Lakers & Trail Blazers Discussing Deal For Felton

[WCDYNASTY]

Lakers, Trail Blazers Discussing Deal For Felton
By Michael Pina
March 4 at 4:55pm CST

According to CSNNW.com's Chris Haynes, the Lakers and Trail Blazers are in "exploratory talks" regarding Raymond Felton. This rumor sprouted last week via a string of tweets from Larry Coon, but this is the first official word we've heard of Steve Blake being a possible piece in the deal. The offer has yet to "get off the ground," but both teams are interested.

Felton has struggled mightily this season, putting up the worst shooting numbers of his career from both the field and three-point line. He's been benched and has had several verbal spats with Portland coach Nate McMillan in the season's first few months. But Los Angeles is desperate for youth at the point guard position, they have a trade exception Felton's contract would fit inside, and a change of scenery may do good for both teams.

In 23 games this year, Blake is shooting 34% on three-pointers, which would be the second worst mark of his nine-year career if it holds up throughout the season.

Our Chuck Myron covered Felton as a potential trade candidate last week.

SOURCE:
http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2012/03/source-lakers-and-trail-blazers-discussing-felton.html

[RamonSessions7]

I'd only want him if he's free and/or they take Luke

[jerkslo]

No way. He's no better than Blake.

[Jajwanda]

He is better than Blake in any year except this year. He's also an ideal fit for this system and is on an expiring deal. Blake is a nice fit to go back to Portland. It could happen. It would fulfill the Lakers' target of Beasley and Felton by the deadline. Only question becomes who plays the backup 2? Derek Fisher?

Does Blake match up better with backup 2 guards than Fisher does?

[WCDYNASTY]

No way. He's no better than Blake.

Felton might be playing that way so far this season but he's definitely better than Blake. Not too mention that the Lakers would be getting rid of Blake's contract for the expiring Felton.

[Jajwanda]

Plus they save the TPE from this deal. If Minny changes their offer to one first instead of two as is the rumor, then the Lakers will have hit on both needs.

Felton-Kobe will play 36 mpg while Goudelock-FIsher match up in the back court.

[Pablo Escobar]

Felton sucks

[moonpie]

Felton hasn't been great this year but he is definitely a better player than Blake is overall. That's not really the thing the Lakers are looking at though. They're looking at the fact that Felton is an expiring K and he's much younger than Steve is.

[Jajwanda]

Calculated it. Blake, Walton, and Metta being cut would send the Lakers payroll right to the luxury tax line. This is what these deals are all based around. The team can load up on Felton+Beasley+plus perhaps Arenas to try to win a title this year. If they do then perhaps Felton+Beasley are kept for less.

If they don't Gasol is dealt to buy inexpensive pieces.

There is also the possibility that Pau is dealt right now in a separate deal perhaps to Minnesota for future assets such as Derek Williams.

Lots of money being discussed moving around.

[Jetset]

Are we supposed to be giving up a 1st rounder or something?

Because if so I'd rather go after Augustin.

[Jajwanda]

I doubt it. Look at the Hinrich deal, it's the same concept. Get a veteran PG that can replace Blake, get rid of Blake type thing. I expect Atlanta to do the Hinrich deal. It helps L.A. in that they get a guy who can match up with 2s off the bench (better than Blake) and if he can turn around his game a little they'll be alright with a Blake-Hinrich swap.

[Jetset]

What Hinrich deal?

[Jajwanda]

It's about 2013-2014. Blake's contract extends until then and will cost the Lakers 6m in luxury tax. Lakers are rumored to want Hinrich because of his expiring in a swap for Blake. It's the same for Felton.

[Desiderium]

i dont want hinrich...i want felton tho

[Jetset]

I hadn't heard about the Hinrich deal, that's new.

[Jajwanda]

Honestly though would Hinrich would be a downgrade from Blake? Hinrich is the better defender on two guards, his 3 point shot is coming around, and they're really not much different at all. It's a wash that's a slight positive in basketball impact.

[Gek]

Are we supposed to be giving up a 1st rounder or something?

Because if so I'd rather go after Augustin.

I don't think we'd go after Augustin because he'd be expensive (cost the first) and I don't see us wanting to shell out to resign him for cap reasons. If we're renting for cap space reasons I'd rather ship Blake for Felton (I don't see why we'd want Hinrich or why Atlanta would want Blake tbh).

[Kalidogg24]

Now Im hearing the Blazers want Steve Blake.

An by the way Steve's been hooping this season I say HELL NO!!!!

Plus putting Steve back in the Portland would be painful to watch for those who remember how badly he torched over the years as a member of the Blazers.

[Jajwanda]

Atlanta would want Blake because they need a second PG that can play next to combo guards. They are over the cap and they retain the flexibility of their mini MLE if they acquire Blake.

The Lakers want Hinrich because of his defense against 2s including Wade and Harden.

[Jetset]

Jamal Crawford is also on the trade block.