NBA Free Agents 2011: Amnesty Will Prove Brandon Roy Still a Wanted Superstar

It seems that a busted knee is good for a couple things, a ticket out of Portland and into the welcome arms of another team. 

The days of Brandon Roy as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers are not just numbered, they are all but over. Paul Allen is going to see fit that the amnesty clause is utilized by his team and he has the perfect player to release. 

John Canzano of The Oregonian reports the Blazers are set to rid the roster of Roy and his bum knee. The player that has also been hampered by hamstring problems doesn't look like the epitome of longevity going into this season. 

So you can hardly fault Blazers officials for choosing to amnesty Roy when the time is perfect to do so. With a shortened season, Roy would be called upon to play increased number of back-to-backs and an altogether grueling schedule otherwise. 

The call is rather easy. The Blazers have to part ways with Roy. This is a business after all. At least that's the cliche that continues to get bandied about. 

But don't shed a tear for Roy because there are sure to be a few teams willing to gamble Roy can come back and relive a modicum of the magic he once played with. 

ESPN's Marc Stein reported through Twitter that the Blazers were ready to release Roy and the Timberwolves were the likely suitors. 

Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune then reported:

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They (Timberwolves) at least will have an inside, informed opinion: New assistant coach Bill Bayno has seen both the old and the current Brandon Roy. Bayno, just hired away from the Blazers, has seen Roy play every night since Roy came into the league.

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Roy just needs a chance to show that he can command a long season to get one more big contract before his career is truly done. 

A successful stint in a low pressure situation such as in Minnesota would be ideal. Roy is on his way out, but his career is far from over.