Trade/Draft Review

[Masterfully]

to Olshey's credit, he has collected a large group of very small contracts for next summer's cap-space derby:

Damian Lillard $4,236,287
C.J. McCollum $2,525,160
Meyers Leonard $3,075,880
Allen Crabbe $947,276
Tim Frazier $845,059
Gerald Henderson $6,000,000
Noah Vonleh $2,637,720
Mason Plumlee $1,415,520
Pat Connaughton $0 (2nd round picks don't count till signed)
(Chris Kaman $1,000,000)

23.2 million for 9 players

add 3 roster charges and the Blazers are around 24.8 million, leaving somewhere around 42 million in cap-space

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like the roster charges would not really effect Portland's cap. There are 9 players under contract and cap space to sign 3 players. In theory, if you sign 1 player for say $10 million, then 1 roster charge goes away. If you sign Aldridge for $19 million then another goes away. Then when you sign the last FA the third charge goes away.

From where I'm sitting it looks like $23.2 is the correct number.

[Masterfully]

to Olshey's credit, he has collected a large group of very small contracts for next summer's cap-space derby:

Damian Lillard $4,236,287
C.J. McCollum $2,525,160
Meyers Leonard $3,075,880
Allen Crabbe $947,276
Tim Frazier $845,059
Gerald Henderson $6,000,000
Noah Vonleh $2,637,720
Mason Plumlee $1,415,520
Pat Connaughton $0 (2nd round picks don't count till signed)
(Chris Kaman $1,000,000)

23.2 million for 9 players

add 3 roster charges and the Blazers are around 24.8 million, leaving somewhere around 42 million in cap-space

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like the roster charges would not really effect Portland's cap. There are 9 players under contract and enough cap space to sign 3 high-dollarish players. In theory, if you sign 1 player for say $10 million, then 1 roster charge goes away. If you sign Aldridge for $19 million then another goes away. Then when you sign the last FA the third charge goes away.

From where I'm sitting it looks like $23.2 is the correct number.

[TBpup]

to Olshey's credit, he has collected a large group of very small contracts for next summer's cap-space derby:

Damian Lillard $4,236,287
C.J. McCollum $2,525,160
Meyers Leonard $3,075,880
Allen Crabbe $947,276
Tim Frazier $845,059
Gerald Henderson $6,000,000
Noah Vonleh $2,637,720
Mason Plumlee $1,415,520
Pat Connaughton $0 (2nd round picks don't count till signed)
(Chris Kaman $1,000,000)

23.2 million for 9 players

add 3 roster charges and the Blazers are around 24.8 million, leaving somewhere around 42 million in cap-space

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like the roster charges would not really effect Portland's cap. There are 9 players under contract and enough cap space to sign 3 high-dollarish players. In theory, if you sign 1 player for say $10 million, then 1 roster charge goes away. If you sign Aldridge for $19 million then another goes away. Then when you sign the last FA the third charge goes away.

From where I'm sitting it looks like $23.2 is the correct number.

Technically, I believe Wiz is right. It's 23.2 for 9 players plus 3 roster charges. That would be the minimum salary. Of course those go away if a player is signed but likely they are signed for more money than just the roster charge.. So if they signed LA for $19M, it would be $23.2 + $19 + the remaining 2 roster charges and so on.

[d-train]

The problem I see with Wiz's math is inclusion of Tim Frazier's salary. Frazier's contract is not guaranteed and he will be near the top of list of players renounced when necessary. And, if Frazier makes the team and gets a contract, his salary will likely be less than $845k. That's a funny money contract. Crabbe is also not guaranteed but I can see Blazers retaining that obligation.

[Wizenheimer]

The problem I see with Wiz's math is inclusion of Tim Frazier's salary. Frazier's contract is not guaranteed and he will be near the top of list of players renounced when necessary. And, if Frazier makes the team and gets a contract, his salary will likely be less than $845k. That's a funny money contract. Crabbe is also not guaranteed but I can see Blazers retaining that obligation.

Portland has no other backup PG right now then Frazier, and renouncing him only frees an insignificant 320K in cap-space. He's about a cheap an option as Portland will find for a 12-15th man

unless he's included in a trade, I'd bet that Frazier will be on the team to start next season

[d-train]

The problem I see with Wiz's math is inclusion of Tim Frazier's salary. Frazier's contract is not guaranteed and he will be near the top of list of players renounced when necessary. And, if Frazier makes the team and gets a contract, his salary will likely be less than $845k. That's a funny money contract. Crabbe is also not guaranteed but I can see Blazers retaining that obligation.

Portland has no other backup PG right now then Frazier, and renouncing him only frees an insignificant 320K in cap-space. He's about a cheap an option as Portland will find for a 12-15th man

unless he's included in a trade, I'd bet that Frazier will be on the team to start next season

His contract is a trade chip. Your estimation of potential cap room is off by $320K because you are counting Frazier's contract instead of a roster charge.

[Norm2953]

The problem I see with Wiz's math is inclusion of Tim Frazier's salary. Frazier's contract is not guaranteed and he will be near the top of list of players renounced when necessary. And, if Frazier makes the team and gets a contract, his salary will likely be less than $845k. That's a funny money contract. Crabbe is also not guaranteed but I can see Blazers retaining that obligation.

Portland has no other backup PG right now then Frazier, and renouncing him only frees an insignificant 320K in cap-space. He's about a cheap an option as Portland will find for a 12-15th man

unless he's included in a trade, I'd bet that Frazier will be on the team to start next season

If Frazier is found wanting, Portland does have a ton of cap space to sign a backup PG.

[Wickzki]

Again, I agree with much of what TB had to say.

I was a fan of Vonleh's entering the draft last year but I hope he developed a bit during his rookie season and it wasn't a completely wasted year. I believe that he'll prove to be a good acquisition.

The guy I wanted to draft was RHJ and I was rapt when we picked him up. He'll learn to shoot in the NBA and become a consistent 12-15ppg to go along with 6rpg and 2apg. However, having the opportunity to flip him and getting rid of Blake was a very good move. I'm a big fan of the Plumlee brothers. While accepting that Plumlee didn't fire a shot in the playoffs I believe that he's the type of player that ultimately finds their way onto highly successful teams and is one of those who plays a largely unheralded but vitally role on those teams.

Rebuild or not I am very happy that NEO is heading down the path of acquiring low cost contracts. It's something that I hope that he continues to do. These are easy to combine to make a bigger trade at a later date and represent value if we decide to keep them. I can already see Portland becoming a stronger team - either in the immediate short term if we're able to re-sign LMA and give him someone like a DeAndre Jordan or in the longer term future by adding more low cost contracts and rebuilding through the draft (delaying the Afflalo trade pick).

If we do lose LMA and a plan B (e.g. Kevin Love) fails to pan out then I can see NEO filling out the roster by absorbing contracts that expire after next season that can give the Blazers a draft pick or two to take on. Potential trades on that front:

- Gerald Wallace
- Joe Johnson
- Danilo Gallinari
- Wilson Chandler
- J.J. Hickson
- David Lee
- Roy Hibbert
- George Hill
- Courtney Lee
- Chris Anderson
- Mario Chalmers
- O.J. Mayo
- Zaza Pachulia
- Caron Butler
- Chase Budinger
- Eric Gordon
- Ben Gordon
- Nene'

There's quite a few players that could be 'gifted' to the Blazers that would be helpful to us for helping other teams immediate salary situations that would fill holes for at least a season. It's not nearly as disastrous a situation to be in as it could have been. Some of these players could be flipped towards the trade deadline to contending teams for a prospect/draft pick and lesser expiring contracts. Our cap room invites the situation of acquiring multiple draft picks without necessarily being forced into a tanking situation.

[Dame Lizard]

Again, I agree with much of what TB had to say.

I was a fan of Vonleh's entering the draft last year but I hope he developed a bit during his rookie season and it wasn't a completely wasted year. I believe that he'll prove to be a good acquisition.

The guy I wanted to draft was RHJ and I was rapt when we picked him up. He'll learn to shoot in the NBA and become a consistent 12-15ppg to go along with 6rpg and 2apg. However, having the opportunity to flip him and getting rid of Blake was a very good move. I'm a big fan of the Plumlee brothers. While accepting that Plumlee didn't fire a shot in the playoffs I believe that he's the type of player that ultimately finds their way onto highly successful teams and is one of those who plays a largely unheralded but vitally role on those teams.

Rebuild or not I am very happy that NEO is heading down the path of acquiring low cost contracts. It's something that I hope that he continues to do. These are easy to combine to make a bigger trade at a later date and represent value if we decide to keep them. I can already see Portland becoming a stronger team - either in the immediate short term if we're able to re-sign LMA and give him someone like a DeAndre Jordan or in the longer term future by adding more low cost contracts and rebuilding through the draft (delaying the Afflalo trade pick).

If we do lose LMA and a plan B (e.g. Kevin Love) fails to pan out then I can see NEO filling out the roster by absorbing contracts that expire after next season that can give the Blazers a draft pick or two to take on. Potential trades on that front:

- Gerald Wallace
- Joe Johnson
- Danilo Gallinari
- Wilson Chandler
- J.J. Hickson
- David Lee
- Roy Hibbert
- George Hill
- Courtney Lee
- Chris Anderson
- Mario Chalmers
- O.J. Mayo
- Zaza Pachulia
- Caron Butler
- Chase Budinger
- Eric Gordon
- Ben Gordon
- Nene'

There's quite a few players that could be 'gifted' to the Blazers that would be helpful to us for helping other teams immediate salary situations that would fill holes for at least a season. It's not nearly as disastrous a situation to be in as it could have been. Some of these players could be flipped towards the trade deadline to contending teams for a prospect/draft pick and lesser expiring contracts. Our cap room invites the situation of acquiring multiple draft picks without necessarily being forced into a tanking situation.

If we rebuild then I absolutely hope we absorb contracts and acquire 1st round picks!

[Wizenheimer]

The problem I see with Wiz's math is inclusion of Tim Frazier's salary. Frazier's contract is not guaranteed and he will be near the top of list of players renounced when necessary. And, if Frazier makes the team and gets a contract, his salary will likely be less than $845k. That's a funny money contract. Crabbe is also not guaranteed but I can see Blazers retaining that obligation.

Portland has no other backup PG right now then Frazier, and renouncing him only frees an insignificant 320K in cap-space. He's about a cheap an option as Portland will find for a 12-15th man

unless he's included in a trade, I'd bet that Frazier will be on the team to start next season

His contract is a trade chip. Your estimation of potential cap room is off by $320K because you are counting Frazier's contract instead of a roster charge.

kinda looks like you're saying what I said, but trying to do it differently while playing the mountain/molehill game. I just explained why I counted his contract rather then the roster charge. If you want to rag about 320K when we're talking about as much as 43 million in cap-space, go ahead. I'm not going to jump down that rabbit hole

[Butter]

Again, I agree with much of what TB had to say.

I was a fan of Vonleh's entering the draft last year but I hope he developed a bit during his rookie season and it wasn't a completely wasted year. I believe that he'll prove to be a good acquisition.

The guy I wanted to draft was RHJ and I was rapt when we picked him up. He'll learn to shoot in the NBA and become a consistent 12-15ppg to go along with 6rpg and 2apg. However, having the opportunity to flip him and getting rid of Blake was a very good move. I'm a big fan of the Plumlee brothers. While accepting that Plumlee didn't fire a shot in the playoffs I believe that he's the type of player that ultimately finds their way onto highly successful teams and is one of those who plays a largely unheralded but vitally role on those teams.

Rebuild or not I am very happy that NEO is heading down the path of acquiring low cost contracts. It's something that I hope that he continues to do. These are easy to combine to make a bigger trade at a later date and represent value if we decide to keep them. I can already see Portland becoming a stronger team - either in the immediate short term if we're able to re-sign LMA and give him someone like a DeAndre Jordan or in the longer term future by adding more low cost contracts and rebuilding through the draft (delaying the Afflalo trade pick).

If we do lose LMA and a plan B (e.g. Kevin Love) fails to pan out then I can see NEO filling out the roster by absorbing contracts that expire after next season that can give the Blazers a draft pick or two to take on. Potential trades on that front:

- Gerald Wallace
- Joe Johnson
- Danilo Gallinari
- Wilson Chandler
- J.J. Hickson
- David Lee
- Roy Hibbert
- George Hill
- Courtney Lee
- Chris Anderson
- Mario Chalmers
- O.J. Mayo
- Zaza Pachulia
- Caron Butler
- Chase Budinger
- Eric Gordon
- Ben Gordon
- Nene'

There's quite a few players that could be 'gifted' to the Blazers that would be helpful to us for helping other teams immediate salary situations that would fill holes for at least a season. It's not nearly as disastrous a situation to be in as it could have been. Some of these players could be flipped towards the trade deadline to contending teams for a prospect/draft pick and lesser expiring contracts. Our cap room invites the situation of acquiring multiple draft picks without necessarily being forced into a tanking situation.

If we rebuild then I absolutely hope we absorb contracts and acquire 1st round picks!

That could be Toronto. They have extra 1ate next year

[DeBlazerRiddem]

Next, we either need an elite free agent signing (the type that Portland seemingly can not pull off) or a bunch of top draft picks

[TBpup]

Whatever happens, the Blazers have addressed at least somewhat the C and SG position if Lopez and Matthews don't come back. (which I think is likely that they don't return) A lot of it hinges on LA. If he comes back, maybe you get a center in an unbalance trade and then you need a SF.

Henderson could be included in an unbalanced trade which would be $6M going out and would keep a lot of the flexibility of the available cap space. Something like Henderson/Kaman for Hibbert still leaves the Blazers with enough for a max contract outside of Aldridge or close to it.

Hibbert - 15.5
Aldridge- 19.0
Dame ----- 3.3
CJ--------- 2.4
Vonleh---- 2.5
Leonard--- 2.3
Plumlee--- 1.3
Crabbe---- 0.8
Total------45.9

That leaves around $21M for a starting SF and a bigger SG plus a back up PG. DeMarre Carroll, Chris Middleton, Aminu, Jae Crowder, Brandon Knight , Sergio Rodriguez, Jameer Nelson, Cory Joseph, JJ Barea, Monta Ellis, Danny Green, Rodney Stuckey...there are a lot of options and only a couple of those are Max type players.

[mactrapper10]

Whatever happens, the Blazers have addressed at least somewhat the C and SG position if Lopez and Matthews don't come back. (which I think is likely that they don't return) A lot of it hinges on LA. If he comes back, maybe you get a center in an unbalance trade and then you need a SF.

Henderson could be included in an unbalanced trade which would be $6M going out and would keep a lot of the flexibility of the available cap space. Something like Henderson/Kaman for Hibbert still leaves the Blazers with enough for a max contract outside of Aldridge or close to it.

Hibbert - 15.5
Aldridge- 19.0
Dame ----- 3.3
CJ--------- 2.4
Vonleh---- 2.5
Leonard--- 2.3
Plumlee--- 1.3
Crabbe---- 0.8
Total-------45.9

That leaves around $21M for a starting SF and a bigger SG plus a back up PG. DeMarre Carroll, Chris Middleton, Aminu, Jae Crowder, Brandon Knight , Sergio Rodriguez, Jameer Nelson, Cory Joseph, JJ Barea, Monta Ellis, Danny Green, Rodney Stuckey...there are a lot of options and only a couple of those are Max type players.

I am incredibly impressed with what NeO has been able to do. This roster has so much flexibility, no matter which direction we will be going. For the sake of curiosity, I'd love to see what he could do with a commitment from LA to return and enough cap room for another max contract.

I have no idea what is going to happen, but this is the most exciting offseason I have seen. Going to enjoy the ride.

[TBpup]

http://deadspin.com/we-need-to-talk-about-that-dumb-trade-the-brooklyn-nets-1714229372

A game winning block on a dunk attempt by LeBron. Now that would make Plumlee an instant fan favorite here. This writer thinks the Blazers really won this trade.

[Wizenheimer]

I am always skeptical about potential, but it's about damn time that Portland struck gold on a 2nd round pick

Gilbert Arenas, Manu Ginobli, Trevor Ariza, Monta Ellis, Marcin Gortat, Paul Millsap, Marc Gasol, Nikola Pekovic, DeAndre Jordan,
Goran Dragic, Patrick Beverley, Danny Green, Chandler Parsons, Isaiah Thomas, Draymond Green, Khris Middleton, Jordan Clarkson

seems like over the last decade or so, just about every other team but Portland has found a keeper in the 2nd round, and for certain, the Blazers have had a bunch of chances, especially under KP.

[Masterfully]

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of PC and I think he'll stick in the league for a long time. But I see his ceiling as a fringe starter/great bench player. A gritty, pain in the ass Matt Barnes type. He's 22 and has 4 years of ACC experience, so he's pretty far into his development as a basketball player at this point. We should know if he has what it takes quickly.

[JasonStern]

I am always skeptical about potential, but it's about damn time that Portland struck gold on a 2nd round pick

Gilbert Arenas, Manu Ginobli, Trevor Ariza, Monta Ellis, Marcin Gortat, Paul Millsap, Marc Gasol, Nikola Pekovic, DeAndre Jordan,
Goran Dragic, Patrick Beverley, Danny Green, Chandler Parsons, Isaiah Thomas, Draymond Green, Khris Middleton, Jordan Clarkson

seems like over the last decade or so, just about every other team but Portland has found a keeper in the 2nd round, and for certain, the Blazers have had a bunch of chances, especially under KP.

I hear that Patty Mills has vastly outperformed his 55th pick status.

/ducks