That’s what Hall of Famer Pete Vecsey is writing in New York:

No firm offer was made that evening, says a Blazer source. However, it was felt a satisfactory compromise could be reached (Bartelstein wanted $50 million over five, Portland countered with $28 million over four with an escape clause after three) if Lee told them he was as serious about them as they were in him.

“I was given one night to think it over,” Lee said. “I couldn’t commit. I was worried about playing time. Aldridge is All-Star-caliber and they’ve got a huge investment in Oden.”

Interesting. Lee told Vecsey he was given only one day to make up his mind because the Blazers had Andre Miller waiting.

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Sean does a real good job of reporting them and debunking them all at the same time right here. For Sergio Rodriguez, I hope there’s some truth to the Knicks rumors. New York (or Toronto) would be a great spot for him, a place where he can play his game and flourish.

But I have no interest in the Trail Blazers moving up in the draft. I’m weary of the young players trying to earn a spot in the league. I want to see this team get MORE experienced, not LESS experienced.

As far as all the David Lee stuff, I just can’t see it — except in one way that some Blazer fans probably wouldn’t want to see happen. The only way it makes any sense at all to me for Lee to come to Portland (probably in a sign-and-trade) is for the Blazers to have some idea about trading LaMarcus Aldridge. I’m not saying they do — I’m just saying it’s the only thing that makes any sense if they’re trying to get Lee.

Lee would be big man No. 4 in Portland, behind Greg Oden, Joel Przybilla and Aldridge. Why, as a free agent, would he want to do that? Plus, he’s going to be seeking a contract that will pay him starting-power-forward money. You can’t give your backup power forward the kind of dough Lee is going to get.

It makes no sense. But if you could take Aldridge, put him with Rudy Fernandez and get a Chris Paul, for example, would you do that if you knew you had David Lee?

I’m not saying I’ve heard this or that I even expect it to happen. Frankly, I’m making up a scenario. But I’m just saying I don’t think Aldridge is untouchable and if I thought I could get David Lee without giving up Aldridge, I think I’d shop Aldridge for a superstar point guard.

So really then, this whole exercise comes down to this — who would you rather have as your starting power forward: David Lee or LaMarcus Aldridge?

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Over a period of months or even years, you hear names tossed around. But you never really know the level of interest. Here are a few players who may appeal to the Trail Blazers in the next three weeks as we near the trade deadline. Knowing Kevin Pritchard, though, if Portland does make a trade, it will probably be someone we haven’t even thought about. So here are a few names, out of left field, to add to the speculation:

Richard Jefferson, Milwaukee. Loads of playoff experience and still only 28 years old. A career 47 percent shooter who can get you 20 points and five rebounds a game at small forward. A tough guy who could provide leadership and scoring.

Andre Miller, Philadelphia. Still only 32 and not necessarily a prototype point guard. For years a miserable three-point shooter he’s improved a little this season. Always kills the Blazers — a smart player who can score and set people up. Plays bigger than he is.

Caron Butler, Washington. At 28, took a little longer than Jefferson to reach his peak. Not a great shooter, but a 20-point-per-game scorer with decent assist numbers for a small forward and a pretty good competitor who seems to improve each season.

John Salmons, Sacramento. A late bloomer at 29 whose career got off to a very slow start in Philadelphia. He’s turned into a pretty good scorer in Sacramento who is a little small at 6-6 to play small forward. Rumors out of Sacramento say the Blazers are interested but I couldn’t verify that.

The obvious chip the Blazers have to trade is the Raef LaFrentz contract. Above that, though, I would think they might be willing to finally send Travis Outlaw down the road. Man, even though he can score in bunches, he must drive the coaches crazy with his lack of attention on the boards and on defense.

One of those point guards has to go, too, and the obvious one is Sergio Rodriguez, although I believe the front office is terrified he’s going to go somewhere else and turn into a star.

My guess is, Portland wants more toughness. And toughness doesn’t necessarily have a position — so keep that in mind in your trade speculation. We all know David Lee, for example, doesn’t really fit here because of the makeup of the roster with all those bigs already on hand. But Lee’s ferocity fits — and that’s what the Blazers might be looking for.

The real challenge, if you deal Sergio or Travis, is to make sure you get something in return who is going to be a better player than the one you traded away. Both those players have enough upside potential to scare you a little bit about letting them go.

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Here is what I’ve heard this afternoon:

• The Knicks will NOT do a deal this far away from the trading deadline in February. Makes no sense not to wait until the very end to get the best possible deal.
• New York is apparently looking for SERVICEABLE players with expiring contracts. Look, that’s a team with a chance at the playoffs and by accepting expiring contracts from players who are injured or not good enough to help it would be a big blow to their playoff chances and hurt their credibility with their fanbase.
• Lee is a restricted free agent this summer. The Knicks have no intention of matching a max offer and don’t want to let him go with no compensation. Hence, look for a deal prior to the deadline.
• There is some consternation around the league about Portland’s desire for Lee. If Oden and Aldridge get reasonable minutes on the floor as starters and with Przybilla as the backup center, how can anyone justify Lee making big money and not playing significant minutes? Could it mean that eventually Przybilla gets dealt? You would think it’s a possibility.
• The Knicks have some interest in Outlaw and Rodriguez. But they’re going to drive a pretty hard bargain for Lee. Portland may not want to part with what it’s going to take, particularly for a player who may be getting limited minutes here.
• Several people asked me this question: “Isn’t it time for Portland to finally do some sort of deal?”

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This time it’s the New York Daily News talking about a three-team trade that would bring Lee to Portland and send Channing Frye and Marcus Camby back to the Knicks. Frank Isola characterizes Portland’s desire for Lee as “dogged pursuit.”

However, Wendell Maxey has been all over this story for days at Hoopsworld and doesn’t sound so optimistic about a deal getting done.

At a certain point, after weeks of rumors, you have to figure there must be something to the idea that Portland likes David Lee a lot. He’s a 14-point, 10-rebound a game guy who plays hard every night. What’s not to like?

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