Portland Trail Blazers Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Odds & Ends: Odom, Aldridge, Jefferson, Celtics

March 18th, 2012 at 6:51pm CST by Michael Pina

In his first game since becoming a member of the Warriors, Richard Jefferson had a tough go, making just two of 14 shots and scoring nine points in just under 38 minutes of play. On Thursday, the Spurs dealt Jefferson for veteran swingman Stephen Jackson. Due to the approximate $30 million due his way over the next three years (including an $11 million player option in 2013-14 which he's likely to exercise), the Warriors were questioned for making the deal.

Here are a few other notes from around the league.

John Denton tweets that Otis Smith is content with the Magic roster and can't see adding any of the recently bought out vets like Derek Fisher and Ronny Turiaf. CBS Sports' Matt Moore explores potential landing spots for Fisher.
The Blazers have announced a Monday press conference for Jonny Flynn and Hasheem Thabeet, suggesting they passed their physicals (via Mike Tokito tweet).
Yesterday, Yahoo! Sports' Marc J. Spears wrote a detailed feature on Lamar Odom's struggles in Dallas. Inside the piece, Spears notes that Odom formally requested a buyout in February, but was rejected by owner Mark Cuban and general manager Donnie Nelson.
Upon hearing that Ronny Turiaf has officially been bought out by the Nuggets, WEEI.com's Paul Flannery takes a look into whether the Celtics might be interested in bringing the 6'10" Frenchman aboard. Boston made no moves at the trade deadline but with the future of Jermaine O'Neal still in serious doubt, they're still in need of a big man or two.
Since taking over for the Trail Blazers former head coach Nate McMillan, Kaleb Canales has decided to utilize LaMarcus Aldridge more from the elbow. According to CSNNW.com's Chris Haynes, the move was made before Friday night's win against Chicago, and Portland's best player has said he's enjoying the change.

Blazers To Target Backcourt Help

March 17th, 2012 at 7:39pm CST by Zachary Links

By dealing Gerald Wallace and Marcus Camby at the trade deadline, the Blazers gave themselves the flexibility to eventually acquire a star to put alongside LaMarcus Aldridge. Interim General Manager Chad Buchanan told Mike Tokito of The Oregonian that he'll be looking to land either a one- or two-guard to pair with the big man this offseason.

“I feel like that’s what we need on this team to take the next step,” Buchanan said. “We need another high-caliber, top-30 player in the league, preferably in the backcourt, with LaMarcus, who we already have in the frontcourt.”

Buchanan estimates the Blazers could be between $15MM to $20MM under the cap this summer, although that number go as low as $12MM and as high as $27MM, depending on a variety of factors. While the GM obviously cannot discuss specific players, he did say that he would prefer that a second star player be close in age to Aldridge, who turns 27 in July.

With Nets star Deron Williams set to exercise his Early Termination Option, the Blazers should at least have the chance to court the top-tier point guard. For a complete look at this summer's free agent class, check out our comprehensive list.

Categories:
Portland Trail Blazers

Kennedy On Williams, Buyouts, Nets, Magic

March 17th, 2012 at 4:45pm CST by Chuck Myron

Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld chatted with readers this afternoon, and passed along a few intriguing nuggets. Here are the highlights:

He rounded up the buyout candidates, listing Chris Kaman, Derek Fisher, Jermaine O’Neal, Shawne Williams, Boris Diaw, Marquis Daniels, Brian Cook and Ronny Turiaf.
Kennedy says he's been told free agent-to-be Deron Williams wants to play in Dallas, he and predicts the point guard winds up with the Mavs.
Since Dwight Howard's option only covers one more season, Kennedy wouldn't rule out the Nets pursuing D12 again next year.
The Magic won't go after Derek Fisher if he's bought out by the Rockets, but they may try to work a sign and trade with restricted free agent Ryan Anderson this summer as they try to get creative to bring in the talent necessary to appease Howard.

Odds & Ends: Blazers, Fisher, Kaman, Rockets

March 17th, 2012 at 12:50pm CST by Zachary Links

If you've gotten a little too caught up in March Madness, don't worry. We'll get you caught up with a look at what's happening around the Association ..

After dealing Marcus Camby and Gerald Wallace at the deadline, Jason Fleming of HoopsWorld.com wonders what's next for the Blazers.
The Wizards would be willing to accommodate Brian Cook if he wishes to play elsewhere, a league source told Michael Lee of the Washington Post. Cook’s agent Mark Bartelstein said on Saturday the two sides will likely engage in buyout discussions this week.
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is sad to see longtime teammate Derek Fisher leave, writes Dave Menamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com. The Rockets will likely buy out Fisher's contract, but the new Collective Bargaining Agreement prohibits the veteran from rejoining the Lakers.
Hornets General Manager Dell Demps now says that the club is open to offering center Chris Kaman an extension at the end of the season, writes John Reid of The Times-Picayune. Kaman's name was involved in trade talks but ultimately wound up staying put. It's still possible that the Hornets could buy out the big man, allowing him to latch on with a contender.
General Manager Joe Dumars said that the Pistons stood pat at the trade deadline because there were no quality offers on the table, writes Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press. Plenty of deals were put in front of Dumars but none of them were enticing enough for him to pull the trigger.
The Rockets' moves at the trade deadline were solid but the club didn't make the kind of blockbuster that some were expecting, writes Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
Commissioner David Stern & the NBA did a tremendous job facilitating the new lease agreement between the Hornets and the state of Louisiana, writes John DeShazier of the Times Picayune. The new deal will keep the Hornets in New Orleans through 2024.

Odds & Ends: Nene, Celtics, Camby, Kaman, Rubio

March 16th, 2012 at 4:48pm CST by Luke Adams

A few odds and ends from around the league for Friday afternoon:

Explaining yesterday's acquisition of Nene, Wizards president Ernie Grunfield cited the cost certainty of Nene's deal, noting that free agency is a "crap shoot." Michael Lee of the Washington Post has the details.
Celtics coach Doc Rivers told reporters, including Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com, that Chris Johnson, who was waived by the Blazers yesterday, is "an absolute option" for the Celtics.
Shawne Williams' agent hasn't been approached by the Blazers yet about a buyout for his client, though that could change soon, writes Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com.
After Brendan Haywood sprained his knee in last night's game, the Mavericks will recall Sean Williams from their D-League affiliate, according to a team press release. The Mavs had assigned Williams to Austin earlier this week.
Marcus Camby may be 38 years old and in the final year of his contract, but he's not ready for retirement yet. The Rockets big man tells Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle that he wants to play for four more years (Twitter link).
Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel doesn't think David Stern would block the Hornets from buying out Chris Kaman.
Ricky Rubio will undergo reconstructive surgery on his left knee next Wednesday, the team announced today.

Spurs Close To Signing Patrick Mills

March 16th, 2012 at 3:46pm CST by Chuck Myron

The Spurs are finalizing a contract with former Blazers guard Patrick Mills, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link). Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated tweets that it will be a two-year deal.

Amick adds via Twitter that the deal will include a player option in the second year, worth about $1MM. The Blazers renounced Mills' rights this morning, the team confirmed via Twitter.

According to a tweet from Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com, the Pistons also wanted to sign Mills. The Rockets were interested in the guard, too, as Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported earlier today. The Spurs were also reportedly interested in Derek Fisher, whom the Rockets are rumored to be buying out. San Antonio was searching for a point guard after the abrupt retirement of T.J. Ford this week, who was subsequently shipped to Golden State for financial reasons in the Stephen Jackson-Richard Jefferson deal. The Warriors have waived Ford, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports.

Mills, a 2009 second-round pick out of St. Mary's College, averaged 5.1 points and 1.5 assists in two seasons as a backup in Portland. He signed with a Chinese team earlier this season, but has received FIBA clearance to join an NBA team.

Oden Wants To Play Again, Interested In Pacers

March 16th, 2012 at 2:43pm CST by Luke Adams

It's been another disappointing season for Greg Oden, who underwent knee surgery that sidelined him for the year, then was waived by the Blazers yesterday to clear a roster spot. However, Oden's agent Mike Conley Sr. tells the Associated Press (link via ESPN.com) that his client is committed to playing basketball again.

When Portland waived Oden, his agents Conley and Bill Duffy released a statement saying that "the first priority is Greg's health" and that there's no timeline for his return to the hardwood. According to Conley, while Oden initially contemplated ending his career, he's fully focused on rehab now. Conley says the former first overall pick is rehabbing at home in Indianapolis and would have interest in joining the Pacers once he gets healthy.

When Oden clears waivers this weekend, he'll be an unrestricted free agent.

Latest On Lakers’ Failed Trade For Beasley

March 16th, 2012 at 1:36pm CST by Luke Adams

1:36pm: Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld reports a slightly different story on how the Beasley talks broke down, saying the Lakers were trying to send Luke Walton and other "salary dump type pieces" to Minnesota. Ingram suggests the reports on Fisher's inclusion causing Minnesota to back out are Lakers' spin.

10:42am: We heard yesterday that the Timberwolves had backed out of a potential three-team trade that would've sent Michael Beasley to the Lakers, Derek Fisher and Jamal Crawford to Minnesota, and a first-round pick to the Trail Blazers. The Lakers ultimately moved Fisher and that first-rounder to Houston for Jordan Hill, but a few details have surfaced on that failed deal have surfaced today.

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com, Anthony Tolliver would have also been involved in the deal, heading from Minnesota to Portland. McMenamin says the T-Wolves pulled out of the deal with just seven minutes left before the trade deadline, leaving Lakers officials "puzzled and disappointed."

Mike Breshanan of the Los Angeles Times hears from a source that the trade was "whisker-close" to being completed, but that Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor blocked the deal. Presumably, if ownership vetoed the deal, it was for financial reasons rather than basketball reasons, though that's just my speculation.

Blazers Notes: Mills, Batum, Felton

March 16th, 2012 at 8:07am CST by Luke Adams

The Trail Blazers were one of Thursday's most active teams, sending out Marcus Camby and Gerald Wallace in separate deals, then parting ways with Chris Johnson and former number one pick Greg Oden to clear space for the new acquisitions. Oh, and the team fired its coach too, with assistant coach Kaleb Canales taking over for Nate McMillan. What's next for the Blazers? Let's have a look….

Patrick Mills, who played in China this season, is a restricted free agent and could be brought on board for the rest of the season. However, acting GM Chris Buchanan indicated the team isn't looking at bringing anyone on board at the moment: "We're at 12 healthy bodies. It's an opportunity for guys to get some more minutes. At this point I wouldn't anticipate us adding another player" (link via Ben Golliver of Blazer's Edge).
Asked specifically about Mills, Buchanan said the team would take to his representatives in the coming days, and would consider all its options, including renouncing Mills' rights. Renouncing his rights would allow Mills to become an unrestricted free agent and sign anywhere.
Nicolas Batum, who will be a restricted free agent this summer, will "definitely" be a Blazer next year, tweets Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com. However, it'll cost the team more than what Batum's agent was asking for in January.
After shopping Raymond Felton aggressively yesterday, Buchanan says a buyout for the point guard "is not an option," according to Haynes.

Hollinger On Deadline Deals

March 15th, 2012 at 8:35pm CST by Sean Highkin

ESPN.com's John Hollinger has posted grades for every trade that took place today. The post is only available to ESPN Insider subscribers, but here are the highlights:

The Nuggets were smart to shed Nene's contract, even if trading for JaVale McGee is a risk.
However, Hollinger views the Wizards' acquisition of Nene is an overreaction to McGee's contract demands.
For the Clippers, Hollinger doesn't believe Nick Young is a perfect solution, but that he's worth the risk since they didn't have to give up any significant assets.
Hollinger praises the Blazers' rebuilding effort in the Gerald Wallace trade, although he has reservations about the players they got back from Houston for Marcus Camby.
He doesn't think the Nets made a smart move giving up a lottery pick for short-term help when they risk losing Deron Williams at the end of the season.
Hollinger likes the Rockets' acquisition of Camby as a short-term pick-up to help them make a playoff run.
The Warriors' acquisition of Richard Jefferson is counterproductive to their efforts to tank for a draft pick, Hollinger writes. However, he praises the Spurs for shedding Jefferson's contract for Stephen Jackson's shorter one.
Hollinger questions the Cavaliers for taking on Luke Walton's expensive contract while giving up Ramon Sessions, but loves the deal for the Lakers, as Sessions is a massive upgrade at point guard over Derek Fisher and Steve Blake.
Hollinger likes the Sam Young acquisition for the 76ers, and while he doesn't believe losing him will shift the Grizzlies' playoff hopes one way or another, he questions whether it was necessary to shed him simply for cap reasons.
He sees the Leandro Barbosa trade as a low-risk deal for both the Raptors and Pacers, giving Indiana immediate help at shooting guard while freeing up room for other players to get more minutes in Toronto.