Which Trade is Less Realistic?

[TowelBoy12]

Maybe I'm crazy, but I could see something like this happening.

Trade #1:

Indiana trades Danny Granger and Troy Murphy to Portland

Memphis trades Mike Miller to Indiana and Brian Cardinal to Portland

Portland trades Raef LaFrentz/Martell Webster to Memphis and Travis Outlaw to Indiana

Explanation: Memphis tried like heck to unload Cardinal in all their deadline deals with no takers. In this deal, they unload Miller and Cardinal, getting two expiring contracts back (Martell does expire, but he could also realistically become part of their core). Indiana unloads their worst contract and replaces Granger with at least equal talent in Miller + Outlaw. The Blazers get their SF forever, taking on some ugly contracts (one a scrub, one a legit banger with a good stroke).


Trade #2:

Portland trades Jarrett Jack/Channing Frye/Sergio Rodruiguez/#12 pick/2nd rounders to New Jersey

New Jersey trades Devin Harris to Portland

Explanation: So, the hot rumor is that the Nets' brass likes Jack as a PG prospect. I think this is a pretty nice package for just giving up Harris for them. I have to admit, I'm not sure all that is involved in trading for Harris' contract this summer; I think it becomes a BYC issue.


Obviously, I think we have the assets to make some big moves this summer if we want to. While I would be shocked if anything close to what my random brain comes up with actually happened, I don't think these are TOO far-fetched.

Sidenote: For months I have been telling anyone who will listen that Martell should be our #4 untouchable right now. His jump shot is ATROCIOUS right now, but I love what I'm seeing in other aspects of the game from the 21 year old, and I honestly think he's the right fit at SF for the future. I see the 24 year old Granger as basically combining the best of Outlaw and Webster; he's the only thing I'd trade Webs for pretty much.

Possible Depth Chart:

PG - Harris, Blake

SG - Roy, Rudy

SF - Granger, Jones

PF - Aldridge, Murphy

C - Oden, Joel

[PhilipNelsonFan]

Second trade's probably least realistic because NJ does still have Marcus "Laptop" Williams.

That being said, I don't think either Webster or Outlaw get traded anymore. If any Blazers SF does, it's Jones, but even then I hope he doesn't.

[TowelBoy12]

Second trade's probably least realistic because NJ does still have Marcus "Laptop" Williams.

That being said, I don't think either Webster or Outlaw get traded anymore. If any Blazers SF does, it's Jones, but even then I hope he doesn't.

Wouldn't mind taking Williams off their hands to do Blake's and Harris' laundry.

Anyway, what's your take on my assertion that Granger is basically a rich man's Outlaw/Webster hybrid? Granger can play lock down D on SFs, can shoot at least as consistently as Outlaw and much better than Webster right now. His athleticism in on par and his BBIQ is almost certainly the best of the bunch. He's a flat out player.

Short of getting a young core piece like Granger or Harris... or MAYBE a guard in this draft... I wouldn't trade either player.

[PhilipNelsonFan]

I really haven't seen enough of Granger, but he sounds very promising. Problem is, this is how the phone convo goes:

*RING*

Bird: Hello.

Pritchard: Granger.

Bird: Roy.

*click*

*click*

[TowelBoy12]

I really haven't seen enough of Granger, but he sounds very promising. Problem is, this is how the phone convo goes:

*RING*

Bird: Hello.

Pritchard: Granger.

Bird: Roy.

*click*

*click*

Hah! That could be. In fact, that was my line of thinking until recently. A lot of chatter had me thinking Indy might part with him if they could get Miller who they were seemingly interested in. Miller/Outlaw is a nice package.

[PDXKnight]

The first trade isn't happening unless KP includes one of the big three (not happening). I think KP is seriously willing to trade anyone but LA, Roy, and Oden for a player that fills a large need for the Blazers, but not for anyone and definitely not in the form of a desperation move. I think Portland would look into deals like the trades that you suggested but 1) the first trade isn't happening, and 2) I'm not sure if I'd do the second trade. KP was apparently very active before the deadline and I'm sure he'll find a way to get something done this summer (maybe another draft day deal). It should be interesting to see what magic he can perform this offseason.

[JD45]

Both are very difficult.

A lot will depend on draft position for Memphis, Indiana and New Jersey. Good young players are always difficult to get in trade from teams that are rebuilding. But I think you are on the right track in trying to take back bad contracts.

Maybe if Indiana is positioned in the draft to get a SF, they might let Granger go.

And the only way I see NJN giving up Harris is for Marcus Williams to have an amazing run here at the end of the season. Then maybe Portland can take back a bad contract that NJN gets for trading Carter.

[Wizenheimer]

Neither trade is that realistic in my view.

Larry Bird has said that Granger is part of the future there. He has also said he wants to shed long-term contracts, not exchange them. Getting rid of murphy would be appealing, but adding Miller and his contract would not, especailly at the expense of Granger.

I also don't think it's realistic from Portland's perspective, because I don't think they will trade Outlaw. At least no for another SF. Martell and Jones yes, outlaw no.

As far as NJ, I'm a bit skeptical about the rumor. Primarilly, because Lafrentz and Jack for Kidd was about 3 million dollars short of working in the CBA and Portland doesn't have much in "filler contracts". I'm guessing Martell and draft picks were earmarked for the 'filler'.

Rod Thorn also seems to be very interested in shedding Vince Carter's contract. The Nets may be planning on getting in on the Lebron sweepstakes.

So I do think there would be a chance that portland could get Harris if they were willing to take on Carter.

It would probably have to happen in the summer when Harris's BYC and PPP status had expired.

Here one that works: Lafrentz, Jack, Webster and portland's 2009 1st round pick for Harris & Carter. NJ gives up a good PG, but they get 2 young players, they dump carter and his contract, and they also get a 4.5 million dollar trade exception. I think it's realistic for them.

But it may not be realistic for Portland. Paul Allen is made of money, but taking on carter with the extensions of Roy, Aldridge, and Oden looming may be too much, even if they land Harris.

[AZ BLAZER]

Neither trade is that realistic in my view.

Larry Bird has said that Granger is part of the future there. He has also said he wants to shed long-term contracts, not exchange them. Getting rid of murphy would be appealing, but adding Miller and his contract would not, especailly at the expense of Granger.

I also don't think it's realistic from Portland's perspective, because I don't think they will trade Outlaw. At least no for another SF. Martell and Jones yes, outlaw no.

As far as NJ, I'm a bit skeptical about the rumor. Primarilly, because Lafrentz and Jack for Kidd was about 3 million dollars short of working in the CBA and Portland doesn't have much in "filler contracts". I'm guessing Martell and draft picks were earmarked for the 'filler'.

Rod Thorn also seems to be very interested in shedding Vince Carter's contract. The Nets may be planning on getting in on the Lebron sweepstakes.

So I do think there would be a chance that portland could get Harris if they were willing to take on Carter.

It would probably have to happen in the summer when Harris's BYC and PPP status had expired.

Here one that works: Lafrentz, Jack, Webster and portland's 2009 1st round pick for Harris & Carter. NJ gives up a good PG, but they get 2 young players, they dump carter and his contract, and they also get a 4.5 million dollar trade exception. I think it's realistic for them.

But it may not be realistic for Portland. Paul Allen is made of money, but taking on carter with the extensions of Roy, Aldridge, and Oden looming may be too much, even if they land Harris.

First, Harris is no longer on a PPP contract. When a player is traded while on a PPP contract (Dal to NJ) he is no longer BYC.

Second, all reports have Carter not wanting to come to Portland. Fine, make it a three way deal with NY. Reports at the deadline had the Knicks interested in him. If KP likes the NJ part of the deal then you senc Carter to NY along with Miles and get back Marbs and Rose's expirings. NY would probably need some cash as well, but how bad did they want Carter? Does Thorn really want Jack?

[Mr Odd]

Niether will happen.

Also the only way I see Outlaw being
traded if he was in a package in getting
a top of the line player, which I dont see
happening because usually top of the line
players arent traded.. .however this season
would say different, lol. Still unlikely tho.. .

[ebott]

I think the Granger deal is less realistic. Granger very much looks like the type of cornerstone player that Indy will continue to build around. They're not gonna trade him for spare parts.

Harris, OTOH, was just, IHMO, the Nets making the best of a bad situation. Kidd wanted out and he was telling everyone that would listen that he wanted to go to Dallas. If they're not enamored with him I could see them doing a deal like the one you proposed.

[SinceClyde]

Sorry TB, but they both seem equally unrealistic.