http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2012/12/blazers_insider_general_manager_neil_olshey_eyes_t.html Blazers apparently open to trading LMA.. Murraaaaayy!
did anybody read the article? That is no longer the method of operation. Olshey has identified a core: Aldridge, Nicolas Batum, Damian Lillard and Matthews. “The players on our roster who are no-brainers,’’ Olshey said, referring to that core, “are not going anywhere.’’ So teams can whisper that Aldridge is available. And teams inquire all they want. Olshey said the Blazers won’t make a move unless it makes them a better team. Not down the road. Not next season. But from the next day forward. “Until you get enough phone calls for the message to get around the league that we are not breaking this up to rebuild, that we are building from where we are, (rumors) will probably still be out there,’’ Olshey said. “But clearly, trading a 27-year old All-Star like LaMarcus doesn’t get you better today.’’ It’s still possible Olshey makes a deal before the deadline, but it is unlikely to be one that, to steal his favorite phrase, “moves the needle.’’
I read nothing about olshey open to trading lma. He said his no Brainer core is LMA, batum, Lillard, Matthew.
Now you're going to omit whole paragraphs from the article to cover the fact you didn't read it, dogg? Come on now.
I have to believe LMA is one of the top guys on Morey's list if this "respected and veteran beat reporter" is to be believed. Olshey's denial isn't worth a dime. What else can he say? At the same time, it would be crazy to trade LMA right after signing Batum long-term but this is the flaky Blazers owned by Paul Allen we are talking about. I bet they would make a deal for the right price. When the trade deadline approaches, I bet the Lakers, Mavs and T-Wolves will have pushed the Blazers down to #11 in the West. Maybe they give up LMA for a good package when the playoff mirage is gone. Maybe not.
He's not, is the whole point of the article. The point of the article is that people who have no idea what they're talking about, like the reporter, will start these rumors about LMA, but when the actual owner and manager are asked about it, they literally laugh out loud at the idea because they are in win now mode. I saw this exact article summarized earlier today as "LaMarcus Aldridge Not on the Trading Block." The OP's title is wrong, premise of the thread is wrong, thread needs to be locked.
