The 2008 offseason is a big time for Portland’s favorite pro team. With a lottery pick, three early second rounders, and some on-the-block youngn’s, look for GM Kevin Pritchard to make some power moves.
While in an earlier article, I looked at the possibilities for the Blazers in the draft, I want to take this opportunity to look into some trade possibilities. There are some hot rumors circulating around the Blazers and many of their players. Below is a synopsis of those rumors and the other teams involved.
(*please note that the trade rumors below consist of only the major pieces. In order for them to work under the CBA, additional players would have to be swapped so the contracts would all match)
Memphis Grizzlies
The Players Sparking Interest: Mike Conley, Kyle Lowry, Mike Miller
The Trade Bait: Travis Outlaw, Jarrett Jack, Channing Frye, #13 Pick
Trade Rumor: Conley/Miller for Outlaw/Jack/#13/2nd round pick
Why it works for the Blazers: It gives them the PG they want to run their dynasty and the veteran SF they so desperately need.
Why it works for the Grizzlies: They have a load of young PG’s already, and if they get Rose in the draft that number would increase. Outlaw gives them a nice complement to Gay and the #13 pick could be used on one of the last pieces the Grizzlies need to set up a great young team of their own. Jack and the 2nd rounder are just extra incentives in a trade that the Blazers probably want more. If you ask me though, Rose/Navarro/Gay/Outlaw is a devastating line-up that would be around for years to come.
Conclusion: I think this would be great for both teams. The Blazers want this more though, so the Grizzlies might ask for too much making this trade just a fantasy. Also look for the Blazers to go after only one of the players listed above.
Toronto Raptors
The Players Sparking Interest: Jose Calderon, TJ Ford
The Trade Bait: Travis Outlaw, Jarrett Jack, #13 Pick, Steve Blake
Trade Rumors: Calderon for Outlaw/Blake or Calderon for #13/Blake
Ford for Outlaw/Blake or Ford for #13/Blake
Why it works for the Blazers
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