1. You're right, 4th year is still a team option, I should go to bed lol. Still, the fans on their board said they didn't really want Parsons. Maybe they have faith in Batum more than our up and comer, who knows what their GM thinks. 2. The 20M left on Lin's contract is a lot to pay for a backup even with the attention he'll bring, that's completely up to the owner and what he thinks. I honestly have no clue how to value that. 3. Yup, they really really need an upgrade at Center and Asik fits that role. I see them really shooting for dealing with a team that will give them better draft picks and higher upside young prospects. That might not be available... in which case the Rockets might be able to swoop in. Batum has like 34M left on his contract unless I'm reading something wrong. Anyways man, I'm out for the night.
The main article this thread's quote is from said they were sending out feelers for Brook Lopez, Blake Griffin, and Anthony Davis. I'd link it but I'm tired and logging out. /wave
Parsons can play the 2, so does Jeremy. Plus they might even want T-Rob (or the first we could get for him). So in effect they could get Lin (great backup and lots of media attention) Parsons (versatile player, best contract in the NBA) T-Rob (young player with potential) Asik (great defensive anchor and rebounder, bargain contract) You might have to wonder, if we want to give up so much for him. Sure, with Howard we would have a real big 3 (maybe even the best in the league) - but we'd have nothing outside of those and have to give up 3 of our core players... But still, this would be intriguing: Beverly / New Harden / Anderson (or new) Jones / New Aldridge / Moti Howard / Smith
Hmm... Lillard Lin Batum Parsons Asik That doesn't look too bad - it would be a fun team to watch with instant chemistry...
If they trade him, can't just trade him anywhere... The team that trades for him will want to know if he's going to stay. Morey would have to probably gut the team to get him but he's worth it. I think a third team would have to be involved.
I don't get it, I think Portland has a very solid core with Lillard, Batum and LMA. Hickson is improving, Matthews is a capable 2 guard and Meyers Leonard has a bright future. LMA isn't that old and his game will age well, why the hell doesn't he want to stay, the team has as much potential as any other team and they're not exactly rebuilding...
I doubt they would want Lin. Trade Lin, Parsons, filler (D-Mo, Delfino) to New Orleans for Eric Gordon. Ship Gordon and T-Rob and next year's first round pick to Portland for LMA Jose Calderon / Beverly Harden Martell Webster / Glen Rice Jr LMA Asik (I don't think Howard is coming).
I don't think LMA is good enough to be the second best player on a championship team. If we could somehow swing a big three of Harden/Dwight/LMA, great. Otherwise, just stick to the Dwight plan.
That said, Harden + LMA + Dwight still should leave us about $10M of cap room for other pieces, then you've got the MLE and league minimum to offer once you're capped out. I think we could field a pretty solid set of roleplayers due to Harden and LMA only being paid about $14M each next season.
LMA is the only big man that averaged over 20 points a game this year. And he did it with a rookie point guard, overpaid Batum, and no center and a clueless coach. Only two players in the NBA averaged over 20 points per game without an all star caliber teammate and or being on a veteran laced team. And that's LMA and Harden. LMA is one of those special players.
I like LMA a lot. He also averaged 20ppg because that roster they had was pretty thin. No bench depth whatsoever. And that rookie point guard he played with was pretty damn good. With that being said, i'd love to have LMA on our team. I still prefer Kevin Love but LMA is my 2nd choice at PF.. him and Bosh. But what do we realistically have to offer Portland to acquire his services? Closest bet would be Asik and Parsons. Honestly though, i won't do that deal. We do not have good enough future 1st round picks to entice them with either.
Just curious would trading: Asik One of jones/dmo Trob 2014 1st rounder 2014 2nd rounder from Knicks Brooks and delfino would also be able to be included or parted off for more assets (if reports are true) But we wouldnt be able to offer Howard the max...I believe that at least. The problem with this whole thing is...I would only want to deal asik if we sign howard. So i think we should try and convince Blazers to wait till we sign howard. Then we can offer to take back bad contracts and offer asik. They dont really have bad contracts though.
actually we would prob let them pick one of our 3 PF... since they would then resign hickson. Then trade the other for a different player or future asset. I would think Asik would be a strong starting point for us. Especially if they want Noah (seeking tough defensive minded center)
In my opinion LMA is the best all around big man in the game. He averaged 21 points per game the previous 2 seasons as well. People thought Morey shouldn't have gut the team for Harden also... But I would love to keep Asik with LMA. Imagine how much better Lin and Harden would be with a great power forward with a REAL offensive skill set. McHale and Olajuwon can't teach Howard anything, but they would have a field day with LMA. I like Love too, but dude is accident prone.
