Dumar Denies Rumors(8/26)oregonlive.com/blazers
Pistons President Joe Dumars denied reports of a Bonzi Wells-for-Jerry Stackhouse swap in Sunday's Detroit News. "I have not talked to Bob Whitsitt," Dumars said. "Not once." Wells, who was originally drafted by the Pistons in 1998, is reportedly upset with the Blazers contract offer, and the paper reports his agent is "desperately" trying to move his client out of the Rose City.
Payton Trying To Get Out Of Seattle?(8/23) oregonlive.com/blazers
The Seattle Times reports a growing rift between the Sonics and all-star PG Gary Payton. Not only is Payton wavering about renewing his luxury suite and his roll of 14 season tickets, but he recently canceled his annual All Star Classic Weekend, a fundraiser for underprivileged youth held in Seattle each year. Could the Blazers pry The Glove from the Sonics? A package including Damon Stoudamire and Bonzi Wells or Dale Davis might entice Seattle to sit down at the bargaining table.
Well, im not really sure about this trade. Payton is starting to get old. He is good, though. Although we already have too many point guards. 3 is too much. We should trade Damon for a shooting guard or small forward, not a point guard.
Bonzi for Stackhouse?(8/22) oregonlive.com/blazers
ESPN's Chad Ford says the Pistons have big interest in restricted free agent Bonzi Wells, and have apparently been in talks with the Blazers about a Wells-for-Jerry Stackhouse swap. Detroit is concerned that Stackhouse, who becomes an unrestricted free agent after next season, will demand more money than the Pistons can or are willing to pay. On the Blazers' side, Wells is reportedly miffed at Portland's contract offer, and talks have stalled with Wells' agent on vacation.
Stupid!! Since the Blazers, Got rid of Shawn Kemp, who was worth maybe 1-2 million dollars, but was geting payed way too much, Bonzi should be making more than Anderson, some where from 12-17 million dollars. Bonzi will get better, he has ever since the Blazers got him. Stackhouse, who I think is in his Early thirty's or late 20's, is at his best. Bonzi has more years, and I think more talent.
Stoudamire, Bonzi, Going, Going, Gone? (8/14) oregonlive.com/blazers
In his chat on Wednesday, Aug. 14, The Oregonian's Jason Quick confirmed Damon Stoudamire's request for a trade. He also mentioned several possible deals that could include Stoudamire: to the Heat for Brian Grant; to the Cavaliers for oft-injured center Zadrunas Ilgauskas; and to the Knicks for Allan Houston or Latrell Sprewell. Quick confirmed the Blazers and Wolves have had contact about a possible trade involving Stoudamire, but his salary could be a problem for Minnesota. Quick also said Bonzi Wells is upset over the offer the Blazers have made, and could be included in a package to the Wolves or another club.
(Kory's Opinion)
I think that the Blazers should keep Bonzi Wells. Do whatever it takes to get him to stay, give him a better contract, hes only making 7 million? Well, thats plenty, but if Anderson is making more than Bonzi, thats stupid!!!! Plus, Bonzi is worth a lot of money. If Rasheed is making 19 million, than Bonzi should be making at least 15 million.
More Talk Towards T-Wolves?(8/6)oregonlive.com/blazers
League sources tell ESPN's Insider the Blazers are attempting to restart talks with the Timberwolves about a possible sign-and-trade deal. Reportedly, the Blazers would ship Bonzi Wells and Damon Stoudamire to Minnesota for Wally Szczerbiak, Terrell Brandon and Anthony Peeler. The Wolves are wary of Stoudamire's contract and legal problems, however, which could be deal breakers. Insider also reports Portland has talked with the Nuggets about dealing Marcus Camby and George McCloud for Derek Anderson and Zach Randolph.
More Payton Rumors?! (8/2) oregonlive.com/blazers
Gary Payton, who has yet to receive a contract extension, said through his agent that if the Sonics don't offer an extension before the season starts, he won't re-sign with the club next year. Agent Aaron Goodwin also said it might be time for the Sonics to consider dealing Payton while his value is still high. ESPN's Chad Ford says a deal including Derek Anderson, Zach Randolph and Qyntel Woods might be enough to pry "The Glove" from the Emerald City. But the bad blood between the front offices of Portand and Seattle, coupled with the unwritten rule of never trading a superstar within your own division makes this trade scenario unlikely.
(Kory's Opinion)
Smart and stupid. They shouldn't be trading such youngsters for such an old guy, they shouldn't be tradin Derek Anderson or Randolph, who could turn out to be better than Payton, or Woods, their star rookie, who could turn out to be a Tracy Mcgrady. It would be Stupid to trade such youbgsters, but smart to get Payton.
Wells contract talks stalled? (8/2) oregonlive.com/blazers
ESPN's Insider is reporting through a league source that the Blazers aren't interested in bringing Bonzi Wells back, and are dangling the restricted free agent in the open market with the hopes he can bring a center or a point guard in return. The Pistons have reportedly shown the most interest in Wells, but their offer of Jerry Stackhouse for Wells wasn't received well by the Blazers' front office. Chad Ford suggests a Jason Terry and Nazr Mohammed for Wells swap would make sense for both clubs, but the Hawks deny they are shopping Terry.
(Kory's Opinion)
Bonzi belongs in Portland dudes. He has more talent than Stackhouse. Bonzi will be probably one day better than Stackhouse. I don't know why the blazers are trying to give away a fan favorite.
Damon For Sprewell Or Houston?(7/31)oregonlive.com/blazers
Damon Stoudamire might not solve all of the Knicks' point-guard woes, but ESPN's Insider says a trade of Latrell Sprewell or Allan Houston for Stoudamire makes sense for both clubs. If Portland can secure free agent PG Jeff McInnis (see below), Stoudmire becomes extra baggage. Additionally, the Blazers are reportedly balking at Bonzi Wells' contract request (6 years & $40 million according to the Insider), and letting him go could open the door for Houston or Sprewell.
I think that this would be a stupid trade if they are going to give up Bonzi later on than it's stupid. Besides, I can't imagine Sprewell in a Blazers uniform.
McInnis Rumors Just Won't Go Away(7/31)oregonlive.com/blazers
The Insider reports Portland is close to signing free-agent PG Jeff McInnis to a multi-year deal. The 6-4 McInnis reportedly hasn't garnered much interest around the league, with talk of selfish play and an unwillingness to get along with teammates in L.A. hurting his cause. Also hurting his cause: his asking price of six years and $35 million. Portland's offer is reportedly closer to $4.5 million per season. Minnesota jumped into the fray last week, leaving McInnis to decide between the two deals.
It would be smart to get McInnis, besides, we'd be geting rid of Stoudamire and we'd be geting a real PG.
Can Sabas Come Back??(7/30)oregonlive.com/blazers
Italian Web site libero.it reports former Blazers center Arvydas Sabonis is flying to Portland this week for a physical examination. If all goes well, they report the Blazers could offer Sabas a two-year, $10-million dollar deal. The Lakers have also been named as a potential landing point for the European star, as have European league teams Real Madrid and Unicaja Malaga.
(Kory's Opinion)
I think that it would be really smart for the Blazers to get Sabis. We could really use a center thats bigger than Shaq. We also need a big center that actually gets playing time (non like Ruben Boumjte- Boumjte or Chris Dudley) and that would be him. He was the best in the NBA at guarding Shaq a couple years ago, so he should be a good pick if they get him.
Meeting With McInnis? (7/25)oregonlive.com/blazers
Mark Jones of ESPN2 reported today that free agent PG Jeff McInnis met with Blazers' officials on Wednesday. According to sources close to Jones, the meeting, which included head coach Maurice Cheeks, went very well. Would the Blazers be interested in offering up their entire exception ($4.7 mil) to McInnis? Considering the struggles of Erick Barkley, the lack of production from Rick Brunson and the uncertainty of the Damon Stoudamire drug investigation, Portland might do well by making a serious run at McInnis, who averaged 14.6 ppg and 6.2 assists in 81 games as a Clipper in 2001-2002.
(Kory's Opinion)
I think it would be a smart trade except, I think the Blazers are giving too much. They should take Rick Brunson off, or Barkley off.
Doleac to the Blazers?(7/25)oregonlive.com/blazers
Al Iannazzone reports former Central Catholic HS star Michael Doleac is being pursued by the Knicks and Jazz, but Doleac lists the Blazers near the top of his wish list of teams to play for. Could the 6-11, 260-pound Doleac provide some relief in the paint for Portland? With Dale Davis, Shawn Kemp, Ruben Boumtje Boumtje and Jason Jennings projected to man the middle, there doesn't appear to be much room for another backup player. Portland's mid-level exception could be better spent elsewhere.
I think that it would be nice to have another big guy, but the Blazers need a guy thats at least 7 feet tall, some one that can guard Shaq, someone who can score and rebound and block shots. He can't do much of that. The Blazers shouldn't get him.
Is Payton's place in Portland? (7/22) oregonlive.com/blazers
With the trade of long-time friend Vin Baker, the acquisition of PG Kenny Anderson and the lack of a contract extension, is the marriage between the Sonics and Gary Payton over? The Blazers are one of a handful of teams that would have interest in the mercurial point guard. But several questions linger: Would the Sonics consider a trade that kept Payton in the Pacific Division? Would Seattle have reservations about dealing with former Sonics' GM Bob Whitsitt? Can the Blazers put together the right mix of players (Stoudamire, Davis, Randolph?) to pry Payton from the Emerald City?
(Kory's Opinion)
I don't see anything wrong with that, after all, the
Blazers have been trying to get rid of Davis and
Stoudamire the last two years. I don't think that it
will happen though, because they have been talking about
it for two years and it hasn't happend.
Minnesota GM Kevin McHale confirmed Thursday that he's
had discussions about trading star forward Kevin Garnett.
There are only four franchises in the league that could
give Garnett a good deal, and the blazers are one of them.
KG will make ($126 million in a two year contract) The
discussions say that if there is a trade, it will be Rasheed
and Double D, and that that should be enough to get Garnett
out of Minnesota and in to Portland.
(Kory's Opinion)
I dont think that they should trade Rasheed, they can have
Dale, or Damon, or Bonzi, or they can have all three, but
Rasheed belongs in Portland.