Subscribe Feed (RSS)That’s what it says here. It lists Raef LaFrentz as the third-most-likely player in the league to be dealt prior to the mid-February deadline.
3. Raef LaFrentz, Trail Blazers: One thing is certain — the Blazers will make a trade before the deadline, especially now that they’re motivated by the financial implications of the Darius Miles debacle. And if the Blazers are dealing, LaFrentz will somehow be involved. His $12.7 million expiring contract is insured, making it even more appealing.
In addition to LaFrentz, the Blazers could package Travis Outlaw, Sergio Rodriguez, Jerryd Bayless and/or Channing Frye in a big deal.
I’m not so sure about all that. Certainly Portland isn’t going to give up Outlaw AND Bayless. Not going to happen unless we’re talking about a premier player — which I doubt. Kevin Pritchard is pretty serious about not messing around with this team until he’s absolutely certain that he can get the player he wants. I’m not sure that player is going to be out there prior to the deadline and Portland isn’t one of those teams that will trade just to be making a deal.
Tags: Channing Frye, Dwight Jaynes, Jerryd Bayless, NBA, Raef LaFrentz. Portland Trail Blazers, Sergio Rodriguez, trade, Travis Outlaw
It’s fun watching the national media throw these hypotheticals up against the wall to see what sticks. This time last year, they were trying to get LMA and Rudy somewhere back East in return for someone else’s trash. That may be the way things work in Memphis or Charlotte, but it’s not the way Pritchard does things.
If and when there is a deal involving any of the top 8 or 9 players (no one would notice if Raef or Diogu were to leave), it’s going to send this town into a tizzy the likes of which we haven’t seen in a while.
I think Raef’s contract (as I am sure he will never see a day in whatever city he is dealt) Diogu and Frye are probably headed out. Those guys aren’t getting playing time as it is, and while I like them as people, there is no reason to keep them on the bench when we can get an upgrade at a position, and at the same time send them somewhere where they might actually get to play.