'Short' time till the Draft

[Billy]

That is certainly an interesting thought SoHo.

It's so hard to gauge the potential of a trade like that because you are clearly gaining in talent, but providing a lot of financial gain.

I would think in a move for Paul we'd be looking at a few certainties:

Batum is included. Monte knows him as well as anyone. I could certainly see Monte having high interest in adding a guy like Batum to start off his tenure.

At least one of Miller/Przybilla will need to be in the deal, likely both. By themselves they nearly account for the entire salary of Paul. The difficulty of course then becomes matching the salary of the guy getting dumped. Joel has to opt in--which according to Wizenheimer happened last year with Etan Thomas so that shouldn't be a hang up. Joel's not going to walk away from 7 million even if he doesn't like the idea of moving to New Orleans.

At least one of Okafor, Posey, or Peja is coming along. Posey is the easiest to match, Okafore the hardest. Peja is unlikely to be a high priority for them as he's expiring.

Portland needs to be prepared to give up a lot of depth.

After that I think we have a few likelihoods:

Oden very likely would be included. Are you willing to include both Batum and Oden in a deal for Paul? If Paul Allen/the Vulcans are not quite as high on Oden as we once thought, perhaps they don't give it a second thought.

Paul Allen probably will need to include cash. I don't think he's quite as fond of this as he used to be. Possibly because Pritchard has a tendency of including it in most of his deals. But CP3 is likely a person that would get the money flowing.


If it came down to it, does KP trade Oden, Batum +Expirings for CP3?

[DeBlazerRiddem]

I guess I'm surprised at the lack of respect someone like Danny Granger gets. Here is a kid that is 27 years old, has averaged 23 ppg the last three seasons, is shooting over 38% from 3-pt range during that time, 85% FT, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 assists, 1 block...that is Brandon Roy type numbers or better in almost every category except assists.

Not a big fan of Granger, or at least the upgrade he would bring to the team (not to say he isn't a good player). First off if we have to give up more than a single starter than I see absolutely no reason to bite, especially if we are taking back salary as well. The only deal I can see would be Batum+Pryzbilla, but even then I would be hesitant about losing the potential insurance Pryzbilla can provide at center, and I highly doubt that if they are dealing their best player that they would ever give me the incentive I need with their #10.

Second I feel that Granger represents too many of the similar strengths that Roy has, just not as good or efficient, and without real impressive defensive skills (Wallace/Iggy) which have proven to be important at our SF position. I think to truly make noise the in playoffs we need better bigs (or at least for Aldridge and Oden to reach their potential) with one of either our PF or C being a true #2 option, especially down low on the block. With Batum's defensive versatility and high shooting % he fits next to Roy very well, complementing him where I think Granger would be less of a fit, and would be overpaid for the role he would play here, or at least play on a championship team next to Roy.

Deal is interesting but I cannot imagine a form of it including a starter (Batum / Aldridge) that I can say would really hook me (Webster+Pryzbilla+Rudy + filler, maybe considering Miller, is as much as I would give up for sure), and while I expect KP to look at this more critically than me, I cannot imagine how the improvement (??maybe?? we still dont know Batum's ceiling) at SF takes us over the top. In conclusion, I would get Granger if it meant that he or Batum could be our 6th man, but if we are going to have to rely on Webster to back up the wing or end up with a hole at PF or PG than it just doesn't interest me very much.

[SoHo]

If it came down to it, does KP trade Oden, Batum +Expirings for CP3?

Great question. Paul and Roy would instantly become the best backcourt in the NBA bar none. We would also still have a very viable frontcourt rotation with Aldridge/Camby/Okafor. We would then have to make good use of our MLE to bring in a wing player to either start or play behind Webster.

Paul/Mills
Roy/Bayless
Webster/MLE
Aldridge/Okafor
Camby/Pendergraph

For me, while losing Oden and Batum would be a huge gut-wrencher, you take that deal and don't look back. Of course, I have no idea whether NO would value Oden and Batum enough to make this kind of deal. After all you're talking about Chris Paul who is one of the best players in the league...

[DusterBuster]

I agree, if you can get CP3 and Okafor for Oden, Batum and expirings, you can't let that go. You just can't. I don't care how much potential a guy has, you don't take potential over one of the Top 3 players at his position who's young. You take that deal and fill in the holes later.

[EGame]

I am in agreeance as well especially because I saw the All-star games Roy and Paul were playing in together and maybe it was just a fluke thing, but they played extremely well together as if they were on the same team for years and years. Plus Paul could make someone like Aldridge better. However, I would be more inclined to trade Aldridge because I feel like Paul would do wonders for Oden as he knows how to feed his big men (Chandler, Okafor). I would rather do Aldridge and Batum, but if Hornets want Oden and Batum I would do it in the end, I think.

[Ripcity4life]

If Batum gets traded in a BIG deal that does not net the Blazers a SF in return i would bet everything i own that Outlaw will Re-sign with the Blazers. Can the Outlaw haters live with him returning if Paul or another Big name became a Blazer ???

[DusterBuster]

I am in agreeance as well especially because I saw the All-star games Roy and Paul were playing in together and maybe it was just a fluke thing, but they played extremely well together as if they were on the same team for years and years. Plus Paul could make someone like Aldridge better. However, I would be more inclined to trade Aldridge because I feel like Paul would do wonders for Oden as he knows how to feed his big men (Chandler, Okafor). I would rather do Aldridge and Batum, but if Hornets want Oden and Batum I would do it in the end, I think.

It probably had something to do with the All Star "defense" that gets played in that game, but ya, it would still be sick seeing those two together.

[Billy]

Egame - It would certainly be nice to keep Oden. If he were able to stay healthy Paul would make him into a beast. But in the end, I think it's one of those things that you probably do in the end. For someone like Pritchard who is already taking a lot of heat, it's probably not going to look great on his resume if it comes out that he passed on Paul in favor of Oden at this point. People are going to look at the core and see Aldridge and Roy. If those guys aren't part of a trade, it will certainly cause people to wonder why Pritchard would pass on adding one of the best PG's in the game in a deal that wouldn't have sent out a core piece.

5 year from now... who knows? But again it goes back to that Jermaine thing. If you trade a possible all-star for a present all-star you take a risk, but when you think about it, it's a lot lower of a risk than holding onto the guy hoping he becomes an all-star. Especially if you are dealing with some of the guys that are being thrown out in this thread.

[blazers73]

So because of PA's health issues, he is more inclined to spend the money needed to win. Interesting. I always assumed this but now we know. More likely to take back bad contracts for a good player. More likely a team looking to rebuild.

I still think it is unlikey to add another "star" but I would be very happy with an upgrade at the PG position. Every team would like to add a star for scraps. It rarely happens. Yea make some calls but in the end I would be happy with another consolidation trade especially for a PG.

I also agree that the Lakers are the team to beat for the next year or two. Kobe has played A LOT of games and should slow down by then. IMO it would be best to be patient and not grab a player like Nash who will be done in 2 years. Of course if some great deal comes along you take it.

[EGame]

That is understandable. However, one reason I would prefer to keep Oden is because of having a player down low. Aldridge is not going to post his man and take it to the rim with authority like Oden, he has proven that. Oden can create the spacing needed and command the double based off of his size. Aldridge, while he gets doubled at times, won't get as much attention as Paul and Roy and is still a relatively weak passer when the double does come to him.However, as has been mentioned if Oden and Batum are the pieces for a guy like Paul, you do it. I would hate KP if the player was Paul and he would not give up Oden and Batum.

[DusterBuster]

That is understandable. However, one reason I would prefer to keep Oden is because of having a player down low. Aldridge is not going to post his man and take it to the rim with authority like Oden, he has proven that. Oden can create the spacing needed and command the double based off of his size. Aldridge, while he gets doubled at times, won't get as much attention as Paul and Roy and is still a relatively weak passer when the double does come to him.However, as has been mentioned if Oden and Batum are the pieces for a guy like Paul, you do it. I would hate KP if the player was Paul and he would not give up Oden and Batum.

Agreed. If he held back on that deal, I'd feel no pity for him being fired.

[EGame]

If Batum gets traded in a BIG deal that does not net the Blazers a SF in return i would bet everything i own that Outlaw will Re-sign with the Blazers. Can the Outlaw haters live with him returning if Paul or another Big name became a Blazer ???

Yes. This is Chris freaking Paul. Even though Outlaw has plenty negatives, he was still a good scorer when he was on. Chris Paul and Outlaw > Batum and Oden IMO, mainly because Paul is so great.

[Billy]

If Batum gets traded in a BIG deal that does not net the Blazers a SF in return i would bet everything i own that Outlaw will Re-sign with the Blazers. Can the Outlaw haters live with him returning if Paul or another Big name became a Blazer ???

No .

Honestly, I'd hope that Portland would find something better than Outlaw via free agency. If Webster doesn't go, Portland doesn't really need a SF as Cunningham seems like a good option there (assuming of course he's not in the deal).

If Portland is completely bare... again, I'd hope they look elsewhere first before coming back to Travis.

[Blaze01]

NO is NOT trading Chris Paul, get that out of your heads people, they would be crazy to do so.....

Collison? Yeah they would deal him....but the team taking him would have to take on some bloated contracts as well.....

The #2 pick is out there to be had.....but you have to take Brand with it....

The #3 pick MAY be able to be had, but it will have to be a heck of a deal....

Is Devin Harris worth Batum & Rudy? I recall NJ asking for that before....personally I don't think he is...

Tony Parker continues to make the most sense for me, he is available, he is still young (28) he has NBA finals experience and he is a legit #2 scoring option off of Roy....

[DusterBuster]

NO is NOT trading Chris Paul, get that out of your heads people, they would be crazy to do so.....

Collison? Yeah they would deal him....but the team taking him would have to take on some bloated contracts as well.....

The #2 pick is out there to be had.....but you have to take Brand with it....

The #3 pick MAY be able to be had, but it will have to be a heck of a deal....

Is Devin Harris worth Batum & Rudy? I recall NJ asking for that before....personally I don't think he is...

Tony Parker continues to make the most sense for me, he is available, he is still young (28) he has NBA finals experience and he is a legit #2 scoring option off of Roy....

The Sixers aren't trading that pick, even with Brand. The Sixers website accidentally posted a picture that was meant to uploaded on draft day......

[EGame]

It may not be you're correct. Collison ain't saving KP's job so he is not on the list. Draft picks are not saving KP's job either, Paul Allen is probably tired of potential studs coming into the NBA and wants someone who has actually proven something. Parker only makes the most sense if it were one of Aldridge/Batum, not both. And it sounds like the hold up because the other team may want Aldridge and Batum and a guy like Parker isn't worth that.

[cucad8]

I'd hate to move Batum for Parker, especially knowing we'd likely need to include both Miller AND Joel for salary matching, thus eliminating any other salary matching chips we have left. I'd hate losing Batum, I love his potential, and the thought of him and Parker together. That said, there is still the MLE available to find a starter over Martell. And if not,

Parker
Roy
Webster
Aldridge
Oden

is a hell of a starting 5. I'd say Parker improves us, right now, by more over Miller than starting Webster over Batum hurts us.

[blazerduck24]

I guess I'm surprised at the lack of respect someone like Danny Granger gets. Here is a kid that is 27 years old, has averaged 23 ppg the last three seasons, is shooting over 38% from 3-pt range during that time, 85% FT, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 assists, 1 block...that is Brandon Roy type numbers or better in almost every category except assists.

Am I the only one who noticed TBpup's subtle little clue? I haven't seen him put any one else's name in bold... plus his surprise comes after his declaration that everyone would agree the player would improve the team. TBpup... I got your clue man, even if no one else did.

[Bob loblaw]

it isn't Danny Granger, that won't save KP.

[cucad8]

Is bolding someone's name a subtle clue?

That being said, again, I like Batum, but am surprised by those who would say no to him for Granger, and wonder where they fall in the criticism of KP not being able to find a second star. Seems that KP gets criticized a lot for loving his own, but then when a deal with one comes up, half the people here are the same way. Then, when he can't get something done with the scraps we don't want, everyone brings out the pitchforks again.
And did I see a Granger for Batum/Joel deal nixed earlier in this thread because of the insurance Joel provides us at C? That's absurd if you won't trade your #3 center for a 20+ ppg player.