Butler in mix for Blazers?

The latest rumor, thrown out there by John Hollinger at ESPN, is that Portland would be interested in a true Small Forward ; and he specifically named Caron Butler.

Also reported on ESPN rumor page = here
(Insider required)

To be fair - there is NOTHING here from the Blazers indicating this is real - Nor has there been ANY indication by Ernie Grunfeld that he's looking to deal any players on the roster -

This appears to be just John Hollinger's imagination at work; but interesting to talk about anyway.

3 months ago Rook6980 9 comments 0 recs |

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Pritchard

overvalues his players. Now that Rudy is hurt, who could they possible trade for Caron?

I’d have taken Andre Miller, Rudy, and Outlaw for Caron and Deshawn before, but I don’t think Pritchard is ever willing to give up one of his young prospects, much less taken on a bad contract.

I just can’t see EG being willing to trade on Pritchard’s ridiculous terms (like nixing a Gerald Wallace deal because he didn’t want to give up Batum)

by Manimal Smith on Dec 10, 2009 4:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Butler for Batum + Blake + Outlaw + POR 1st

Batum is already a decent starter and a good defender at age 20. The trade saves ownership about $4M this year and $14M next year.

by nate33 on Dec 10, 2009 5:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'd take that if we could dump another contract in the trade

I think that trading Butler for Stevie, 2 injured guys and a pick isn’t worth it unless we can dump Deshawn in the trade.

I’d take it if Outlaw and Batum were healthy though.

by Manimal Smith on Dec 10, 2009 5:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wiz can’t take anymore contracts.

by Aldo on Dec 10, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah – let’s remember that the Wizards have 15 players under contract – and so does Portland…

Any trade will have to be one for one, or two for two, etc…. Lopsided trades (ie: 3 players for 1) will not work.

Assuming the Wizards don’t want to take on any big long-term deals (especially bad contracts like Andre Miller’s) – and assuming that Ernie will NOT give up Butler for peanuts and expiring contracts.. Portland would either have to get a 3rd team involved (Memphis?) or give up one or more of their young stars:

I worked out this trade; but I doubt Portland would go for it:

Butler + McGuire + Crittenton
for
Greg Oden + Travis Outlaw + Juwan Howard

Oden is out all year again… and maybe, just maybe Portland might want to cut their losses and get something of value for him; since he has only played 60 games for them in the last 3 years……

Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......

by Rook6980 on Dec 10, 2009 6:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Miller doesn't have a bad contract

He has a 3 year deal at about $6.5m per except that the last year is a team option (I think).

$6.5m for a really solid starter level PG isn’t bad. The wiz could probably easily flip him for an expiring deal.

It is hard to find a way to match salaries and players in a deal with them, however, without including Oden (which isn’t happening I don’t think). Just can’t figure out how to construct a 3 for 3 or 4 for 4 trade with them where we shed Stevenson’s salary.

by Manimal Smith on Dec 10, 2009 7:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Really difficult

to construct ANY trades with the Blazers – without involving a 3rd team – or perhaps dropping Boykins from the Roster.

Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......

by Rook6980 on Dec 11, 2009 11:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Boykins was , after all, signed to a non guaranteed contact.

Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......

by Rook6980 on Dec 11, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hadn't though about that

But, even with dropping him its hard to find a trade that matches salary with them and would be desirable for us.

Because Butler makes so much more money than any of their players, it almost has to be a 4 for 2 if we are making them eat Stevenson. In that case, we would need to cut 2 players (unless there is an exception for players who are out for the year).

by Manimal Smith on Dec 11, 2009 1:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs