NBA Trade Rumors: 10 Big Moves To Save the Portland Trail Blazers
With five weeks remaining before the NBA trading deadline, the Portland Trail Blazers have tough decisions to make.
At 18-17, they are in seventh in the Western Conference with a shot at the postseason still very much in play, but the question is for how much longer?
With key injuries but a good portion of talent, the Trail Blazers have to decide who is going to stay and who is going to go.
At the end of this season, the NBA may face its longest offseason since the 1998-99 work stoppage, and the Blazers cannot afford to carry over contracts or hopes of players that cannot, and may not, ever deliver.
Here are 10 moves that could help save the Trail Blazer franchise. Yhey all come at some expense of being rumors.
Make a Decision on Brandon Roy
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It is an absolute shame what has happened to Brandon Roy and his knees, but it will not get better.
Roy and his teammates should be at the top of the Western Conference competing with Kobe and the Lakers, but things do not always work out the way it should, and now it's time to make that decision on Roy.
Several reports, doctors, specialists all have their opinions, but it is simple, Brandon Roy will never be the same.
Playing defense is out of the question for him. His offense will continue to dwindle.
For the Trail Blazers, a team that will be better served sparing their fanbase the ongoing battle of when or if their star shooting guard will ever play for them again, it is time to get on the phone and find out what is it out there or shut him down.
He may not be tradeable at the moment due to his contract, but it's time to start making decisions based around the notion that he will not be the Brandon Roy they signed to the max deal.
Dump Andre Miller
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The continued courting of Carmelo Anthony by any team, notably the Nets, could help the Trail Blazers move the point guard off their squad by the trading deadline.
Former teammates in Denver, Miller's presence on any team could help land Anthony in the big picture, but for the Trail Blazers, it is an easy out at little risk.
Miller is also linked in a few other deals as well, and while the Blazers have been hesitant to deal so far, they are running out of time if Miller is to go.
Trade Marcus Camby and Andre Miller Together
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Camby was upset about being discussed in a trade with Miller to Charlotte for D.J. Augustin and Gerald Wallace, but with the recent coaching change in Charlotte, this deal has been knocked down.
While Camby may be trade bait else where, at 36 he wants to play only for a contender, but the Blazers need to make decisions quickly in the next five weeks.
This pairing of players could attract attention and the Blazers need not balk at deals like this anymore if they can make a decision on Roy.
Trade Nicolas Batum to the Denver Nuggets
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As discussed earlier, the Blazers are linked to almost every Carmelo Anthony deal right now, and that now includes Batum as a potential piece to the puzzle.
The Blazers have several pieces worth moving in the next five weeks and may have the toughest decision with Batum.
If the Nuggets do deal Anthony, Batum may be the prize they want in return if Portland gets involved, and at this stage, they should consider him movable.
Deal Marcus Camby to New York or Orlando
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While the New York Knicks have found some serious life and points with Amar'e Stoudemire, he could be even better if he moved back to power forward.
Camby is still playing at a good level and would be a welcome force on the Knick frontline, and reportedly would not mind being in New York.
As for the Blazers, they would send off an aging center, and any return from the Knicks will bring youth.
As for the Magic, they could use the vet as a backup for Dwight Howard and welcome back any help from the Magic.
Camby's name will be linked to a plethora of teams and deals; it is a matter of what they decide to do.
Trade Joel Przybilla's Expiring Contract
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The Knicks have been active in inquiring about Przybilla's expiring contract, and there are bound to be others.
If Przybilla can prove to be healthy, and he's only played in nine games this season, the Trail Blazers need to find the best available suitor for his contract and make that move.
Send Marcus Camby to Houston
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As discussed earlier, Camby would like to stay in Portland, where he has moved his family, or play for a contender.
One other team to take note of is Houston, where Camby happens to reside in the offseason.
Camby's name will be mentioned with almost all of the Portland trade talks, and it really comes down to where they decide to get the most out of him.
Trade Nicolas Batum to Minnesota
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While Batum would very much be the center of attention if he is put on the block at any rate, Minnesota has shown a heavy liking to him.
The Wolves are reluctant to give up Kevin Love or Michael Beasley, but if the sides can find some common ground as the deadline approaches, it could be what the Blazers are looking for.
Stay in the Loop with Knicks
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It is reported that Carmelo only wants to be in New York
If the Nuggets cannot find a deal by the trade deadline, he will sign with the Knicks when he can, no questions asked. The Knicks though want to find a way to get it done this year.
New York will need help to make the deal happen, and the Trail Blazers have been as active as possible in trade talks, but cannot seem to find a move they like.
With any word of a move involving the Knicks and Nuggets, the Blazers should enter the fray and do what they can.
Keep Everyone
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Some schools of thought would say stick it out and see what happens.
The Trail Blazers could wait and see what happens with Roy, keep Camby and Miller, let Przybilla's contract expire and go from there.
