a bit more credible than this. And yet, here Batum is.

Nothing is going to happen now, and probably not for a good while. Even if the plan WERE to trade Aldridge, it's wouldn't happen this fast because teams need to realize how much they want/need him so that they can give us a nice package.

And think of it this way: the person who has the final say is Allen. Who has had health issues and is probably heartily sick of rebuilding. Somehow I don't think he'd be on board with a teardown.

 

[Mediocre Man]

LaMarcus Aldridge would like to be moved from multiple sources I have spoken with but Blazers will get a large sum for him.
@probballdraft

Shocking. I wish we had someone in here that knew this kind of stuff before the National media tweets it

 

[Boise Blazer]

IF this is true, what a mess. Take a moment and try and find a reasonable trade that addresses needs. There really arent any star caliber SG besides Harden and he aint going anywhere. And there really arent any realistic C's that are equivalent to the production and caliber that we would be giving up in LMA. Which may mean that we have to trade for young and potential and start again.

About the best I can come up with is this and I have no idea if either team would be interested. The point is Im beginning to wonder if we can get the value now LMA or is there more value in waiting or just using the cap space when the time comes.

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



I hope this all just BS and we can make enough changes that allow us to take the steps that allow us to keep LMA. It would be nice to actually win with the core we have built and been rooting for for the last few years. I guess the question is no matter how much some of us like (or dont like) LMA can we win with this core upgraded?