RealGM

Posted: **Mon Mar 17, 2008 11:03 pm**

Hey Blazers fan here. I really like Barbosa's game and think he would be a good fit as our starting PG next to Roy. However, I'm curious as to how highly Suns' fans value him and what you would consider in a trade for him with the Blazers?

Besides Roy, Aldridge and Oden who are all untouchable, most of the Blazers' trading assets to consider are:

PG: Blake, Rodriguez
Combo guard: Jack
SG: rights to Fernandez
SF: Outlaw, Webster
PF: Frye, LaFrentz (big deal expiring in '09)
#13 pick in '08 draft.

Miles is untradable, Pryz isn't a good fit and I'm guess Jones will opt out and not be available in any package.

Posted: **Mon Mar 17, 2008 11:10 pm**

Our FO is very, very high on Barbosa, and the fans generally are, too.

I don't see the Suns being satisfied with anything we'd get in return. Moreover, Barbosa is probably going to be our starting SG when Bell starts aging too much (and some have argued that is already happening).

We have a need for a good young C, SF, and PG to replace O'Neal, Hill, and Nash, respectively in the next few years, but none of the people in those positions on the Blazers are all that exciting.

Besides, we practically gave you Jones *and* a draft pick... I still rather hate you guys for that. ;-)

Posted: **Mon Mar 17, 2008 11:11 pm**

Barbosa is not a point guard -- in no sense or in any way.

He just isnt inclined to be one, its not instilled in his natural game. He is an explosive scorer, but he finishes way too soft and needs to attack the rim with agression, and draw consistent contact. His ballhandling skills are mediocre, and not on par witht the likes of Nash, Paul, Deron and even Alston. If Barbs runs your team, your looking at alot of turnovers and forced shots.

He is a starter quality player though, but best played at the 2 spot.

Posted: **Mon Mar 17, 2008 11:21 pm**

^ The Blazers aren't looking for a traditional PG. Roy is a strong ballhandler and is more than capable of initiating the offense.

What we are looking for is someone who can create for himself, defend opposing PG and be the secondary ballhandler.

However, it doesn't sound like we have anything you want in exchange for him, which is fair enough.

And to think there was rumored deal a few years ago (before his rookie season) involving PHX-POR and TOR with the Blazers getting him in exchange for a second round pick.

Posted: **Mon Mar 17, 2008 11:24 pm**

Not that much, since he signed for a cheap contract!

Posted: **Mon Mar 17, 2008 11:28 pm**

breaker91 wrote:^ The Blazers aren't looking for a traditional PG. Roy is a strong ballhandler and is more than capable of initiating the offense.

What we are looking for is someone who can create for himself, defend opposing PG and be the secondary ballhandler.

However, it doesn't sound like we have anything you want in exchange for him, which is fair enough.

And to think there was rumored deal a few years ago (before his rookie season) involving PHX-POR and TOR with the Blazers getting him in exchange for a second round pick.

Barbs will cause you to tear your hair out with his defensive ineptitude.

Do you have a TE? I'd trade him for a lottery pick, lucky #13 would do me.

And as for that rumoured deal, i'm not sure I heard that one. You know we only acquired him on draft day from the Spurs? I think we gave up a conditional pick to get him.

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 12:01 am**

I would consider a TE and #13 for LB.

But I think in the end it will be Bell being moved.

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 12:09 am**

Can't remember the source but I read we had a deal in place with you guys (Blazers) on I believe draft day 05 or 06. It was a second round pick straight up for Barbs. It fell through because it hinged on something else that I cant remember but it was by all accounts basically a done deal. Can anyone link the story if they know where it is? I am useless I know!

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 12:14 am**

found it

http://fans.blazers.com/blogs/mike_barr ... -time.html

One last thing. With last week's news that the Phoenix Suns had signed Leandro Barbosa to a new 5-year, 33-million dollar deal, I was reminded how timing is everything in this league and how sometimes events that seem insignificant at the time can have huge ramifications on the future. I've mentioned this before, but I'm not sure if many fans realize how close Barbosa was to becoming a Trail Blazer last summer. Basically, if the trade of Shareef Abdur-Rahim to New Jersey hadn't fallen through at the last minute (the Nets said he flunked his physical) the Blazers would have used the second-round pick they would have gained in that trade, to trade to the Suns for Barbosa. The deal was basically done, and then everything fell apart when the Nets voided the Abdur-Rahim trade. He then signed a free-agent deal with Sacramento. In the end the situation worked out for the Blazers, and Barbosa. Obviously, Barbosa had a career year and got this huge contract. The Blazers, still needing a back-up point guard, signed Steve Blake instead. Blake had a terrific season, and the Blazers traded him for Jamaal Magloire last week. There are a lot of stories like this in the league from time to time, this is just reminder of how quickly things can change. A last-minute decision by the Nets, turned into Magloire in a Blazer uniform a year later.

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 12:59 am**

both teams are over the cap, no TE's being handed out.

Outlaw and Webster are the most promising players the Blazers have that would be available and the salaries just don't work.

I also think that Bell is the one who will be moved, especially if Giricek continues to play well and the Suns think they can keep him.

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 1:14 am**

LB has great value in a trade. His speed, explosiveness, and shooting are all incredible. Combine that with his youth and upside as well as his very friendly contract (4 years/$27.4m) and you have the makings of a valueable offensive player.

The only real knock on him is that he hasn't improved at all defensively. When PHX was struggling fans were starting to get on him a little for the first time in his career. He has all the physical abilites to be a very good defender. His length, (6'11" wingspan) quickness, and competitiveness are off the charts. The only reason that I have heard why he isn't improving is that he is always hopping around so he gets himself out of position. There was an article written about it recently so apparently it's a point of emphasis with Leandro and the coaching staff.

The only way the Suns move LB is if we have an early exit from the playoffs. I could see PHX moving him for a bigger 2 guard in the Mike Miller mold. He would have to be a great shooter and be able to guard 1-3. There really isn't anyone expendable on your roster that fits that bill. Three of the guys I can see PHX having an interest in are Outlaw, Blake, and Frye, and of course your #13 pick.

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 1:45 am**

suns wont trade barbs, not on the contract he is on

we couldnt replace him for that value

i would kill for aldridge though

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:50 am**

I dont think Barbosa is a good fit for the Blazers. Thier system is exactly the opposite of what Barbosa is trained to do in Phoenix. Phoenix has to shoot the ball in the first 5 seconds while the Blazers likes to do it in the last five seconds of every shot clock. Yes Blazers do some quick scoring off turnovers but you can only count few of those in every game. Barbosa is not the ideal halfcourt player for the Blazers.

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 4:18 am**

We should keep Barbosa and Bell for the rest of their careers.

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:00 am**

Barbosa wil have to learn the new style of the Suns with Shaq on board and the franchise committed, finally, to develop Amare towards a complete bigman he has had the talent to.

I think LB will adjust well. And he should be a very good complement to Roy despite not yet a very good defensive player. But I'd hold out to do a LB for Iguadala sign and trade next year, before dealing with Blazers.

With the Blazers, I'd do LB for Webster, 2008 1st round pick, and right to Kopono.

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 1:59 pm**

-SDU- wrote:suns wont trade barbs, not on the contract he is on

we couldnt replace him for that value

i would kill for aldridge though

Please no.

Aldridge and Amare? Fans will be shouting "Ole" every night.

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:33 pm**

guaves13 wrote:LB has great value in a trade. His speed, explosiveness, and shooting are all incredible. Combine that with his youth and upside as well as his very friendly contract (4 years/$27.4m) and you have the makings of a valueable offensive player.

The only real knock on him is that he hasn't improved at all defensively. When PHX was struggling fans were starting to get on him a little for the first time in his career. He has all the physical abilites to be a very good defender. His length, (6'11" wingspan) quickness, and competitiveness are off the charts. The only reason that I have heard why he isn't improving is that he is always hopping around so he gets himself out of position. There was an article written about it recently so apparently it's a point of emphasis with Leandro and the coaching staff.

The only way the Suns move LB is if we have an early exit from the playoffs. I could see PHX moving him for a bigger 2 guard in the Mike Miller mold. He would have to be a great shooter and be able to guard 1-3. There really isn't anyone expendable on your roster that fits that bill. Three of the guys I can see PHX having an interest in are Outlaw, Blake, and Frye, and of course your #13 pick.

That, along with his lack of playmaking and court-vision

At the start of season I wuda said Barbs is untradable, but now I say if the right package is put up and we get a PG backup that can pass the ball, and a swingman that plays defense in return then do it!
Blazers don't have a tradable defensive swingman, but we cud pick 1 up w/ that draft pick

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:00 pm**

b-ball forever wrote:-= original quote snipped =-

That, along with his lack of playmaking and court-vision

At the start of season I wuda said Barbs is untradable, but now I say if the right package is put up and we get a PG backup that can pass the ball, and a swingman that plays defense in return then do it!
Blazers don't have a tradable defensive swingman, but we cud pick 1 up w/ that draft pick

+1 couldn't agree more

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:08 pm**

Barbosa has a lot of value, as most said, contract and scoring output.

Personally, I'd try to trade up and use him as bait.

Atlanta pick + Barbosa for maybe a top 4 pick.

Giricek + top 4 pick can make up for Barbosa's offense.

Posted: **Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:19 pm**

b-ball forever wrote:-= original quote snipped =-

That, along with his lack of playmaking and court-vision

At the start of season I wuda said Barbs is untradable, but now I say if the right package is put up and we get a PG backup that can pass the ball, and a swingman that plays defense in return then do it!
Blazers don't have a tradable defensive swingman, but we cud pick 1 up w/ that draft pick

Travis Outlaw?

If a PG like Augustin is available with their pick (or could be had by trading up with Portland #1 and Atlanta #1) i'd trade Barbosa for Outlaw + DJ Augustin.

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Barbosa's value

Barbosa's value