<br> http://myespn.go.com/nba/truehoop Unannounced Blazer Trade for a Small Forward June 29, 2007 12:50 PM Later in the same press conference, someone asks about the teams's decision to draft Rudy Fernandez, and Pritchard says "that's part of the thing I'm not supposed to talk about, so I apologize for maybe letting it out a little bit." I'm no expert on the collective bargaining agreement, but I'm guessing that this means something has to happen with Channing Frye (moving on?) or Steve Francis (being bought out?) before Rudy Fernandez can be shipped (with Frye, Pryzbilla, Jack, Koponen ... who knows?) somewhere for a small forward. soundbyte: http://blog.oregonlive.com/blazers/2007/06/post_draft_presser2.MP3 Could the Rockets possibly be involved to gain the rights of Fernandez for one of our small forwards?
Martell and Channing for Battier? Pryzbilla would be nice if we could dump Rafer. Something like Pryz and Channing for Rafer and Battier would work. I would want something more in that deal though.
Ronny is right, the Blazers took James Jones off the Suns hands. I believe the Blazers added NINE new players to their team yesterday. Hilarious. Clearly the Blazers aren't done dealing with all of those players. Maybe there is a Fernandez+Frye+MatchingSalary for Battier type deal? Rockets know they need a PF upgrade. Rockers were interested in Fernandez. Rockets and Blazers have talked in the past about Outlaw/Webster/Jack before Portland countered asking about Battier and we hung up. Who knows.
I don't think thats very likely. Fernandez isn't going to be available until next season, so essentially this would be Frye for Battier straight up if you're in "win now" mode as the rockets have been assuring us they are at every available opportunity. Even Fernandez + Frye for Battier doesn't match value or salaries...
Maybe a Rashard Lewis Sign and Trade to Portland? I don't know. They have been making nothing but great moves this week...James Jones is a good pick up for them. But I hope the Rockets can get Fernandez. Aside from Shane Battier, the only other small forward on the Rockets is Justin Reed I think...correct me if I'm wrong. The Rockets would be thin at small forward if this trade went down. Even if T-Mac moved to the 3, Bonzi would start? That's a lot of offense commited to the low post...I prefer Bonzi off the bench. If the Rockets is the team and Battier is indeed part of the deal, is he worth Rudy Fernandez and maybe Frye and filler?
It's strange how Fernandez has seemed to suddenly become coveted just because he was our draft target. Maybe we'll still get him, but don't we have bigger fish to fry?
on the radio they said this was the guy the Rockets were targeting by trying to move up to the low 20's. I wouldn't be suprised if he does come our way.
it would probably have to be a 3 team swing, because the only thing we can afford to give-up are pg's. maybe atl would make a feasible 3rd partner?
Can't remember if it was 610 or 790, but I heard this morning around 10:30.. Jonathon Fiegen stated Rudy Fernandez was the guy Morey was targeting in the early 20's last night. I think he's right.
Absolutely they have bigger fish to fry. The PF spot is only manned by a rookie at this point (Chuck Hayes is technically a free agent). But if this deal involves the Rockets, they might pick up the guy they targeted in the draft AND potentially pick up a serviceable PF in Channing Frye, who has range and length (kind of reminds me of an offensive Marcus Camby). Let's say this deal goes down, the Rockets still have a glut of PG's to trade for another big or small forward AND the MLE to land another need. With the "bad draft" that the Rockets had, you'd have to think they are going to be one of the most actvie teams this offseason.
Essentially, it's: Phoenix sends: #24, James Jones to Portland Portland sends: Trade exception (acquired from Randolph to NY trade), Cash And Portland will stash Fernandez overseas for a year.
