ESPN just broke the news this morning that Toronto just traded Jermaine O’Neal and Jamario Moon to the Miami Heat for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. This can be crowned as the first big trade before the trade deadline. I like this deal more for the Raptors, but for Miami it puts them in a position to be a major player in the summer of 2010 (O’Neal’s contract expires next year at $23 mil).
So what does this mean to the Blazers? Well I think it increases the value of Raef’s contract even more because with Marion being moved, it is one less big expiring contract on the market. Basic economics is supply and demand, so with less big expiring contracts on the market, Reaf’s value goes up.
Another plus for the Blazers is it is two less teams that are in the running for Amare. Before you come after me with torches and pitchforks, let me explain. It was believed that Miami could offer the most and were the front runners for Amare. With them out of the picture I would say Chicago pulls into first. But the one thing they are missing is a large expiring contract (Drew Gooden is expiring but only $7.1 mil).
That’s where the Blazers come in. I propose a 3-way trade involving Phoenix, Chicago, and Portland. I put it together in ESPN’s new trade machine. Check it out here, and tell me what you think. Who wouldn’t do this deal? Everybody wins, Portland fills the need at two positions, bolsters their perimeter defense without compromising on old guys or giving up a core guy. Phoenix gets cap flexibility and two young guys with some interesting potential, plus a much needed backup PG. The Bulls finally get their big man in Amare, and fill in the void left at SF with Outlaw. Also they secure Amare’s backup with Frye, a young player with potential. The only team I could see pausing on this is Chicago, due to the fact that Paxon is kind of a wuss (see Pau Gasol, Kevin Garnett) and overvalues his players. But I think the idea of getting Amare to run with Rose is just too appealing to pass up.
What do you guys think? Would you do it? If we make that move, do we jump into title contention this year? Does it guarantee a trip to the 2nd round of the playoffs at least?
Game Recap
Sorry guys, I wasn’t able to watch the game last night so I can’t really give a recap. If you want to read about it, check out this link from OregonLive.com.
Also, stay tuned I am going to attempt to record and post a podcast on here this weekend. If it doesn’t get up, it’s because I am having technical difficulties, but check back this weekend for an update and possibly a podcast so you can download it so you can carry around my Blazer thoughts in your pocket or listen to it streaming on this page.
What do you guys think? Would you do it? If we make that move, do we jump into title contention this year? Does it guarantee a trip to the 2nd round of the playoffs at least?
Game Recap
Sorry guys, I wasn’t able to watch the game last night so I can’t really give a recap. If you want to read about it, check out this link from OregonLive.com.
Also, stay tuned I am going to attempt to record and post a podcast on here this weekend. If it doesn’t get up, it’s because I am having technical difficulties, but check back this weekend for an update and possibly a podcast so you can download it so you can carry around my Blazer thoughts in your pocket or listen to it streaming on this page.
Kyle
ReplyDeleteCool trade tool. Don't think Phoenix would pull the trigger on this because they don't get enough for what they are giving up. Sergio, Raef's contract and Thomas do not fill the hole the Amare leaves. Just my opinion on the 3 way.
Using this trade tool, how about Raef's contract for Troy Murphy? it works! Addition and no subtraction. (At least for the roster) you lose the write off but Murphy could be another power forward with LA at small. When we have to match up with a big front line, I like that front line.
ReplyDeleteGood point, I think when this was originally posted we would have had a legitimate chance of pulling this off, but now that Phoenix has canned Terry Porter as coach, most likely they will not move Amare. I know their asking price for Amare was expiring contracts and young talent, which that trade would have fulfilled. Maybe we would have had to throw in a first round pick or something but I am betting it would be worth it.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised that you would want to see a front line of Murphy and Aldridge! That is definitely a soft front line. Murphy loves to sit out on the three point line and I am guessing that would drive you nuts! While I like Murphy, I just feel like if we trade Raef, it needs to be for the perfect piece. We are trading from a position of power in this buyer's market and there is no need to make a trade just to make one. To me, Murphy is far from the missing piece we need. But to each his own!