Just for fun here’s a look at every team in the NBA with an eye toward whether they would make good trading partners with the Blazers based on they players they have, the players they need, the contracts involved and the likelihood that they would do the deal. I’m not going to bother with every possible scenario or deal with things like whether the Blazers could get in on a trade for KG or Kobe. I’m working with the premise that the Blazers would, for the right deal, be willing to part with Jack, Przybilla, Webster, Green, McRoberts, Outlaw, LaFrentz and Jones. I’m sure they would trade just about anyone other than Roy and Oden if the price was right, but the Blazers clearly want to keep Roy, Aldridge, Frye, Oden and Sergio…and Blake at least for this year. So, I’m not going to discuss those guys very much if at all. Also, I’m assuming that both Raef and D Miles are basically untradeable because of their contracts and health. Finally, I’m assuming that the Blazers really only need a new starting 3, so I’m looking specifically at trades that would net them a significant upgrade at small forward.
Atlanta
Available/Desirable – Josh Childress, Marvin Williams. Both play the 3. Both have the right timeline for age. Both have manageable contracts at the moment. Of the two I like Childress better because of his D and his shooting. That said, he’s basically a better shooting Travis Outlaw with perhaps less upside. Even with Acie Law playing well in the summer league and Speedy under contract, they could still use PG help and Zaza or the undersized Horford and S. Williams are the only options at the 5, so they may be interested in Joel as well. A trade of Jack and Webster for Childress and Salim Stoudamire (an underrated NBA scorer) would work, but I don’t really like the trade. I think that is too much to give up for a guy that is redundant of what we already have. A guy like Childress fits, but isn’t a significant upgrade.
Willingness – I think Atlanta would be interested in both Prz and Jack, but unless you started talking about players like Josh Smith, I don’t think they have what Portland needs.
Boston
Available/Desirable – For the last couple years Paul Pierce might have been on this list, but that ship has sailed and his health and the pouting he would do if traded to a rebuilding team along with his timeline and his contract make him undesirable. Otherwise, Jeff Green is an interesting player, but he is more of a shooting guard than a SF, so I’m not seeing much the Celts have to offer.
Willingness – I don’t think the Celts are a good trade partner because they are looking for veterans to help Ray Ray and Pierce win now. Jack might be an attractive player for them since they don’t have much at PG, but they just don’t have much to offer. Possibly Gomes, but I think the Celtics really like him and he makes so little money, he would be hard to trade for without taking back a contract like Ratliff which the Blazers do not want to do.
Charlotte
Available/Desirable – Hermann, Morrison, G-Force, JRich, and Carrol can all play the 3. Of those, only Morrison, Carrol and Hermann might be available. Of those, only Hermann is desirable. I think that guy is a stud even if he does look like Fabio’s skinny cousin. Because he can shoot and is flexible enough to play the 4, he is a good fit for Portland, but I think Charlotte really likes him and the salary is so small, the trade is hard. Plus, I’m not sure he is an upgrade (considering timeline) that makes it worth trading some of Portland’s prospects.
Willingness – Charlotte actually looks an awful lot like Portland in that it is pretty stocked with good young players looking to hit their primes about the same time. They don’t really need Jack or Joel, so I’m thinking they wouldn’t be all that interested in what Portland has to offer.
Chicago
Available/Desirable – I still wish the Blazers could have worked out a deal that brought Nocioni in for Zach, with other players involved. I just think Noc fits the need better and would have provided better value for Zach. Oh well, I have to move on. The Bulls have Sefalosha and Gordon who would both fit a need for the Blazers (no point in even commenting on Deng). But I’m not sure Thabo is going to be any better than Outlaw and Gordon might not be happy coming off the bench. Still if we could trade Jack, Webster and one of this year’s picks (Green or McRoberts) and get back Gordon I would do it in a nanosecond. But, of course, the Bulls would not.
Willingness – The Bulls are pretty set at every position except power forward or center where they lack any inside scoring and have guys who are so redundant they can’t really be on the floor together. The Blazers had the perfect player for what they needed, but the Bulls foolishly decided to pass on a guy that would have made them the prohibitive favorite to win the East. Now, I don’t see them having interest in any of the Blazers’ pieces.
Cleveland
Available/Desirable – Pavlovic is really the only player here even remotely interesting. Truth is, I don’t think he’s an upgrade over what the Blazers already have. Man the Cavs are screwed in their attempts to improve. I mean if Hughes doesn’t completely transform this year, they are stuck. Anyway, no one here helps except Lebron and I have a hunch they would want to hold onto him.
Willingness – I’m sure they would love to get Jack or Blake as they desperately need for someone named Booby to be their starting PG, but they don’t have anything to offer. I wonder why they didn’t make a harder push for Blake. Seems like he would have fit well there.
Dallas
Available/Desirable – Josh Howard is the only player that fits the bill. He’s a stud and would certainly help the Blazers. I think he’s one of the top small forwards in the league other than the marquee guys. Based just on the contracts, I couldn’t find a deal that works even if the Blazers took back a bad salary like Jason Terry. Maybe there are salary cap loopholes that are out there that could make it work, but because of the base year compensation rules, it would nearly be impossible for Portland to offer anything close to equal value, at least before the season starts.
Willingness – I could see Dallas having an interest in just about any of the Blazer players. They could use help at the 1, 5 and 2, but the Blazers available probably wouldn’t seem that enticing.
Denver
Available/Desirable – Kleiza is a nice player at a cheap price, but is he an upgrade? Not enough to ship out the prospects it would take to get him. Otherwise the only player who fits is Melo and on top of his contract making it nearly impossible I’m guessing, and this is only a guess, the Nuggets wouldn’t be interested unless the Blazers were offering a package that included Roy and Oden and maybe not even then.
Willingness – They need someone to take Kmart off their hands. They don’t need what the Blazers have.
Detroit
Available/Desirable – Both Prince and Rip would be nice additions. And if they had somehow missed out on getting Billups back, then maybe they blow it up and try to start over and those guys might have been available….maybe. but even if they were, Rip makes too much money and is really more of a 2 than a 3 and while Prince is nice, he is also expensive. A deal for Prince would mean giving up Prz and Webster, which I think Portland would do in a flash, but why would Detroit? As nice as a player like Prince would be, this ain’t happenin’.
Willingness – The Pistons could actually really use Przybilla, but wouldn’t give up Prince to get him. They would give up Nazr and probably several others like Flip, but that doesn’t help Portland at all. Nonstarter here.
Golden State
Available/Desirable – Al Harrington is an interesting option. He is almost certainly available after last year’s playoff meltdown. He would fit Portland’s system and can shoot a little. He would give Portland a consistent scorer which they badly need and he’s still young enough that he could help down the road when the Blazers are good. However, he is currently way overpaid and I just don’t really like him. He was useless in the post season and seems like one of those guys that just doesn’t care that much and provides no positive leadership. I don’t like the contract or the game enough to hamstring the Blazers financially. Somewhat intriguing, but in the end, I don’t think this works. What about Piertrus? He’s an interesting prospect, but it would take a sign and trade and I don’t think he would offer enough upgrade if any to make it worth the trade. Oh and while Belinelli burned up summer league, he has never been that great a shooter in Europe and the Blazers have Rudy coming next year who is better.
Willingness – GS doesn’t need what Portland has. Personally I think they are still trying to get Yi or KG or both and I don’t think they like or should like the available pieces from Portland.
Houston
Availabile/Desirable – Battier would look so nice in a Blazer uni. I mean, the leadership, the character, the defense, the shooting, he would be ideal. Like a rich man’s Ime. He makes almost identical money to Przybilla, so a one for one swap could work on the books. Think the Rockets would be interested? Yeah, me neither. The Rockets really only need a power forward. What about Frye and Webster and a draft pick? It would have to wait a while since Frye was just traded. That could make some sense for Houston, but I see them wanting to keep a guy like Battier. Still, it’s nice to ponder. Or how about Bonzi? Kidding. Just kidding.
Willingness – Frye would give them their missing PF and a starting lineup of Yao, Frye, TMac, James and Bonzi would be pretty dang good with Martel hitting open 3s off the bench. But I think the Rockets want to give Butler and Scola a shot first and even then still don’t want to trade Battier.
Indiana
Available/Desirable – Danny Granger is really the only interesting player on this roster. He’s a nice player that would be a legit upgrade over what Portland has. I would rather have a shooter, but Granger’s good. Problem is he makes so little other players would have to be involved. Some combo of Martel, Joel and Jack would match up contract wise fairly well with Granger and Tinsley. It doesn’t quite work, but is probably close enough to make something happen. That said, do the Blazers want to take back an overpaid backup PG with health issues just to get Granger? Probably not.
Willingness – they should be willing to do just about anything. They were awful with this roster and need to be trying hard to make some moves. I think they are trying to get someone to give them 85 cents on the dollar for O’Neal, but that might be tough. In any event, they could use plenty of the Blazer players, but don’t have much to offer except really bad contracts.
LAC
Available/Desirable – Magette should be very available. He has about the perfect skill set for Portland’s needs. Then there is just that little issue of production, attitude, health and contract. Pass. After that, there’s…..nope, that’s it. Nothing more to see here folks. The Clips are in the lottery to stay. Get ready for Elton Brand trade rumors to start around Christmas. Wouldn’t a Brand back to the Bulls deadline deal stir the pot a bit? Or maybe the Mavs? Just wait for it. It’s coming.
Willingness – shockingly, they don’t seem even willing to part with Magette. They could use any of the Blazer PGs right down to the Finish kid. But they don’t have much to offer unless it was a three team deal and this post is taking too much time as it is.
LAL
Available/Desirable – No Laker is desirable, ever. Odom? We’re still trying to get the smell of chronic out of the facilities. Pass. Walton? We have the cheaper, higher ceiling version as a second round pick (McRoberts). Pass. Vujacic? Still wondering why he is in the league. Pass.
Willingness – The Lakers need nothing but someone with enough star power to keep Kobe in town and the Blazers don’t have that and wouldn’t offer it if they did.
Memphis
Available/Desirable - Jack plus Przybilla for Mike Miller works as to contracts. Let’s make this happen right now. I think Mike Miller is a near perfect fit. I might like Battier a little better because of his defense and leadership, but Miller would be an amazing addition. Consistent scorer, good passer, would spread the floor for the bigs. Could play the 2 or the 3. Just makes me giddy thinking about it. He has 3 more years on his deal which would mean that in 2 years when the Blazers are hoping to have available cap room, he would be a very tradable expiring deal. Or he would come off the books the next year when a certain Chris Paul hits the FA market. I’m telling you, lock this down. Other than Miller, I’m also a Rudy Gay fan, but I kind of think he might be untouchable.
Willingness – Not so much. Maybe before they signed Darko and drafted Connley and then saw the emergence of Lowry in the summer league, but not now. Now they have a good young team possibly able to make a playoff run right now. Sounds silly maybe, but they were a 6 seed two years ago right? How much of their roster is different than it was then? I’m just saying. But maybe they secretly know they still have to trade Pau and will be interested in rebuilding with a good young PG and a good young center. Hey, I can dream can’t I?
Miami
Available/Desirable – Wow, the Heat suck. Can you believe they won a title two years ago? I mean, there’s Wade and Shaq and a bunch of has beens and never weres. How about Antoine Walker for 8 Mil? He can shoot? He can play multiple positions. Heck, he can even bring the ball up so long as you don’t mind him shooting it from 25 feet. He’s the perfect fit I think. Of course I’m kidding. Unless they wanted to take D Miles back (assuming we are 100 percent sure he is not retiring), then maybe….maybe…..ok still probably not. Incredibly, Walker actually has more years left on his outrageous contract than Miles does.
Willingness – Sure, they’re willing. They’re probably desperate. They need any semblance of a player right now. That said, what they really need is proven guys, but they would probably give up half of South Beach to get one of Portland’s PGs. Too bad they don’t have anything.
Milwaukie
Available/Desirable – Here’s an interesting one. What about Yi? He’s probably a 3 right? Flexible enough to play some 4 maybe. Fits the age/timeline. Has huge potential. Good shooter. Portland has a large Asian community. He doesn’t help the Blazers this year at all and still leaves them without any proven scorers on the roster, but he might be too good to pass up if he were available. A trade would be complicated, but I wonder if Jack and Prz would get it done? I think I would do that trade if I were Portland. They also have Charlie V and Simmons, but both those guys have injury issues that concern me. That said, Villanueva is an interesting option. Has some flexibility, has some shooting ability. I would have to leave him on the potential target list depending on his price.
Willingness – As for Yi, it is looking more and more like they can either save their pride or help their franchise but not both. That means, they need to suck it up and trade that kid. I’m thinking GS might be willing to offer more, as might Philly or some other team, but Portland has a lot of good young players and if we are comfortable being pretty bad this next year, adding Yi might be worth it.
Minnesota
Available/Desirable – Hey, maybe we can get Ricky Ricky? Yikes. They don’t have an NBA starting small forward. Sure, Corey Brewer would be a nice addition, but for what? What would the Blazers be able to offer that would even get them close? Nothing. Not much of anything here.
Willingness – I don’t think they will do anything until they either trade or decide they will absolutely not trade KG.
New Jersey
Available/Desirable – How about this. Oh, this is perfect. NJ needs low post offense and an upgrade at power forward. Portland needs a proven scorer and an upgrade at small forward. How about Zach for Jefferson? Win/Win. No brainer. Sure they both have some risk, but they just fit so much better on the other team, this makes too much sense not to happen. Oh yeah, the Blazers decided a simple downgrade at PF was the better way to go. Jefferson is still a good fit, but now the Blazers don’t have the pieces. Plus, and I will say this about this deal even if we still had Zach. Jefferson makes ridiculous money for a long time. Nothing else to offer.
Willingness – No way, no how. NJ is built to win right now. They should move Jefferson for someone like Zach or O’Neal, but they aren’t interested in the Blazer kids.
New Orleans
Available/Desirable – Rasual? Julian Wright? Both would fit well. Buler plays no D though and I think Nate would hate him. Wright is a nice player, but a significant roster upgrade? Not sure about that. Too bad Peja wasn’t 4 years younger and healthy…and available…..and dying to move to Portland.
Willingness – they could use some depth, but I don’t see them anxious to part with Wright and aren’t going to trade any of their starters.
New York
Available/Desirable – Jeffries is a decent player and would be a good fit except now he makes way too much money and isn’t a huge upgrade. Q would be a decent fit except for his attitude, defensive limitations and oh yes, he is also grossly overpaid. Plus adding Q would give D Miles a reason to try to come back and we don’t want that under any circumstances.
Willingness – I get the idea that everyone on this team is available for the right price and by right price I mean one that has the Knicks way overpaying. But Isaiah only wants to get guys who are big name guys who keep the team’s profile high in the Big Apple. The Blazers only have Oden that fits that bill and he’s not going anywhere.
Orlando
Available/Desirable – A couple interesting options here. I’m thinking with Lewis taking 40 minutes a night, any other wing player is available. Plus, wouldn’t Orland want another option at PG? To say nothing of SG? Their front line is even thin other than Howard. They could use some other pieces and they have two players that could help the Blazers. The first is Trevor Ariza who I believe is just waiting the right opportunity to really bust out. I think I would give up Webster and one of the new picks for Ariza and a second rounder. I think Ariza is better and will be better. Then there is Hedo. I think he is a good fit. Prz and some loose change could bring him to the NW. I hear this has been discussed and is dead, but would be a good deal. I’m worried that with Oden likely to be in foul trouble a lot, Joel could be useful. Plus as my buddy Jeff points out, Przybilla probably brings a bit more toughness. But Hedo has a semi-reasonable contract and can spread the floor. If Raef is healthy enough to play some minutes at the 4 and 5, I say do this deal.
Willingness – I don’t know why they wouldn’t jump at the chance to trade Hedo for Prz with as thin as they are at the power forward. Plus, how do you play Hedo and Lewis at the same time? They are basically the same player, just one is better. But like I said, I hear this is dead, so who knows?
Philadelphia
Available/Desirable – Both Korver and Iggy would be good fits. But the new AI is surely absolutely untouchable. Korver may or may not be. He is really mostly a specialist and it is tough to say how highly Philly might value him. I think I think Korver fits well on the Blazers. Good shooter to spread the floor. Still young. Relatively reasonably paid. Seems like a good fit. For the contracts, Przybilla for Korver and Shavlick Randolph works. Why Philly would do that when they already have several mediocre big guys who can’t score, is another question.
Willingness – Tough to say if Philly would be willing to discuss moving Korver. I’m guessing it would have to be a part of a much larger deal than Portland would be interested in. Really, I just don’t think Portland has anything that would get them very excited.
Phoenix
Available/Desirable – Sure Diaw and Marion and Hill and even Raja Bell would be upgrades to the roster and players that fit from a talent perspective, but I think Diaw only works as a Sun and even there has motivation issues. Marion is too much money and too expensive I’m sure. Hill is too old and doesn’t want to play anywhere else and Bell isn’t a big enough upgrade to make it worth it since he is really a 2 rather than a 3.
Willingness – I don’t see much here. I imagine they would be happy to get Portland to take on Diaw’s huge contract, but that isn’t going to happen.
Sacramento
Avaialable/Desirable – I hate this roster. Artest would be a good fit as far as talent goes, but he is a walking nightmare and now that he shoots all the time, it is just worse. Yuck. The player at the 3 that I like here is Francisco Garcia. Man he has bulked up since college when he looked like the second coming of Tayshawn Prince. I like his game and think it would fit for Portland. But he’s still mostly upside which is what Portland already has plenty of. Pass.
Willingness – they should be blowing this thing up, but I don’t see any kind of discernable plan. Tough to say what they might be willing to do. I know Artest is available, but who wants him?
San Antonio
Available/Desirable – Too old and too entrenched. Manu’s great, but not being traded. We’ll just move along
Willingness – Uhmmm….no.
Seattle
Available/Desirable – Well, Green and Durant would be nice, but not likely to be traded. Wally fits pretty well if he were healthy and not paid 12 million dollars next year. Though considering he doesn’t fit into Seattle’s plans either I’m sure how about a LaFrentz and cash or picks for Wally? Both are banged up. Niether fit in the team’s plan. Both come off the books in two years. Sure Wally is better, but he plays the same position as Green and Durant so are they even going to play him? Seems like something that could work out for all involved.
Willingness – I don’t think so. Seattle’s not looking to do any trading with Portland after Mr. Sonic’s defection. Interesting idea though.
Toronto
Available/Desirable – I don’t see anyone who they would consider trading that fits what Portland is trying to do. Just don’t see it.
Willingness – they could use someone like Przybilla, but not enough to give up something like Bargnani or Garbajosa.
Utah
Available/Desirable – AK was another one I wondered about when Portland still had Zach, but we’re past that…seriously, we have to be past that. I actually think the Blazers could use someone like Harpring. For the contracts Prz for Harp straight up works. He would add some toughness and leadership to a young team and plays like Nate likes. Not a great guy for an uptempo team, but would be a nice yin to Outlaw’s yang (I promise to never write about Outlaw’s yang again). Ronnie Brewer could turn out to be a nice player, but doesn’t really fit Portland’s needs right now and is still very unproven.
Willingness – I don’t see Utah wanting to trade Harp for a back up center. Maybe if there was a way to sweeten the pot, but this seems unlikely and nothing to get excited about even if it was likely.
Washington
Available/Desirable – You know what I said about Jefferson above? Well replace him with Jamison and you get the idea. Oh, what could have been…. Anyway, as it is, since Caron Butler is surely not available for a back up center, prospect shooter and backup point guard, I don’t think we need to spend much time here. Though I would love to see the Blazers get Caron.
Willingness – I bet they are very willing to move Jarvis Hayes. Just a guess. But, you know, who cares?
So, after all that, what’s the lesson to be learned? After that Zach trade failed to net a scoring small forward, there really isn’t much out there. Only 2 or 3 teams could provide any options and none of them are likely to really want what Portland has. I am becoming more and more convinced that the Blazers will start the year with a starting 5 of Blake, Roy, Outlaw, Aldridge and Oden with Jack, Frye, Webster and Jones all getting some starts in the early going.
Atlanta
Available/Desirable – Josh Childress, Marvin Williams. Both play the 3. Both have the right timeline for age. Both have manageable contracts at the moment. Of the two I like Childress better because of his D and his shooting. That said, he’s basically a better shooting Travis Outlaw with perhaps less upside. Even with Acie Law playing well in the summer league and Speedy under contract, they could still use PG help and Zaza or the undersized Horford and S. Williams are the only options at the 5, so they may be interested in Joel as well. A trade of Jack and Webster for Childress and Salim Stoudamire (an underrated NBA scorer) would work, but I don’t really like the trade. I think that is too much to give up for a guy that is redundant of what we already have. A guy like Childress fits, but isn’t a significant upgrade.
Willingness – I think Atlanta would be interested in both Prz and Jack, but unless you started talking about players like Josh Smith, I don’t think they have what Portland needs.
Boston
Available/Desirable – For the last couple years Paul Pierce might have been on this list, but that ship has sailed and his health and the pouting he would do if traded to a rebuilding team along with his timeline and his contract make him undesirable. Otherwise, Jeff Green is an interesting player, but he is more of a shooting guard than a SF, so I’m not seeing much the Celts have to offer.
Willingness – I don’t think the Celts are a good trade partner because they are looking for veterans to help Ray Ray and Pierce win now. Jack might be an attractive player for them since they don’t have much at PG, but they just don’t have much to offer. Possibly Gomes, but I think the Celtics really like him and he makes so little money, he would be hard to trade for without taking back a contract like Ratliff which the Blazers do not want to do.
Charlotte
Available/Desirable – Hermann, Morrison, G-Force, JRich, and Carrol can all play the 3. Of those, only Morrison, Carrol and Hermann might be available. Of those, only Hermann is desirable. I think that guy is a stud even if he does look like Fabio’s skinny cousin. Because he can shoot and is flexible enough to play the 4, he is a good fit for Portland, but I think Charlotte really likes him and the salary is so small, the trade is hard. Plus, I’m not sure he is an upgrade (considering timeline) that makes it worth trading some of Portland’s prospects.
Willingness – Charlotte actually looks an awful lot like Portland in that it is pretty stocked with good young players looking to hit their primes about the same time. They don’t really need Jack or Joel, so I’m thinking they wouldn’t be all that interested in what Portland has to offer.
Chicago
Available/Desirable – I still wish the Blazers could have worked out a deal that brought Nocioni in for Zach, with other players involved. I just think Noc fits the need better and would have provided better value for Zach. Oh well, I have to move on. The Bulls have Sefalosha and Gordon who would both fit a need for the Blazers (no point in even commenting on Deng). But I’m not sure Thabo is going to be any better than Outlaw and Gordon might not be happy coming off the bench. Still if we could trade Jack, Webster and one of this year’s picks (Green or McRoberts) and get back Gordon I would do it in a nanosecond. But, of course, the Bulls would not.
Willingness – The Bulls are pretty set at every position except power forward or center where they lack any inside scoring and have guys who are so redundant they can’t really be on the floor together. The Blazers had the perfect player for what they needed, but the Bulls foolishly decided to pass on a guy that would have made them the prohibitive favorite to win the East. Now, I don’t see them having interest in any of the Blazers’ pieces.
Cleveland
Available/Desirable – Pavlovic is really the only player here even remotely interesting. Truth is, I don’t think he’s an upgrade over what the Blazers already have. Man the Cavs are screwed in their attempts to improve. I mean if Hughes doesn’t completely transform this year, they are stuck. Anyway, no one here helps except Lebron and I have a hunch they would want to hold onto him.
Willingness – I’m sure they would love to get Jack or Blake as they desperately need for someone named Booby to be their starting PG, but they don’t have anything to offer. I wonder why they didn’t make a harder push for Blake. Seems like he would have fit well there.
Dallas
Available/Desirable – Josh Howard is the only player that fits the bill. He’s a stud and would certainly help the Blazers. I think he’s one of the top small forwards in the league other than the marquee guys. Based just on the contracts, I couldn’t find a deal that works even if the Blazers took back a bad salary like Jason Terry. Maybe there are salary cap loopholes that are out there that could make it work, but because of the base year compensation rules, it would nearly be impossible for Portland to offer anything close to equal value, at least before the season starts.
Willingness – I could see Dallas having an interest in just about any of the Blazer players. They could use help at the 1, 5 and 2, but the Blazers available probably wouldn’t seem that enticing.
Denver
Available/Desirable – Kleiza is a nice player at a cheap price, but is he an upgrade? Not enough to ship out the prospects it would take to get him. Otherwise the only player who fits is Melo and on top of his contract making it nearly impossible I’m guessing, and this is only a guess, the Nuggets wouldn’t be interested unless the Blazers were offering a package that included Roy and Oden and maybe not even then.
Willingness – They need someone to take Kmart off their hands. They don’t need what the Blazers have.
Detroit
Available/Desirable – Both Prince and Rip would be nice additions. And if they had somehow missed out on getting Billups back, then maybe they blow it up and try to start over and those guys might have been available….maybe. but even if they were, Rip makes too much money and is really more of a 2 than a 3 and while Prince is nice, he is also expensive. A deal for Prince would mean giving up Prz and Webster, which I think Portland would do in a flash, but why would Detroit? As nice as a player like Prince would be, this ain’t happenin’.
Willingness – The Pistons could actually really use Przybilla, but wouldn’t give up Prince to get him. They would give up Nazr and probably several others like Flip, but that doesn’t help Portland at all. Nonstarter here.
Golden State
Available/Desirable – Al Harrington is an interesting option. He is almost certainly available after last year’s playoff meltdown. He would fit Portland’s system and can shoot a little. He would give Portland a consistent scorer which they badly need and he’s still young enough that he could help down the road when the Blazers are good. However, he is currently way overpaid and I just don’t really like him. He was useless in the post season and seems like one of those guys that just doesn’t care that much and provides no positive leadership. I don’t like the contract or the game enough to hamstring the Blazers financially. Somewhat intriguing, but in the end, I don’t think this works. What about Piertrus? He’s an interesting prospect, but it would take a sign and trade and I don’t think he would offer enough upgrade if any to make it worth the trade. Oh and while Belinelli burned up summer league, he has never been that great a shooter in Europe and the Blazers have Rudy coming next year who is better.
Willingness – GS doesn’t need what Portland has. Personally I think they are still trying to get Yi or KG or both and I don’t think they like or should like the available pieces from Portland.
Houston
Availabile/Desirable – Battier would look so nice in a Blazer uni. I mean, the leadership, the character, the defense, the shooting, he would be ideal. Like a rich man’s Ime. He makes almost identical money to Przybilla, so a one for one swap could work on the books. Think the Rockets would be interested? Yeah, me neither. The Rockets really only need a power forward. What about Frye and Webster and a draft pick? It would have to wait a while since Frye was just traded. That could make some sense for Houston, but I see them wanting to keep a guy like Battier. Still, it’s nice to ponder. Or how about Bonzi? Kidding. Just kidding.
Willingness – Frye would give them their missing PF and a starting lineup of Yao, Frye, TMac, James and Bonzi would be pretty dang good with Martel hitting open 3s off the bench. But I think the Rockets want to give Butler and Scola a shot first and even then still don’t want to trade Battier.
Indiana
Available/Desirable – Danny Granger is really the only interesting player on this roster. He’s a nice player that would be a legit upgrade over what Portland has. I would rather have a shooter, but Granger’s good. Problem is he makes so little other players would have to be involved. Some combo of Martel, Joel and Jack would match up contract wise fairly well with Granger and Tinsley. It doesn’t quite work, but is probably close enough to make something happen. That said, do the Blazers want to take back an overpaid backup PG with health issues just to get Granger? Probably not.
Willingness – they should be willing to do just about anything. They were awful with this roster and need to be trying hard to make some moves. I think they are trying to get someone to give them 85 cents on the dollar for O’Neal, but that might be tough. In any event, they could use plenty of the Blazer players, but don’t have much to offer except really bad contracts.
LAC
Available/Desirable – Magette should be very available. He has about the perfect skill set for Portland’s needs. Then there is just that little issue of production, attitude, health and contract. Pass. After that, there’s…..nope, that’s it. Nothing more to see here folks. The Clips are in the lottery to stay. Get ready for Elton Brand trade rumors to start around Christmas. Wouldn’t a Brand back to the Bulls deadline deal stir the pot a bit? Or maybe the Mavs? Just wait for it. It’s coming.
Willingness – shockingly, they don’t seem even willing to part with Magette. They could use any of the Blazer PGs right down to the Finish kid. But they don’t have much to offer unless it was a three team deal and this post is taking too much time as it is.
LAL
Available/Desirable – No Laker is desirable, ever. Odom? We’re still trying to get the smell of chronic out of the facilities. Pass. Walton? We have the cheaper, higher ceiling version as a second round pick (McRoberts). Pass. Vujacic? Still wondering why he is in the league. Pass.
Willingness – The Lakers need nothing but someone with enough star power to keep Kobe in town and the Blazers don’t have that and wouldn’t offer it if they did.
Memphis
Available/Desirable - Jack plus Przybilla for Mike Miller works as to contracts. Let’s make this happen right now. I think Mike Miller is a near perfect fit. I might like Battier a little better because of his defense and leadership, but Miller would be an amazing addition. Consistent scorer, good passer, would spread the floor for the bigs. Could play the 2 or the 3. Just makes me giddy thinking about it. He has 3 more years on his deal which would mean that in 2 years when the Blazers are hoping to have available cap room, he would be a very tradable expiring deal. Or he would come off the books the next year when a certain Chris Paul hits the FA market. I’m telling you, lock this down. Other than Miller, I’m also a Rudy Gay fan, but I kind of think he might be untouchable.
Willingness – Not so much. Maybe before they signed Darko and drafted Connley and then saw the emergence of Lowry in the summer league, but not now. Now they have a good young team possibly able to make a playoff run right now. Sounds silly maybe, but they were a 6 seed two years ago right? How much of their roster is different than it was then? I’m just saying. But maybe they secretly know they still have to trade Pau and will be interested in rebuilding with a good young PG and a good young center. Hey, I can dream can’t I?
Miami
Available/Desirable – Wow, the Heat suck. Can you believe they won a title two years ago? I mean, there’s Wade and Shaq and a bunch of has beens and never weres. How about Antoine Walker for 8 Mil? He can shoot? He can play multiple positions. Heck, he can even bring the ball up so long as you don’t mind him shooting it from 25 feet. He’s the perfect fit I think. Of course I’m kidding. Unless they wanted to take D Miles back (assuming we are 100 percent sure he is not retiring), then maybe….maybe…..ok still probably not. Incredibly, Walker actually has more years left on his outrageous contract than Miles does.
Willingness – Sure, they’re willing. They’re probably desperate. They need any semblance of a player right now. That said, what they really need is proven guys, but they would probably give up half of South Beach to get one of Portland’s PGs. Too bad they don’t have anything.
Milwaukie
Available/Desirable – Here’s an interesting one. What about Yi? He’s probably a 3 right? Flexible enough to play some 4 maybe. Fits the age/timeline. Has huge potential. Good shooter. Portland has a large Asian community. He doesn’t help the Blazers this year at all and still leaves them without any proven scorers on the roster, but he might be too good to pass up if he were available. A trade would be complicated, but I wonder if Jack and Prz would get it done? I think I would do that trade if I were Portland. They also have Charlie V and Simmons, but both those guys have injury issues that concern me. That said, Villanueva is an interesting option. Has some flexibility, has some shooting ability. I would have to leave him on the potential target list depending on his price.
Willingness – As for Yi, it is looking more and more like they can either save their pride or help their franchise but not both. That means, they need to suck it up and trade that kid. I’m thinking GS might be willing to offer more, as might Philly or some other team, but Portland has a lot of good young players and if we are comfortable being pretty bad this next year, adding Yi might be worth it.
Minnesota
Available/Desirable – Hey, maybe we can get Ricky Ricky? Yikes. They don’t have an NBA starting small forward. Sure, Corey Brewer would be a nice addition, but for what? What would the Blazers be able to offer that would even get them close? Nothing. Not much of anything here.
Willingness – I don’t think they will do anything until they either trade or decide they will absolutely not trade KG.
New Jersey
Available/Desirable – How about this. Oh, this is perfect. NJ needs low post offense and an upgrade at power forward. Portland needs a proven scorer and an upgrade at small forward. How about Zach for Jefferson? Win/Win. No brainer. Sure they both have some risk, but they just fit so much better on the other team, this makes too much sense not to happen. Oh yeah, the Blazers decided a simple downgrade at PF was the better way to go. Jefferson is still a good fit, but now the Blazers don’t have the pieces. Plus, and I will say this about this deal even if we still had Zach. Jefferson makes ridiculous money for a long time. Nothing else to offer.
Willingness – No way, no how. NJ is built to win right now. They should move Jefferson for someone like Zach or O’Neal, but they aren’t interested in the Blazer kids.
New Orleans
Available/Desirable – Rasual? Julian Wright? Both would fit well. Buler plays no D though and I think Nate would hate him. Wright is a nice player, but a significant roster upgrade? Not sure about that. Too bad Peja wasn’t 4 years younger and healthy…and available…..and dying to move to Portland.
Willingness – they could use some depth, but I don’t see them anxious to part with Wright and aren’t going to trade any of their starters.
New York
Available/Desirable – Jeffries is a decent player and would be a good fit except now he makes way too much money and isn’t a huge upgrade. Q would be a decent fit except for his attitude, defensive limitations and oh yes, he is also grossly overpaid. Plus adding Q would give D Miles a reason to try to come back and we don’t want that under any circumstances.
Willingness – I get the idea that everyone on this team is available for the right price and by right price I mean one that has the Knicks way overpaying. But Isaiah only wants to get guys who are big name guys who keep the team’s profile high in the Big Apple. The Blazers only have Oden that fits that bill and he’s not going anywhere.
Orlando
Available/Desirable – A couple interesting options here. I’m thinking with Lewis taking 40 minutes a night, any other wing player is available. Plus, wouldn’t Orland want another option at PG? To say nothing of SG? Their front line is even thin other than Howard. They could use some other pieces and they have two players that could help the Blazers. The first is Trevor Ariza who I believe is just waiting the right opportunity to really bust out. I think I would give up Webster and one of the new picks for Ariza and a second rounder. I think Ariza is better and will be better. Then there is Hedo. I think he is a good fit. Prz and some loose change could bring him to the NW. I hear this has been discussed and is dead, but would be a good deal. I’m worried that with Oden likely to be in foul trouble a lot, Joel could be useful. Plus as my buddy Jeff points out, Przybilla probably brings a bit more toughness. But Hedo has a semi-reasonable contract and can spread the floor. If Raef is healthy enough to play some minutes at the 4 and 5, I say do this deal.
Willingness – I don’t know why they wouldn’t jump at the chance to trade Hedo for Prz with as thin as they are at the power forward. Plus, how do you play Hedo and Lewis at the same time? They are basically the same player, just one is better. But like I said, I hear this is dead, so who knows?
Philadelphia
Available/Desirable – Both Korver and Iggy would be good fits. But the new AI is surely absolutely untouchable. Korver may or may not be. He is really mostly a specialist and it is tough to say how highly Philly might value him. I think I think Korver fits well on the Blazers. Good shooter to spread the floor. Still young. Relatively reasonably paid. Seems like a good fit. For the contracts, Przybilla for Korver and Shavlick Randolph works. Why Philly would do that when they already have several mediocre big guys who can’t score, is another question.
Willingness – Tough to say if Philly would be willing to discuss moving Korver. I’m guessing it would have to be a part of a much larger deal than Portland would be interested in. Really, I just don’t think Portland has anything that would get them very excited.
Phoenix
Available/Desirable – Sure Diaw and Marion and Hill and even Raja Bell would be upgrades to the roster and players that fit from a talent perspective, but I think Diaw only works as a Sun and even there has motivation issues. Marion is too much money and too expensive I’m sure. Hill is too old and doesn’t want to play anywhere else and Bell isn’t a big enough upgrade to make it worth it since he is really a 2 rather than a 3.
Willingness – I don’t see much here. I imagine they would be happy to get Portland to take on Diaw’s huge contract, but that isn’t going to happen.
Sacramento
Avaialable/Desirable – I hate this roster. Artest would be a good fit as far as talent goes, but he is a walking nightmare and now that he shoots all the time, it is just worse. Yuck. The player at the 3 that I like here is Francisco Garcia. Man he has bulked up since college when he looked like the second coming of Tayshawn Prince. I like his game and think it would fit for Portland. But he’s still mostly upside which is what Portland already has plenty of. Pass.
Willingness – they should be blowing this thing up, but I don’t see any kind of discernable plan. Tough to say what they might be willing to do. I know Artest is available, but who wants him?
San Antonio
Available/Desirable – Too old and too entrenched. Manu’s great, but not being traded. We’ll just move along
Willingness – Uhmmm….no.
Seattle
Available/Desirable – Well, Green and Durant would be nice, but not likely to be traded. Wally fits pretty well if he were healthy and not paid 12 million dollars next year. Though considering he doesn’t fit into Seattle’s plans either I’m sure how about a LaFrentz and cash or picks for Wally? Both are banged up. Niether fit in the team’s plan. Both come off the books in two years. Sure Wally is better, but he plays the same position as Green and Durant so are they even going to play him? Seems like something that could work out for all involved.
Willingness – I don’t think so. Seattle’s not looking to do any trading with Portland after Mr. Sonic’s defection. Interesting idea though.
Toronto
Available/Desirable – I don’t see anyone who they would consider trading that fits what Portland is trying to do. Just don’t see it.
Willingness – they could use someone like Przybilla, but not enough to give up something like Bargnani or Garbajosa.
Utah
Available/Desirable – AK was another one I wondered about when Portland still had Zach, but we’re past that…seriously, we have to be past that. I actually think the Blazers could use someone like Harpring. For the contracts Prz for Harp straight up works. He would add some toughness and leadership to a young team and plays like Nate likes. Not a great guy for an uptempo team, but would be a nice yin to Outlaw’s yang (I promise to never write about Outlaw’s yang again). Ronnie Brewer could turn out to be a nice player, but doesn’t really fit Portland’s needs right now and is still very unproven.
Willingness – I don’t see Utah wanting to trade Harp for a back up center. Maybe if there was a way to sweeten the pot, but this seems unlikely and nothing to get excited about even if it was likely.
Washington
Available/Desirable – You know what I said about Jefferson above? Well replace him with Jamison and you get the idea. Oh, what could have been…. Anyway, as it is, since Caron Butler is surely not available for a back up center, prospect shooter and backup point guard, I don’t think we need to spend much time here. Though I would love to see the Blazers get Caron.
Willingness – I bet they are very willing to move Jarvis Hayes. Just a guess. But, you know, who cares?
So, after all that, what’s the lesson to be learned? After that Zach trade failed to net a scoring small forward, there really isn’t much out there. Only 2 or 3 teams could provide any options and none of them are likely to really want what Portland has. I am becoming more and more convinced that the Blazers will start the year with a starting 5 of Blake, Roy, Outlaw, Aldridge and Oden with Jack, Frye, Webster and Jones all getting some starts in the early going.
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