From Today's Oregonian

[XERXES]

Cheeks supports 'change'

While the Blazers are mum on trade talks, their coach suggests a player move might be beneficial

01/15/04

JASON QUICK

TUALATIN -- The Trail Blazers' top brass on Wednesday continued to insist that a trade is not imminent, even as speculation mounts that a deal with Dallas involving Rasheed Wallace is in the works.


"There is nothing to report," general manager John Nash said Wednesday. "The day we make a trade, we will call a press conference to announce it."

Coach Maurice Cheeks, who says he is included in trade talks, said there have been more trade conversations lately than at any other time in his two-plus seasons in Portland, but he added that he didn't foresee anything on the horizon.

Cheeks did, however, imply that a trade could help his struggling team.

"Sometimes, I think you can be in a situation like we are in now where I think you get a little stagnant and maybe something changes it up," Cheeks said. "Maybe it's a trade. Maybe that would change it up."

Sources in the Blazers, including Cheeks, said that trade conversations have escalated in the past week. No specifics were revealed, but there have been rumblings that a possible deal is in the works that would send Wallace and his $17 million salary to the Mavericks for forward Antawn Jamison ($11 million), guard Tony Delk (about $3 million) and forward Eduardo Najera (slightly less than $3 million).

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said this week that he would not make a trade with the Blazers unless it was a "sweetheart" of a deal, and it appears the most pressing issue in Dallas is the future of coach Don Nelson, who reportedly has a frigid relationship with Cuban.

At any rate, the Blazers continue to be at the center of national trade speculation, almost all of it centered on Wallace, who has missed the past three games with an ankle sprain.

The New York Knicks, who fired coach Don Chaney and hired Lenny Wilkens on Wednesday, could be the Blazers' partners in a deal for Wallace.

"If they put him back out there, we'd be interested," Knicks president Isiah Thomas told The Associated Press.

Wallace did not practice Wednesday and is not expected to play tonight against Phoenix at the Rose Garden. Blazers officials have insisted that Wallace is indeed injured, and that he is not being held out of games because a trade is pending, a point that guard Jeff McInnis reiterated Wednesday.

"People say he isn't playing because he is involved in a trade, but I know he is hurt," McInnis said. "I have seen it. I'm his friend, and I have seen the ankle. He is hurt."

The Blazers (16-20) have lost six of their past seven games, dropping them to 12th in the Western Conference, ahead of Golden State and Phoenix, and the trade speculation has seemed to accelerate an uneasiness among the players.

"When you are losing, people pay more attention to the trade talk, because you start to think that there could be a mix-up, or there should be a mix-up," McInnis said. "It's hard to play when so much is going on. Every day someone asks about a trade."

The NBA trading deadline is Feb. 19, and Nash said that it is only natural that trade talks are heightening. In the meantime, Cheeks said his players will have to get used to playing amid the speculation.

"Trade talk is a part of sports, it's part of NBA basketball," Cheeks said. "It's just something that we have to deal with. It's always up to the team to make that decision whether you are traded or not traded, but players have to hear it and they have to endure it. It's part of their job."

Wallace on Wednesday declined to comment, and his teammates said it has been hard to tell if the trade talks are affecting him. However, Wallace is hearing the talk, because Ruben Patterson said he and Wallace joked about the speculation involving Wallace.

"If they are going to make a trade, they are going to make a trade, and that's the way everyone feels," Patterson said. "But Rasheed is a big piece of our team. I know the people and the fans of Portland love Rasheed because he is a great player. And we love him, too. Hopefully, he will stay." Without Walker's lame triple-double

Note:

The Blazers on Wednesday did not renew the 10-day contract of 7-foot-5 center Slavko Vranes. "We liked him, we liked him a lot," Nash said. "We think he could be a prospect, but we don't feel he is ready to make an immediate impact." Nash said the team has not ruled out signing Vranes later. Vranes appeared in one game, playing three minutes against Minnesota.

Jason Quick: 503-221-4372; jasonquick@news.oregonian.com

[V]

Is 'Sheed hurt, or is a trade in the works? Blazers beat writer Jason Quick breaks down the Blazers live today at 1pm western ... 3pm central

LIVE BLAZERS CHAT

[madape]

It sounds like a deal for 'Sheed is almost certainly about to come. Will it be with the Mavericks? I guess we'll find out soon.

[V]

Blazers management held a 3 hour meeting for fans & media today to discuss the future of the Blazers franchise. The report below comes from a fan (who I only know as PHATGUYSRULE) :

PHATGUYSRULE was among the crowd who "met with steve patterson, Jerome Kersey, and some other members of marketing and such. Steve Patterson spoke for about the first 20-30 minutes"

"They said most of the rumors that hove gone out are completely bogus, and that they are becoming frustrated with the media not listening to them. They think it's a backlash from the trader bob era. When asked about the Jamison, Delk, and Najara proposal Steve Patterson didn't deny it. He gave a kinda sheepish laugh and changed the subject."

"Patterson said that the main reason for dealing Wallace was the fans booing him every time he touched the ball. he said the most of the offers he's getting for Sheed are "we'll give you our player with baggage and 5 years on his contract, and we'll take your guy with 1 year." type discussions. He said he spent 4 hours yesterday on the phone about trade and 3 hours the day before. john nash has been spending almost every waking minute on the phone about trades."

"Patterson also said after bonzi flipped off the fans, he went to the next practice to talk to Bonzi. The conversation started with Bonzi saying "I knew i was in trouble when i saw your car pull up, that's the only time we ever saw Bob, too."

[V]

More from PHATGUYSRULE:

"I have a feeling both teams want to make this deal [Jamison for Wallace]. Let's just hope they make it work. Patterson did say they are down to talking to about 2 or 3 teams about 'Sheed, in a round about way. He didn't say 'Sheed exactly but was talking about the $17 mil contract."

[uberfan]

V, would you do this?

Portland trades: SF Rasheed Wallace (16.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg in 38.6 minutes)
Portland receives: PF Antoine Walker (16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.3 apg in 38.3 minutes)
PG Tony Delk (6.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.8 apg in 16.3 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +6.1 ppg, +5.0 rpg, and +3.4 apg.

Dallas trades: PF Antoine Walker (16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.3 apg in 38.3 minutes)
PG Tony Delk (6.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.8 apg in 16.3 minutes)
Dallas receives: SF Rasheed Wallace (16.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg in 33 games)
Change in team outlook: -6.1 ppg, -5.0 rpg, and -3.4 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED

Due to Portland and Dallas being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked

[FreshJive]

he said the most of the offers he's getting for Sheed are "we'll give you our player with baggage and 5 years on his contract, and we'll take your guy with 1 year." type discussions.

This sounds to me like Portland wants Walker instead of Jamison. Mavs have probably offered Jamison and Portland is holding out for Walker. I'm starting to come around to this Rasheed idea. Mabye, Dallas could be Rasheed's Mecca. "I have hooped with the whitest of the whites with the bluest of eyes...."

[Captain Disaster]

We need to pick up Vranes.

[Drbio]

Originally posted by: uberfan
V, would you do this?

Portland trades: SF Rasheed Wallace (16.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg in 38.6 minutes)
Portland receives: PF Antoine Walker (16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.3 apg in 38.3 minutes)
PG Tony Delk (6.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.8 apg in 16.3 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +6.1 ppg, +5.0 rpg, and +3.4 apg.

Dallas trades: PF Antoine Walker (16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.3 apg in 38.3 minutes)
PG Tony Delk (6.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.8 apg in 16.3 minutes)
Dallas receives: SF Rasheed Wallace (16.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg in 33 games)
Change in team outlook: -6.1 ppg, -5.0 rpg, and -3.4 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED

Due to Portland and Dallas being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked

Where do I sign?

[uberfan]

Just make your mark here X

[DNNF]

Most definitely that the Blazers wants Walker. His contract is alot more attractive than Jamison would be.

[FreshJive]

Originally posted by: uberfan
Just make your mark here X

[Nash13]

Dallas trades: PG Tony Delk (6.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.8 apg in 16.3 minutes)
PF Danny Fortson (3.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.2 apg in 11.4 minutes)
PF Tariq Abdul-Wahad (3.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.2 apg in 11.4 minutes)
PF Antoine Walker (16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.3 apg in 38.3 minutes)
Dallas receives: SG Ruben Patterson (6.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.6 apg in 23.1 minutes)
SG Derek Anderson (9.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.4 apg in 18.8 minutes)
SF Rasheed Wallace (16.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg in 38.6 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +7.0 ppg, -3.7 rpg, and +0.4 apg.

Portland trades: SG Ruben Patterson (6.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.6 apg in 23.1 minutes)
SG Derek Anderson (9.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.4 apg in 18.8 minutes)
SF Rasheed Wallace (16.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg in 38.6 minutes)
Portland receives: PG Tony Delk (6.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.8 apg in 29 games)
PF Danny Fortson (3.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.2 apg in 30 games)
PF Tariq Abdul-Wahad (3.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.2 apg in 30 games)
PF Antoine Walker (16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.3 apg in 38 games)
Change in team outlook: -7.0 ppg, +3.7 rpg, and -0.4 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED

[V]

Jason Quick reports that medical records were exchanged between Dallas & Portland this week.

[ddh33]

I seriously believe that if the Mavericks really offered Walker, we would be in a great position ot bargain with them too. If we would give up Walker, we might be able to convince them to take TAW too. We could certainly argue for one of their young kids.

I don't doubt that Portland and Dallas make a deal at this point. I think it will get it done. It's just a matter of time. I just wonder who is going to end up coming and going when all is said and done.

[ddh33]

Originally posted by: V
Jason Quick reports that medical records were exchanged between Dallas & Portland this week.

What has been most interesting to me is knowing that Portland and Dallas beatwriters are reporting the same exact rumor with the same exact names. That's more than coincidence to me...We'll just wait and see how it all goes down.

[Max Power]

The Blazers (16-20) have lost six of their past seven games, dropping them to 12th in the Western Conference, ahead of Golden State and Phoenix, and the trade speculation has seemed to accelerate an uneasiness among the players.

If the Blazers want to continue their playoff streak then they need to make a move NOW rather than later.

[mavs413]

Originally posted by: ddh33
I seriously believe that if the Mavericks really offered Walker, we would be in a great position ot bargain with them too. If we would give up Walker, we might be able to convince them to take TAW too. We could certainly argue for one of their young kids.

I don't doubt that Portland and Dallas make a deal at this point. I think it will get it done. It's just a matter of time. I just wonder who is going to end up coming and going when all is said and done.

Would this be considered a 'Sweetheart' of a deal?

Dallas trades:
Tariq Abdul-Wahad ( ppg, rpg, apg in minutes)
PF Antoine Walker (16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.3 apg in 38.3 minutes)
Dallas receives:
SF Qyntel Woods (4.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.0 apg in 14.3 minutes)
PG Jeff McInnis (12.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 5.2 apg in 33.4 minutes)
SF Rasheed Wallace (16.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg in 38.6 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +17.5 ppg, +2.8 rpg, and +3.6 apg.

Portland trades:
SF Qyntel Woods (4.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.0 apg in 14.3 minutes)
PG Jeff McInnis (12.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 5.2 apg in 33.4 minutes)
SF Rasheed Wallace (16.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg in 38.6 minutes)
Portland receives:
Tariq Abdul-Wahad ( ppg, rpg, apg in games)
PF Antoine Walker (16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.3 apg in 38 games)
Change in team outlook: -17.5 ppg, -2.8 rpg, and -3.6 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED
Steve Nash/McInnis/Best
Michael Finley/Howard/Daniels
Rasheed Wallace/Jamison/Woods
Dirk Nowitzki/Najera
Shawn Bradley/Fortson

[MikeB]

Maybe it would Mavs413...but I like the other one better. Give me Derek Anderson, Reuben Patterson and Sheed.

[Nicky31]

If Walker's contract was being talked about..then Dale Davis should come into the picture at some point I would hope..

[uberfan]

Originally posted by: mavs413

Would this be considered a 'Sweetheart' of a deal?

Dallas trades:
Tariq Abdul-Wahad ( ppg, rpg, apg in minutes)
PF Antoine Walker (16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.3 apg in 38.3 minutes)
Dallas receives:
SF Qyntel Woods (4.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.0 apg in 14.3 minutes)
PG Jeff McInnis (12.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 5.2 apg in 33.4 minutes)
SF Rasheed Wallace (16.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg in 38.6 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +17.5 ppg, +2.8 rpg, and +3.6 apg.

Portland trades:
SF Qyntel Woods (4.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.0 apg in 14.3 minutes)
PG Jeff McInnis (12.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 5.2 apg in 33.4 minutes)
SF Rasheed Wallace (16.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg in 38.6 minutes)
Portland receives:
Tariq Abdul-Wahad ( ppg, rpg, apg in games)
PF Antoine Walker (16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.3 apg in 38 games)
Change in team outlook: -17.5 ppg, -2.8 rpg, and -3.6 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED
Steve Nash/McInnis/Best
Michael Finley/Howard/Daniels
Rasheed Wallace/Jamison/Woods
Dirk Nowitzki/Najera
Shawn Bradley/Fortson

Think Cuban will call you sweetheart? He should if you got that one done, although I would change your rotation to:

Nash/McInnis/Best
Finley/Howard/Daniels
Jamison/Wallace/Howard
Wallace/Dirk/Najera
Dirk/Shawn/Fortson

[mavs413]

Originally posted by: MikeB
Maybe it would Mavs413...but I like the other one better. Give me Derek Anderson, Reuben Patterson and Sheed.

We dont need Anderson, We could use Wood's atheleticism.
Everyone hates Patterson, especially Nelson and Finley. We will not trade for him.
We cannot trade Fortson, unless we get another Center in return.

Uberfan: I think if this trade is made, it will be to keep Dirk away from the Center position.
And, I think Jamison is really comming around to his 6th man role nicely.

[Nicky31]

How about this..


Dallas trades: Tariq Abdul-Wahad ( ppg, rpg, apg in minutes)
PF Antoine Walker (16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.3 apg in 38.3 minutes)
PG Tony Delk (6.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.8 apg in 16.3 minutes)
SF Eduardo Najera (3.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 0.4 apg in 13.7 minutes)
Dallas receives: C Dale Davis (6.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.6 apg in 29.3 minutes)
SF Rasheed Wallace (16.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg in 38.6 minutes)
Change in team outlook: -3.0 ppg, -1.1 rpg, and -2.2 apg.

Portland trades: C Dale Davis (6.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.6 apg in 29.3 minutes)
SF Rasheed Wallace (16.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg in 38.6 minutes)
Portland receives: Tariq Abdul-Wahad ( ppg, rpg, apg in games)
PF Antoine Walker (16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.3 apg in 38 games)
PG Tony Delk (6.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.8 apg in 29 games)
SF Eduardo Najera (3.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 0.4 apg in 28 games)
Change in team outlook: +3.0 ppg, +1.1 rpg, and +2.2 apg.


We'll give them Walker, but they have take TAW in the process..

[ddh33]

Originally posted by: mavs413

Would this be considered a 'Sweetheart' of a deal?

Dallas trades:
Tariq Abdul-Wahad ( ppg, rpg, apg in minutes)
PF Antoine Walker (16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.3 apg in 38.3 minutes)
Dallas receives:
SF Qyntel Woods (4.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.0 apg in 14.3 minutes)
PG Jeff McInnis (12.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 5.2 apg in 33.4 minutes)
SF Rasheed Wallace (16.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg in 38.6 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +17.5 ppg, +2.8 rpg, and +3.6 apg.

Portland trades:
SF Qyntel Woods (4.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.0 apg in 14.3 minutes)
PG Jeff McInnis (12.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 5.2 apg in 33.4 minutes)
SF Rasheed Wallace (16.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg in 38.6 minutes)
Portland receives:
Tariq Abdul-Wahad ( ppg, rpg, apg in games)
PF Antoine Walker (16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.3 apg in 38 games)
Change in team outlook: -17.5 ppg, -2.8 rpg, and -3.6 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED
Steve Nash/McInnis/Best
Michael Finley/Howard/Daniels
Rasheed Wallace/Jamison/Woods
Dirk Nowitzki/Najera
Shawn Bradley/Fortson

I think it would. You get a great defensive big guy who plays the best defense in the league against Garnett and Duncan.
You get a PG that Nellie would probably love because of his ability to consistently penetrate and get in the middle of the lane.
You get a very talented young player who could either blossom here or be used as a nice trading chip down the line.

In return you give up a a star who may or may not fit with this group and a player who has never really been on this team - he just collects his check.

But like I said, offering Walker would seem to put us in a position to bargain and demand a few more things from Portland.

[MikeB]

Woods arguably smokes more weed than Sheed. Everyone hates Patterson...so what...he plays helacious D and boards strong for his size...plus he hustles all the time. Anderson can be our combo guard for a few minutes a night...he can handle the ball and play some D as well as being a good shooter and athletic.

[uberfan]

Uberfan: I think if this trade is made, it will be to keep Dirk away from the Center position.
And, I think Jamison is really comming around to his 6th man role nicely.

There is nothing wrong with playing Dirk at a position I will call center as long as he is not expected to be the inside defensive presence. In effect this trade does keep Dirk out of the traditional center position. I am just designating Wallace as PF because he would be guarding most of the PF in the league. Duncan, Garnett, Brand, etc.

Nellie just won't start Bradley consistently.

If you want to keep Jamison coming off of the bench, I just think there are better uses of your financial resources than Jamison as a 6th man. You would be better of dealing him for more role players if you still do not want him to be your starter after a Walker/Wallace trade.

[Dirkenstien]

Originally posted by: Captain Disaster
We need to pick up Vranes.

CD, I agree.

[V]

This is off topic but what the hell... Blazers beat writer Jason Quick asked Maurice Cheeks the chances that Vranes would get any playing time during his 10-day contract.

Cheeks responded by saying the chances were greater that Quick himself would get in the game.
----
Vranes is years away from being a legitimate prospect. I'd rather have the open roster spot.

[Dirkenstien]

Originally posted by: V
This is off topic but what the hell... Blazers beat writer Jason Quick asked Maurice Cheeks the chances that Vranes would get any playing time during his 10-day contract.

Cheeks responded by saying the chances were greater that Quick himself would get in the game.
----
Vranes is years away from being a legitimate prospect. I'd rather have the open roster spot.

Wow, I wonder why he said that

[jayC]

Wallace and Dale Davis for Jamison, Delk and Najera. To me the fact that Jamison barely touched the floor in the 4th quarter and in overtime says it all. Nelson loves Walker and as much as the antiwalker faction hates him. He is staying. Id trade him for T-Mac but not for Rasheed.

[kg_veteran]

Originally posted by: jayC
Wallace and Dale Davis for Jamison, Delk and Najera. To me the fact that Jamison barely touched the floor in the 4th quarter and in overtime says it all. Nelson loves Walker and as much as the antiwalker faction hates him. He is staying. Id trade him for T-Mac but not for Rasheed.

Add in Abdul-Wahad on our side and the numbers work.

I'd do that deal.

[Max Power]

Originally posted by: V
This is off topic but what the hell... Blazers beat writer Jason Quick asked Maurice Cheeks the chances that Vranes would get any playing time during his 10-day contract.

Cheeks responded by saying the chances were greater that Quick himself would get in the game.
----
Vranes is years away from being a legitimate prospect. I'd rather have the open roster spot.

The reason other teams have project centers is that they occasionally pan out and become a decent player. We haven't had a project center on the team since Wang.

[MightyToine]

Walker is not being traded. Let's end this nonsense.


And I still see no logic in all of a sudden Cuban doing an about-face after saying that this team would stay together and then turn around and Trade Jamison. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]


That's more Danny Ainge-ish, if you ask me.

[madape]

Wallace trade only solution for Blazers


01/16/04


P ause. Breathe deeply. And consider the possibility that maybe all of this pain was necessary.


The Trail Blazers' 16-21 start.

The sinking Rose Garden attendance.

Even Portland's lifeless 105-96 loss on Thursday, at home, to last-place Phoenix.

All of it needed in order to get change.

Here's hoping the sad combination of events is finally going to make Blazers owner Paul Allen pick up the phone and say the three simple words that can save his franchise.

Pull the trigger.

If he hasn't already, Allen needs to call his general manager John Nash and say those three words.

A trade of Rasheed Wallace to Dallas in exchange for Antawn Jamison and $7-million-a-season Tariq Abdul-Wahad. That's the latest rumor circulating outside the secret meetings at One Center Court.

Allen left the Rose Garden, acknowledging that he and a host of front-office players spent a good part of the third quarter tucked away in a back room talking trade.

"Or not to trade," said Allen.

Pull the trigger, boss.

A ghost of a crowd, around 9,000, witnessed the latest Blazers' loss. Many of those left at the end of the third quarter, so by the time Suns forward Amare Stoudemire made a fourth-quarter basket and put a finger over his lips in a "hush" motion, it really wasn't needed.

The place was already Portland Public Library North.

This is the House that 'Sheed built, of course.

The empty seats. The boos in the air. The excuses, even after giving home fans about 40 cents on their entertainment dollar.

Yes, that was Wallace, somewhere near his favorite loading dock, declining to answer a legitimate question about whether he cares if he's a Trail Blazer or Maverick by sundown today.

You can't quote a shrug, can you?

Pull the trigger.

Those are the words Allen needs to say if anyone is going to move forward. Maybe he said them in that private meeting, while his team was falling all over itself on the court. Maybe he needs to see more, but really, does anyone need more of this?

Allen needs to start acting like The Boss.

Steinbrenner, not Springsteen.

Nash says Allen has veto power over any and all trades. Speculation is that Allen has been the party that has held up some of the deals for Wallace. Today, if we're going to get anywhere fast, that needs to change.

Of course, ownership still might believe this team can pull itself out of this tailspin. And also, it could believe that a better offer for Wallace will come closer to the Feb. 19 trade deadline.

T hat's fools gold, really.

The Blazers are playing as if they all realize this roster is going to get a makeover. And, if Portland is going to make the playoffs, waiting until the eve of the deadline when the postseason ditch is too big to climb out of, probably isn't the way to do it.

Allen doesn't have that kind of time.

Pull the trigger.

Jamison would be spectacular playing alongside Zach Randolph. He's a warrior. And a character guy. If this is really the trade on the table, taking Abdul-Wahad and his cumbersome four-year, $28 million contract is probably what's causing the Blazers to think twice.

You'd have to be crazy to take on that kind of contract when you're cutting salary, right?

Sorry. Slap me. Throw me in a room with rubber walls. But pull the trigger.

Maybe all of this pain was necessary. This feels like a rock-bottom moment for the franchise. The fans who chose to stay at home or spend their money on a movie and a bucket of popcorn must have seen it coming.

There is only one way out of this mess.

John Canzano: 503-294-5065; JohnCanzano@aol.com

[Richard]

Thanks for the arricle Madape. Wow. These thing is starting to sound pretty legit. Now I'm worried. I think we better be careful what we wish for.

[MightyToine]

Originally posted by: Richard
Thanks for the arricle Madape. Wow. These thing is starting to sound pretty legit. Now I'm worried. I think we better be careful what we wish for.

Not Legit UNTIL the DALLAS Media reports It's Legit. Until then, Pay no attention.


It ain't happening.

[Male30Dan]

Dont be so sure MT... Dont be so sure!

[Poindexter Einstein]

Originally posted by: ddh33
What has been most interesting to me is knowing that Portland and Dallas beatwriters are reporting the same exact rumor with the same exact names.....

I do NOT see the DFW beatwriters reporting this. The most I see is when they QUOTE what is being said in papers elsewhere. But on the local beat, they keep saying there is NO ONE IN DALLAS saying something is happening.

[Poindexter Einstein]

"we'll give you our player with baggage and 5 years on his contract, and we'll take your guy with 1 year"

That (baggage and 5 years) does not sound like a Jamison offer - but rather a TAW offer.

Jamison would qualify as "talent with no baggage, and locked up for 5 years" which is a more than generous offer for a guy like Wallace with tons of baggage whom you might lose completely in the summer. In fact, because you would have to sign Wallace and you have no guarantee you will be able to do so, Jamison-for-nothing is a BAD trade for Dallas.

Even though Wallace has a lot of talent, he is a HIGH risk trade - you have character issues, PLUS you risk not keeping him and thus could end up with a talent drain if you gave away a lot to get him.

[V]

Some would consider that Jamison contract baggage enough.