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Brandon Roy was confident two weeks ago as he looked to the future.
The Portland Trail Blazers guard could envision the team emerging as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference, acknowledging that only a couple additions were needed to bring that picture into focus.
“We’re definitely going to look to fill those pieces,” Roy said. “Now, can we accomplish that? Who knows. But I think we’re definitely going to make a push to make those moves to start building this team to the championship level.”
But what moves should be made?
That’s where the conversation with any Blazers player or team official started to dry up. And it is not just because of what the Blazers need to add. It is also because of what they may have to give up.
Portland holds an ideal mix of tradeable assets, including young talent, expiring contracts and draft picks. The Blazers could package those pieces and return the part they need — presumably a starting point guard — to help solidify a contender.
Five of those assets seem the most likely to be affected by any offseason changes, either due to their contract, need to address their position or interest from other teams. That includes:
Travis Outlaw: If the Blazers swing a significant trade this summer, Outlaw may be the price they’ll have to pay. He has developed steadily and impressively over the last five years, and Outlaw could emerge as a very impressive talent if that trend continues into next season. That ability will also come at a very cheap price — approximately $4 million per season — for the next two years.
That is why Outlaw’s name emerged in most reported trade discussions last season. The Blazers also know what they have and won’t be eager to give it up. But to get something good, you have to give up something good. And Outlaw may be the asking price in a lot of deals.
Jarrett Jack: Much of the focus on Jack last season was on his weaknesses: Soft defense, inconsistent perimeter shooting, momentum-swinging turnovers. But other teams may focus first on what he can do — penetrate and score, using his physical build to his advantage — and believe the other issues can be corrected.
Portland is no longer in a position where it can wait, though. It’s looking to polish up a championship contender, not wait on players to develop, so Jack’s stock may be higher elsewhere. He is still young (24) and his contract expires after next season, so a rebuilding team may view him as a low-risk, high-reward prospect.
Raef LaFrentz: The veteran’s $12.7 million contract will be attractive to teams looking to shed salary and rebuild, making this general manager Kevin Pritchard’s most valuable card to play.
If a deal is made, though, it may not be a one-for-one swap. If a team that is interested in LaFrentz is looking to rebuild around young talent, it likely will want one of the Blazers’ young talents as well — perhaps Outlaw, Channing Frye, Sergio Rodriguez or their first-round draft pick. The Blazers could return an impact player in that type of deal, but they may also take on a large long-term salary.
The No. 13 pick: The outlook could change after the lottery and draft workouts, but right now it comes down to this: Why do the Blazers need to add another young player? There doesn’t appear to be room for a rookie in an already crowded rotation, and a draft pick could even be pushed onto the inactive list, which is already projected to hold LaFrentz and Josh McRoberts.
On paper, this appears to be ideal trade bait to throw in with LaFrentz’s contract. It holds no value in terms of matching salaries, but will give another team added value in the deal. And with a roster already bursting with young talent, the Blazers don’t stand to lose much by letting go of a draft pick.
James Jones: Forget the money aspect of the small forward’s decision on whether to activate his player option for next season. Playing time may play a more important role in his choice.
Greg Oden’s return could push Outlaw from power forward to small forward, potentially overloading that position. Martell Webster seems poised for a big year. Outlaw just had one. And that numbers crunch could leave Jones out of the rotation. In fact, if he declines his option and becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, the Blazers may prefer to let him go rather than complicate their rotation.
Jones proved he can make an impact, and other teams may be able to offer more playing time next year than Portland. And his free agency stock could be hurt if he waits a year, only to get pushed to the rear of the bench. That possibility, more than money, will have to be weighed when Jones makes his decision.
http://www.columbian.com/sports/localNe ... -moves.cfm |
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