Simmons proposal I like

[Reep]

Cleveland trades Thompson, #1 and #19 for Aldridge.

I know it delays things, but I don't see a path forward during the Aldridge era. You would end up with Thompson, Noel and someone decent at 19 and drop a bunch of salary.

http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/5/2...lowe-brian-windhorst-discuss-blazers-possibly

 

[PapaG]

A 6'8" PF who can't shoot FTs and a #1 and #19 in a weak draft for a legitmate 6'11" All Star PF.

LOL

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Thompson, Noel, Larkin....

Noel is too much of a risk. Any other draft...

 

[chris_in_pdx]

Selling high on Aldridge is the right thing to do since he's going to walk after his contract is over.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I would not do it either, but it's not Noel that we are talking about if we did that trade. IMO it's Mclemore or Oladipo plus Thompson plus 19. So a SG , a PF and #19 (Plus we keep #10 and gain salary cap)

I am a huge LMA fan, but if Thompson was a little better I would do it. Watching the McLemore videos gets me wishing we could get him. I knew he was a good shooter, but damn he is also has impressive hops.

 

[Further]

So we end up with a shitload of young guys, from this draft at least 1, 10, 19 and a load of seconds. That goes with Lillard, Leonard, Barton and Claver

Only vets are really Batum, Wes and Thompson.

So, likely suck next year and are in the running with a great draft class.

But, at some point you actually have to try and win

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

It'd be great if you want an all-out tank job for Wiggidy Wiggens.

 

[NOVoodoo]

I actually didn't think it was that bad of a deal for the Blazers.

Obviously, ya'll know the team in and out, and by comparison, I'm talking out of my ass when it comes to the Blazers, but just in terms of the philosophy of building a an NBA team, I'd welcome the idea of having a #1 pick playing alongside Lillard and several other developing prospects.

Yeah, it's a weak draft class, but if it were a stronger draft class, there's no way they would offer something like that. You're not high on Noel? Fine... take McLemore, Oladipo, or Porter... whoever floats your boat. At the end of the day, you'd at least have a vision. I'm not really sure what the current vision of the Blazers is with this roster. They're talented, but the worst thing that could ever happen to an NBA team is to wallow in mediocrity. It's really more of an all-or-nothing league than most major US sports, in that to build a contender you really have to go all out in a certain direction.

 

[OregonHuskerMan]

A 6'8" PF who can't shoot FTs and a #1 and #19 in a weak draft for a legitmate 6'11" All Star PF.

LOL

Who is 22 years old and is already a better rebounder than Aldridge...

I guess the real question is. Is Aldridge better than:

Thompson, Oladipo/McLemore, Dieng/Withey/Lucas Nogueira.

Take Zeller @ 10 (if he dropped that far) could be real interesting.

Lillard
Oladipo/Mclemore/Wes
Batum/Claver
Thompson/Zeller
Meyers/Dieng

 

[Natebishop3]

Who is 22 years old and is already a better rebounder than Aldridge...

I guess the real question is. Is Aldridge better than:

Thompson, Oladipo/McLemore, Dieng/Withey/Lucas Nogueira.

Take Zeller @ 10 (if he dropped that far) could be real interesting.

Lillard
Oladipo/Mclemore/Wes
Batum/Claver
Thompson/Zeller
Meyers/Dieng

Noel at #1

Package the #10, the #19, and maybe Wes to move up and grab Oladipo. Maybe Phoenix would bite on 10, 19, and Wes for Gortat and #5.

And then turn around and use our cap space on Josh Smith.

Lillard/Maynor
Oladipo/Barton
Batum/Claver
Smith/Thompson/Freeland
Gortat/Noel/Leonard

That's a crazy athletic defensive team.

 

[RoyToy]

Those are shitty rosters

 

[NOVoodoo]

Those are shitty rosters

Does the current roster have the potential to compete for a title?

I'm just saying, it's a "go big or go home" league. Minor acquisitions and smart draft picks can only get you so far. It's a "down" year for the draft, but like I said earlier, if it weren't, that trade scenario wouldn't even be possible.

And let's not undersell Tristan Thompson's potential...

 

[Natebishop3]

If you draft Noel, sign Smith to replace Aldridge, and try to trade up for Oladipo... I don't think that's a bad roster at all.

 

[BrianFromWA]

An alternative (but similar plan) might be to let them keep Thompson and take #1, #19, #31 and #33 and SAC's 2014 protected 1st for LMA, 40, and 45.

Trade #31 and #33 to DAL for #13, giving them two great picks at 2nd rounders who don't go on their salary cap until they're signed. I wouldn't mind keeping them myself, but I'd rather have #13.

#1, #10, #13, #19, #39.

Oladipo (or McLemore, if he's a better fit). Olynyk or Zeller or Len. Adams or Dieng. Project (Saric/Adetokunbo) or a slipper. Muscala or Wolters.

Lillard/(Oladipo or McLemore)/Batum/(Olynyk or Zeller)/Leonard with Wes, Claver, Papanikolou, Freeland, Muscala or Wolters and the slipper on the bench and a future trade chip. And about 21-ish million in cap space.

Conversely, maybe you can trade one of 10/13/19 for a future unprotected first.

 

[RoyToy]

Does the current roster have the potential to compete for a title?

No, but it's not like the roster is set in stone.

The Blazers have two really good pieces on par with a lot of the top teams (Aldridge and Lillard). Aldridge is in the discussion as best PF in the NBA, and Lillard is going to be a top PG in this league. That's a hell of a nice start.

If Batum could ever step his shit up he'd be another great piece. I'm hoping for an Aldridge-esque rise from him, because right now he hasn't lived up to his potential at all.

The Blazers had an above average starting 5. If the Blazers have any semblance of a bench they probably make the playoffs.

I'm just saying, it's a "go big or go home" league. Minor acquisitions and smart draft picks can only get you so far. It's a "down" year for the draft, but like I said earlier, if it weren't, that trade scenario wouldn't even be possible.

Trading stars for supposed potential almost never works out. If the Blazers trade Aldridge it's doubtful they replace his talent. Trading a star for 2-3 good pieces is like rotating 2 QB's in football. 2 usually = 0. In the NBA's case. 2-3 good players don't replace 1 star.

And let's not undersell Tristan Thompson's potential...

A solid big that's a role player. He's no star. He won't sniff Aldridge's career.

 

[BrianFromWA]

Trading stars for supposed potential almost never works out. If the Blazers trade Aldridge it's doubtful they replace his talent. Trading a star for 2-3 good pieces is like rotating 2 QB's in football. 2 usually = 0. In the NBA's case. 2-3 good players don't replace 1 star.

Would you rather have the "supposed potential" that UTH got for Deron and DEN got for Melo, or the "supposed potential" that TOR got for Bosh and CLE got for LBJ?

 

[NOVoodoo]

The Blazers have two really good pieces on par with a lot of the top teams (Aldridge and Lillard). Aldridge is in the discussion as best PF in the NBA, and Lillard is going to be a top PG in this league. That's a hell of a nice start.

I'm sort of with you on seeing where Lillard can take this roster, but in terms of trading, there's probably wouldn't better offer than that waiting for Aldridge.

"In the discussion as the best PF," isn't exactly going to translate to viable players, unless there's something wrong with them injury, character, or contract wise. Maybe if you had the "undisputed best PF in the game," it'd be a different story, but realistically, Aldridge is a guy that's "one of the better PF's... not the best, but he's in the mix with a lot guys, if you overlook his flaws."

I know the Blazers came very close to the playoffs this year, but like I said earlier, the last thing you want is to be wallowing in mediocrity. Some shit needs to be shaken up, and it's easy to say, "we can get better for LMA," but realistically, I doubt you'd get better than Thompson and the #1/19. That's a pretty heavy offer, and it'd give your team a definite direction to build in.

 

[Natebishop3]

Would you rather have the "supposed potential" that UTH got for Deron and DEN got for Melo, or the "supposed potential" that TOR got for Bosh and CLE got for LBJ?

Exactly. I seriously wouldn't be surprised to see Aldridge in a Mavericks uniform at the start of the 2015 season, and honestly I think Josh Smith/Nerlens Noel/Oladipo would be better than Aldridge/whoever we get at 10.

 

[jlprk]

Even if Noël is injured half the time, we'll receive a more focused, effective group than tbe player we give. Aldridge is taking us nowhere, whether he becomes our #1, #2, or #3 option.

 

[Mediocre Man]

What people who are so against this forget...I think, is it's not as simple as Aldridge for Thompson #1 and #19. It's Aldridge for Thompson, #1, #19 and somewhere around $5 million more in cap room after the pick cap holds. if the cap goes to $60 million like most predict, that would give Portland around $20 million or so in cap room as well. Thompson is a nice young player, but if you don't believe that, you could pretty easily trade him. Hypothetically speaking of course, if you were to trade Thompson and #10 to move up to 4 or 5, you could have a team going forward of

Lillard
McLemore
Batum
Milsap
Realistic center of you choice

Plus the 10th, 19th pick, Thompson, Matthews, Leonard as pretty decent trade chips, or great depth

That team is probably a lot better long term than one with Aldridge instead

 

[Natebishop3]

What people who are so against this forget...I think, is it's not as simple as Aldridge for Thompson #1 and #19. It's Aldridge for Thompson, #1, #19 and somewhere around $5 million more in cap room after the pick cap holds. if the cap goes to $60 million like most predict, that would give Portland around $20 million or so in cap room as well. Thompson is a nice young player, but if you don't believe that, you could pretty easily trade him. Hypothetically speaking of course, if you were to trade Thompson and #10 to move up to 4 or 5, you could have a team going forward of

Lillard
McLemore
Batum
Milsap
Realistic center of you choice

Plus the 10th, 19th pick, Thompson, Matthews, Leonard as pretty decent trade chips, or great depth

That team is probably a lot better long term than one with Aldridge instead

Would you go with Milsap over Josh Smith?

 

[Mediocre Man]

Would you go with Milsap over Josh Smith?

I would. I'm not sure Josh Smith makes his team better. Sorta like Melo. But ya, Smith would work also. The simple fact is Aldridge is good, but replacing him with another good PF like Milsap or Smith, plus adding a ton more assets is a no brainer to me

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

A 6'8" PF who can't shoot FTs and a #1 and #19 in a weak draft for a legitmate 6'11" All Star PF.

LOL

Agreed.

This time of year S2 is full of crappy, if not down right funny, trade ideas.

 

[Natebishop3]

Agreed.

This time of year S2 is full of crappy, if not down right funny, trade ideas.

Except this one comes from Bill Simmons.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

1. I don't think Cleveland would make this offer. Are they even under the cap enough to absorb Aldridge's salary?
2. But if they did, why assume we have to take Noel? We could take Oladipo. Even if Noel turns out great, the GM has cover in that it'll take a while before he gets to show it.

(Noel strikes me as Marcus Camby II: it was years later and on another team before Camby looked like anything more than a bust.)

3. Would Paul Allen get behind ANOTHER teardown? How's his health?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Would Paul Allen get behind ANOTHER teardown? How's his health?

Would it necessarily be a "teardown" if we were able to sign Millsap or Jefferson to replace Aldridge's production? I mean, in comparison to last year, we'd be essentially swapping Aldridge/Hickson for Millsap/Thompson, then adding Oladipo and 2 other 1st round picks to fill in the roster. Definitely arguable that we'd be a better team, both in the short and long term.

 

[tester551]

I am not against Portland trading LMA to Cleavland - but they would HAVE to get picks in 2014.

LMA + Freeland
for
Thompson + 2013 #1 + Cle 2014 First (top 3 protected) + Kings 2014 first (top 12 protected)

Portland would have the #1 & #10 picks with around $22 mill in cap space.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I am not against Portland trading LMA to Cleavland - but they would HAVE to get picks in 2014.

LMA + Freeland
for
Thompson + 2013 #1 + Cle 2014 First (top 3 protected) + Kings 2014 first (top 12 protected)

Portland would have the #1 & #10 picks with around $22 mill in cap space.

Is Cleveland's #1 next year necessarily better than the #19 this year, considering that they would have Aldridge and Irving playing together in the East? Those two alone could potentially be a 50-win team. Add in improvement from Waiters and a (potentially) healthy Varjao--I'd rather have the pick now. And with Sacramento's pick being top-12 protected--that might not be conveyed for years...

Edit: Ugh--I hate the protection on that pick. Top-12 in 2014, top-10 from 2015-17, 2nd round in 2017 if not conveyed by then. That Kings pick is a crappy asset.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

An alternative (but similar plan) might be to let them keep Thompson and take #1, #19, #31 and #33 and SAC's 2014 protected 1st for LMA, 40, and 45.

Trade #31 and #33 to DAL for #13, giving them two great picks at 2nd rounders who don't go on their salary cap until they're signed. I wouldn't mind keeping them myself, but I'd rather have #13.

#1, #10, #13, #19, #39.



Oladipo (or McLemore, if he's a better fit). Olynyk or Zeller or Len. Adams or Dieng. Project (Saric/Adetokunbo) or a slipper. Muscala or Wolters.

Lillard/(Oladipo or McLemore)/Batum/(Olynyk or Zeller)/Leonard with Wes, Claver, Papanikolou, Freeland, Muscala or Wolters and the slipper on the bench and a future trade chip. And about 21-ish million in cap space.

Conversely, maybe you can trade one of 10/13/19 for a future unprotected first.

I like this plan. And Cleveland might like it better too. If they want to trade for Aldridge, they want to start winning now. Thinking about Thompson, what is his upside? Maybe JJ Hickson; who we would have the cap room to sign if we wanted, and he is still a young guy. If this plan took us into the lottery again; we would have two lottery picks in 2014, supposed to be a great draft class.
I know this means starting over; but i just have the feeling this team just doesn't have the toughness they need to ever be champions. On the other hand if olshey could somehow perform a miracle and find the missing pieces (and toughness) to add tot his team; he should do it. but it seems so unlikely. (by the way, how well protected is that Sac 2014 pick? OK, I see above, so we would not have two lottery picks next year and might never have that pick, hmmm, need to think about this)

 

[mook]

Would you rather have the "supposed potential" that UTH got for Deron and DEN got for Melo, or the "supposed potential" that TOR got for Bosh and CLE got for LBJ?

I think this is the best argument for trading him. I can definitely see Aldridge deciding to walk. You get the vibe he's never felt like he was appreciated here. He was always the third guy after Oden and Roy. He had a year or two of limelight, and now Lillard seems to be taking it again while his team isn't even in the playoffs. He's got to ask himself if he wants to Kevin Garnett/Minnesota his way through his prime years this summer, or pull a LeBron and move on to greener pastures.

You look around the league and even most of the great ones eventually ship out. Sure, Kobe and Duncan have stayed in one place, but it's not like Kobe didn't try to get himself moved. And Duncan is, well, pretty damned unique in terms of temperament, and so is the Spurs organization in terms of pretty much everything.

I'm not sold on trading LMA, but I think I can be.