Blazer Rumors Roundup 2022

[DusterBuster]

With Zeller going down, would Portland with an open roster spot consider signing old friend Meyers Leonard to replace him? He's currently a free agent after getting released for making a homophobic remark.

Some things are better left in the past... Meyers Leonard is one of those things.

Very likely Portland is looking around for a big as we speak. Meyers also has a shoulder injury in addition to the offcourt stuff. Too bad LA is not a free agent

I doubt it. Maybe for a trade, but I think they're just gonna let this season play out and if they add anyone, it'll be g-league guys.

[Norm2953]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/nba-rumors-boston-celtics-could-acquire-cj-mccollum-for-marcus-smart-josh-richardson-aaron-nesmith-and-a-pick/ar-AAT8ZvX?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531

I saw this earlier

[DusterBuster]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/nba-rumors-boston-celtics-could-acquire-cj-mccollum-for-marcus-smart-josh-richardson-aaron-nesmith-and-a-pick/ar-AAT8ZvX?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531

I saw this earlier

That article has about as much real sourcing as a post on the Trade Board here. Literally nothing true to it at all.

[red_power]

With Zeller going down, would Portland with an open roster spot consider signing old friend Meyers Leonard to replace him? He's currently a free agent after getting released for making a homophobic remark.

If only Neil Olshey hadn't been fired from a Blazers' GM position...

[DusterBuster]

More rumors from B/R...

* Rival executives are preparing for the possibility that Portland becomes a buyer at the deadline.

* The Trail Blazers appear motivated to dodge the tax. Add in Simons' recent explosion before his restricted free agency, and rival executives have painted CJ McCollum, Norman Powell, Jusuf Nurkic and Robert Covington as potential trade candidates.

* The destination most often linked to McCollum has been New Orleans, who could sensibly deal Jonas Valanciunas and Josh Hart. That would give the Blazers a replacement for Nurkic, a veteran contributor in Hart and sneak under the tax. The Pelicans would be more willing to part with Tomas Satoranksy and Jaxson Hayes over Valanciunas, however.

* For those wondering whether interim general manager Joe Cronin has the agency to make a move like trading McCollum, just look at what he’s already done. The executive has already hired and terminated various figures within Portland's basketball operations, including the scouting department, public relations and medical teams.

* Portland has been mentioned among the long list of Jerami Grant suitors. Detroit was one of Powell's top free agency options just last summer.

* Covington is expected to draw numerous interested teams. Yet Utah, a popular destination mentioned by league figures, has been described to B/R as an unlikely landing spot.

* Before Myles Turner sustained a stress reaction in his left foot, league personnel were pointing to Turner as perhaps the first big domino to fall. There was strong momentum in conversations between Indiana and Portland, yet there's dwindling confidence from league personnel about Turner's injury timeline and his ability to help a potential new team's playoff push this season.

I actually really dig CJ for Valanciunas and Hart, that would be a phenomenal deal for the Blazers if they can swing it. Less excited for the other version of that deal with Satoranksy, Hayes and Hart for CJ unless a pick is attached.

I'm still really holding out hope the Blazers don't end up with Grant. He's on a one-way path to Bad Contactville.

I still think Covington can net the Blazers a 1st rounder from some playoff team willing to gamble a 20-30 range 1st rounder for playoff help.

Glad to hear the Turner talk has died down too. I like him well enough, but too injury-prone and Indy's asking price was too high. Still think there could be some deal between Portland and Indy made though just cause of the KP/Cronin relationship.

[Wizenheimer]

More rumors from B/R...

* Rival executives are preparing for the possibility that Portland becomes a buyer at the deadline.

* The Trail Blazers appear motivated to dodge the tax. Add in Simons' recent explosion before his restricted free agency, and rival executives have painted CJ McCollum, Norman Powell, Jusuf Nurkic and Robert Covington as potential trade candidates.

* The destination most often linked to McCollum has been New Orleans, who could sensibly deal Jonas Valanciunas and Josh Hart. That would give the Blazers a replacement for Nurkic, a veteran contributor in Hart and sneak under the tax. The Pelicans would be more willing to part with Tomas Satoranksy and Jaxson Hayes over Valanciunas, however.

* For those wondering whether interim general manager Joe Cronin has the agency to make a move like trading McCollum, just look at what he’s already done. The executive has already hired and terminated various figures within Portland's basketball operations, including the scouting department, public relations and medical teams.

* Portland has been mentioned among the long list of Jerami Grant suitors. Detroit was one of Powell's top free agency options just last summer.

* Covington is expected to draw numerous interested teams. Yet Utah, a popular destination mentioned by league figures, has been described to B/R as an unlikely landing spot.

* Before Myles Turner sustained a stress reaction in his left foot, league personnel were pointing to Turner as perhaps the first big domino to fall. There was strong momentum in conversations between Indiana and Portland, yet there's dwindling confidence from league personnel about Turner's injury timeline and his ability to help a potential new team's playoff push this season.

I actually really dig CJ for Valanciunas and Hart, that would be a phenomenal deal for the Blazers if they can swing it. Less excited for the other version of that deal with Satoranksy, Hayes and Hart for CJ unless a pick is attached.

I'm still really holding out hope the Blazers don't end up with Grant. He's on a one-way path to Bad Contactville.

I still think Covington can net the Blazers a 1st rounder from some playoff team willing to gamble a 20-30 range 1st rounder for playoff help.

Glad to hear the Turner talk has died down too. I like him well enough, but too injury-prone and Indy's asking price was too high. Still think there could be some deal between Portland and Indy made though just cause of the KP/Cronin relationship.

the Hawks reportedly want a starter and a 1st round pick for John Collins. I think he would be 5 times better as a get than the overrated Grant

RoCo to Chicago for Jones and the pick back?

then CJ + lottery protected pick to the Hawks for Collins and Delon Wright?

[DusterBuster]

More rumors from B/R...

* Rival executives are preparing for the possibility that Portland becomes a buyer at the deadline.

* The Trail Blazers appear motivated to dodge the tax. Add in Simons' recent explosion before his restricted free agency, and rival executives have painted CJ McCollum, Norman Powell, Jusuf Nurkic and Robert Covington as potential trade candidates.

* The destination most often linked to McCollum has been New Orleans, who could sensibly deal Jonas Valanciunas and Josh Hart. That would give the Blazers a replacement for Nurkic, a veteran contributor in Hart and sneak under the tax. The Pelicans would be more willing to part with Tomas Satoranksy and Jaxson Hayes over Valanciunas, however.

* For those wondering whether interim general manager Joe Cronin has the agency to make a move like trading McCollum, just look at what he’s already done. The executive has already hired and terminated various figures within Portland's basketball operations, including the scouting department, public relations and medical teams.

* Portland has been mentioned among the long list of Jerami Grant suitors. Detroit was one of Powell's top free agency options just last summer.

* Covington is expected to draw numerous interested teams. Yet Utah, a popular destination mentioned by league figures, has been described to B/R as an unlikely landing spot.

* Before Myles Turner sustained a stress reaction in his left foot, league personnel were pointing to Turner as perhaps the first big domino to fall. There was strong momentum in conversations between Indiana and Portland, yet there's dwindling confidence from league personnel about Turner's injury timeline and his ability to help a potential new team's playoff push this season.

I actually really dig CJ for Valanciunas and Hart, that would be a phenomenal deal for the Blazers if they can swing it. Less excited for the other version of that deal with Satoranksy, Hayes and Hart for CJ unless a pick is attached.

I'm still really holding out hope the Blazers don't end up with Grant. He's on a one-way path to Bad Contactville.

I still think Covington can net the Blazers a 1st rounder from some playoff team willing to gamble a 20-30 range 1st rounder for playoff help.

Glad to hear the Turner talk has died down too. I like him well enough, but too injury-prone and Indy's asking price was too high. Still think there could be some deal between Portland and Indy made though just cause of the KP/Cronin relationship.

the Hawks reportedly want a starter and a 1st round pick for John Collins. I think he would be 5 times better as a get than the overrated Grant

RoCo to Chicago for Jones and the pick back?

then CJ + lottery protected pick to the Hawks for Collins and Delon Wright?

Agreed, like the idea of getting Collins if they can.

Yet again, another insanely frustrating totally foreseeable outcome of that stupid Larry Nance trade making deals more difficult than they need to be.

My first post about that trade was how it's almost guaranteed to be a thorn in the teams side come the deadline because it will limit their options of what they can do... Such a painfully obvious situation.

[BlazersBroncos]

I just cant be convinced ATL would want to add CJ to their SG rotation while already paying BB and Huerter. Not to mention on court Tre and CJ is a pretty poor fit IMO.

I think CJ for Hart, Sato, Hayes (Maybe get a MIL pick too)
RoCo for Jones, PDX pick back (Maybe try to get TBJ since Little is out and let him audition)

I dont really see a way to get Collins. If Norm was 6'7 and a true SF maybe we could do him and a FRP for Collins but if Norm was 6'7 this team would be in a much different position in terms of roster balance.

[Wizenheimer]

I just cant be convinced ATL would want to add CJ to their SG rotation while already paying BB and Huerter. Not to mention on court Tre and CJ is a pretty poor fit IMO.

I think CJ for Hart, Sato, Hayes (Maybe get a MIL pick too)
RoCo for Jones, PDX pick back (Maybe try to get TBJ since Little is out and let him audition)

I dont really see a way to get Collins. If Norm was 6'7 and a true SF maybe we could do him and a FRP for Collins but if Norm was 6'7 this team would be in a much different position in terms of roster balance.

not interested in Hayes:

https://nba.nbcsports.com/2022/01/24/pelicans-jaxson-hayes-charged-with-12-misdemeanors-in-los-angeles/

[BlazersBroncos]

I just cant be convinced ATL would want to add CJ to their SG rotation while already paying BB and Huerter. Not to mention on court Tre and CJ is a pretty poor fit IMO.

I think CJ for Hart, Sato, Hayes (Maybe get a MIL pick too)
RoCo for Jones, PDX pick back (Maybe try to get TBJ since Little is out and let him audition)

I dont really see a way to get Collins. If Norm was 6'7 and a true SF maybe we could do him and a FRP for Collins but if Norm was 6'7 this team would be in a much different position in terms of roster balance.

not interested in Hayes:

https://nba.nbcsports.com/2022/01/24/pelicans-jaxson-hayes-charged-with-12-misdemeanors-in-los-angeles/

Forgot about that.

I like Murphy a bit as a swing stretch F, maybe with Herb showing out they would trade him.

[JasonStern]

Yeah, that Crabbe offer from BRK was insane, and very stupid of Olshey to match. Crabbe was a very 1-dimensional player. The only thing he was good at was knocking down wide open catch and shoot 3-pointers when the defense ignored him to focus on Dame and CJ. He was absolutely terrible at everything else. He couldn't create for himself, or anyone else, he was a terrible defender, worst rebounder in the league for a player his size and really had zero upside.

The summer he was an RFA, he was a year and a half older than Simons, with 3 years of college experience coming off a season where he averaged 10.3ppg. His only selling point was his .393 3FG% where he was assisted on 96.4% of his 3-point FGs. By comparison, Simons is averaging 14.9 ppg with 3FG% = .392, but only assisted on 64.3% of his 3FGs (i.e. he can create his own 3-point shot off the dribble). Of course, Simons can also beat his man off the dribble and finish in traffic and also create for others. Things Crabbe never learned how to do. I think it's petty telling that a guy who is 6'5" and can shoot the three was out of the league at 27 and never got another contract after that ridiculous BRK deal.

Brandon Roy went from all-NBA to out of the league pretty quick, too. Injuries suck but are part of the game.

Crabbe's contract was an overpay, but you have to remember where the Nets were post-Billy King. One of the worst teams in the league with Boston owning all of their picks. Crabbe was in his younger 20s and had two consecutive 10ppg seasons as a bench player. What else were they going to do with their cap space? Make a run at free agents like Evan Turner?

First season with the Nets, he upped his production to 13ppg. Then he got injured and only played like 40 games. Then it seemed like he didn't really try to recover. I get it. If you have generational wealth, pursue your passions. But if he never got injured, he probably would have peaked at something like 18ppg. Someone like a Caris LeVert. Not a star, but far from the biggest bust in bust town.

Knowing that, I don't mind the fact that Portland matched. So many people here overvalue young talent - "Don't make another Jermaine O'Neal trade", then are quick to contradict themselves when it comes to Portland paying to retain their young talent. I personally wouldn't have matched, but that's because I never would have traded The People's Champ Will Barton.

Where Portland really messed things up was matching Crabbe, outbidding nobody to re-sign CJ early, outbidding nobody to sign a high usage can't shoot forward in Evan Turner, outbidding nobody for Festuz Ezili... You can probably make one mistake and recover. But that's just franchise crippling under the current CBA, even with an active billionaire owner.

[JasonStern]

Rumor: Jazz interested in RoCo. Regardless of where he's traded too, do you think we can get a late first round pick for him? Or is the best we can hope for ducking the luxury tax?

I think the Blazers can get a first for him. It’ll be locked into 20 or below though and heavily protected, but he’s playing good enough right now to warrant a first round pick from a contender who’s got eyes on more important things than a project player late in the first round.

I’ve said for a bit now I think Covington is going to be someone’s consolation prize for whatever team doesn’t get Jeremi Grant, so keep an eye on the teams interested in him as possible RoCo landing spots.

My opinion is that it would depend on what is coming back. Covington can return a 1st if the Blazers take on (long-term) salary. But the idea that Covington is worth a 1st and enough salary saved to get Portland under the luxury tax and not take on salary next year seems like a Morey level ask for an unrestricted free agent in his early 30s who hasn't had the best season this year.

[DusterBuster]

Rumor: Jazz interested in RoCo. Regardless of where he's traded too, do you think we can get a late first round pick for him? Or is the best we can hope for ducking the luxury tax?

I think the Blazers can get a first for him. It’ll be locked into 20 or below though and heavily protected, but he’s playing good enough right now to warrant a first round pick from a contender who’s got eyes on more important things than a project player late in the first round.

I’ve said for a bit now I think Covington is going to be someone’s consolation prize for whatever team doesn’t get Jeremi Grant, so keep an eye on the teams interested in him as possible RoCo landing spots.

My opinion is that it would depend on what is coming back. Covington can return a 1st if the Blazers take on (long-term) salary. But the idea that Covington is worth a 1st and enough salary saved to get Portland under the luxury tax and not take on salary next year seems like a Morey level ask for an unrestricted free agent in his early 30s who hasn't had the best season this year.

I don't believe this narrative at all. There's no reason Portland would need to take back long-term salary to get a 1st back for RoCo. It's a buyers market with a lot of teams believing they're one piece away from being better than the rest, I truly believe a team in that position will be willing to give up an FRP for the chance that RoCo is that missing piece and there are a lot of teams with expiring contracts or TPE's that can match his salary.

I feel like some of you really overthink this stuff too much and main mental mountains out of mole hills.

[Norm2953]

Teams are still in the posturing stage but come the day or two before the deadline, some deals will get done. With all their injuries, they dont need to give away their players to tank

[DusterBuster]

Teams are still in the posturing stage but come the day or two before the deadline, some deals will get done. With all their injuries, they dont need to give away their players to tank

No, but they should be proactive in trading away any player they have no intention of resigning this summer.

Also, Quick had an article about Nurk today in the Atlantic. Won't bother copying and pasting, but the TL:DR; of it was that Nurk said he has had direct conversations with Cronin, where Nurk said that Joe told him the plan is to keep Nurk and their long-term and keep building around him, Dame ... and CJ. Nurk said he would like to stay in Portland as long as Dame is here, but didn't go as far to say as he'd definitely resign in the summer... he's looking forward to FA and getting to pick where he resigns.

He also said he's saddened to see how bad Portland has become with the homeless and crime over the last couple of years (can't disagree with the big guy there...).

[Norm2953]

Teams are still in the posturing stage but come the day or two before the deadline, some deals will get done. With all their injuries, they dont need to give away their players to tank

No, but they should be proactive in trading away any player they have no intention of resigning this summer.

Also, Quick had an article about Nurk today in the Atlantic. Won't bother copying and pasting, but the TL:DR; of it was that Nurk said he has had direct conversations with Cronin, where Nurk said that Joe told him the plan is to keep Nurk and their long-term and keep building around him, Dame ... and CJ. Nurk said he would like to stay in Portland as long as Dame is here, but didn't go as far to say as he'd definitely resign in the summer... he's looking forward to FA and getting to pick where he resigns.

He also said he's saddened to see how bad Portland has become with the homeless and crime over the last couple of years (can't disagree with the big guy there...).

If that is what Cronin thinks, we're headed for more years of mediocrity but what a GM says and actually does are
different matters. It's why I doubt Nurk will get traded for the the team would be terribly undersized without him
even if they got the #1 pick for the 19 year old coming in will need time to both grow into his body and get
acclimated to the league. Whether he re-signs with Portland is another thing but he's been playing his best ball
with Simons as the PG.

One thing to observe is that if one monitors other teams game boards, there is unanimous agreement that Simons
is going to be a nice player. Portland would be stupid to allow him to leave and to continue to rebuild around Dame/CJ.
If anything, the team needs to transition to the Anfernee Simons era.

[JasonStern]

My opinion is that it would depend on what is coming back. Covington can return a 1st if the Blazers take on (long-term) salary. But the idea that Covington is worth a 1st and enough salary saved to get Portland under the luxury tax and not take on salary next year seems like a Morey level ask for an unrestricted free agent in his early 30s who hasn't had the best season this year.

I don't believe this narrative at all. There's no reason Portland would need to take back long-term salary to get a 1st back for RoCo. It's a buyers market with a lot of teams believing they're one piece away from being better than the rest, I truly believe a team in that position will be willing to give up an FRP for the chance that RoCo is that missing piece and there are a lot of teams with expiring contracts or TPE's that can match his salary.

Never said Covington didn't have value.
Seriously doubt many teams think that Covington is "the missing piece".
But even if they do, I seriously doubt a team is going to give up a 1st, take on enough salary to get the Blazers under the luxury tax, and not include any salary in 2022-23.
Maybe if he was 27 instead of 31. Maybe if his cap-friendly contract wasn't expiring. Maybe you could get 2 of the above or 1 and a prospect to develop.
Would love to hear an example of a trade that you believe meets all of this criteria.

[DusterBuster]

My opinion is that it would depend on what is coming back. Covington can return a 1st if the Blazers take on (long-term) salary. But the idea that Covington is worth a 1st and enough salary saved to get Portland under the luxury tax and not take on salary next year seems like a Morey level ask for an unrestricted free agent in his early 30s who hasn't had the best season this year.

I don't believe this narrative at all. There's no reason Portland would need to take back long-term salary to get a 1st back for RoCo. It's a buyers market with a lot of teams believing they're one piece away from being better than the rest, I truly believe a team in that position will be willing to give up an FRP for the chance that RoCo is that missing piece and there are a lot of teams with expiring contracts or TPE's that can match his salary.

Never said Covington didn't have value.
Seriously doubt many teams think that Covington is "the missing piece".
But even if they do, I seriously doubt a team is going to give up a 1st, take on enough salary to get the Blazers under the luxury tax, and not include any salary in 2022-23.
Maybe if his cap-friendly contract wasn't expiring. Maybe you could get 2 of the above or 1 and a prospect to develop.
Would love to hear an example of a trade that you believe meets all of this criteria.

Again, this is where we're going to have to agree to disagree. For one, it doesn't take "many" teams to think that, just one. Also, I liken this season a lot to the final Aldridge / Lillard season, the year Matthews blew out his ACL. The league was fairly wide open with no clear cut #1 option, so guys who aren't huge difference makers but could fill a hole ended up having more value (see: Aaron Afflalo). I believe RoCo will fit that mold this season.

[BlazersBroncos]

I don't believe this narrative at all. There's no reason Portland would need to take back long-term salary to get a 1st back for RoCo. It's a buyers market with a lot of teams believing they're one piece away from being better than the rest, I truly believe a team in that position will be willing to give up an FRP for the chance that RoCo is that missing piece and there are a lot of teams with expiring contracts or TPE's that can match his salary.

Never said Covington didn't have value.
Seriously doubt many teams think that Covington is "the missing piece".
But even if they do, I seriously doubt a team is going to give up a 1st, take on enough salary to get the Blazers under the luxury tax, and not include any salary in 2022-23.
Maybe if his cap-friendly contract wasn't expiring. Maybe you could get 2 of the above or 1 and a prospect to develop.
Would love to hear an example of a trade that you believe meets all of this criteria.

Again, this is where we're going to have to agree to disagree. For one, it doesn't take "many" teams to think that, just one. Also, I liken this season a lot to the final Aldridge / Lillard season, the year Matthews blew out his ACL. The league was fairly wide open with no clear cut #1 option, so guys who aren't huge difference makers but could fill a hole ended up having more value (see: Aaron Afflalo). I believe RoCo will fit that mold this season.

I dont disagree that RoCo could be seen as a great piece for a PO run, but not sure how many options salary match wise are out there.

I think to PHX for Saric and 2022 FRP, but they are killing it and that FRP would have to be 2024.
I think CLE wouldnt move Osman and the 2022 FRP personally.
MIA doesnt have salary to match.
CHI would maybe offer the FRP returned and DJJ, this might be the best option.
GSW doesnt have salary to match.
MEM doesnt need him IMO (I dont think he is better than Slo Mo, who would have to be salary match and a FRP + Slo Mo is clearly not a good deal for them)
UTH has Ingles, but I dont see them attaching a FRP to improve from Joe to Covington.
BRK and PHI dont really have salary matching

So to me its basically PHX and CHI as the main options in terms of contenders.

[GOBlazers]

Never said Covington didn't have value.
Seriously doubt many teams think that Covington is "the missing piece".
But even if they do, I seriously doubt a team is going to give up a 1st, take on enough salary to get the Blazers under the luxury tax, and not include any salary in 2022-23.
Maybe if his cap-friendly contract wasn't expiring. Maybe you could get 2 of the above or 1 and a prospect to develop.
Would love to hear an example of a trade that you believe meets all of this criteria.

Again, this is where we're going to have to agree to disagree. For one, it doesn't take "many" teams to think that, just one. Also, I liken this season a lot to the final Aldridge / Lillard season, the year Matthews blew out his ACL. The league was fairly wide open with no clear cut #1 option, so guys who aren't huge difference makers but could fill a hole ended up having more value (see: Aaron Afflalo). I believe RoCo will fit that mold this season.

I dont disagree that RoCo could be seen as a great piece for a PO run, but not sure how many options salary match wise are out there.

I think to PHX for Saric and 2022 FRP, but they are killing it and that FRP would have to be 2024.
I think CLE wouldnt move Osman and the 2022 FRP personally.
MIA doesnt have salary to match.
CHI would maybe offer the FRP returned and DJJ, this might be the best option.
GSW doesnt have salary to match.
MEM doesnt need him IMO (I dont think he is better than Slo Mo, who would have to be salary match and a FRP + Slo Mo is clearly not a good deal for them)
UTH has Ingles, but I dont see them attaching a FRP to improve from Joe to Covington.
BRK and PHI dont really have salary matching

So to me its basically PHX and CHI as the main options in terms of contenders.

For what it's worth. I read that the blazers can't trade for DJJ bc they just traded him to the bulls.