What Are the Chances the Blazers Trade Zach Randolph?
Uncategorized May 23rd. 2007, 9:58pm
Is anyone else struggling to come to grips with the sad fact that the delightful 2007 NBA draft very likely may hinge on the tradeability (it’s a new word! Like spurtability!) of a chubby-cheeked, oft-troubled, underrated, 20-10 lefty Zach Randolph from Michigan State? Yes. If the Portland Trailblazers can unload Zach Randolph (23-10, to be exact) and the $13 million he’s due next year, then yes, Greg Oden will be joining LaMarcus Aldridge on a monster frontline in the Pacific Northwest.
But let’s be realistic here: where can Portland unload Randolph? We spent some time this afternoon scoping the non-lottery teams for potential deals, and there simply wasn’t much out there. Two teams caught our eye: Chicago and Los Angeles. Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich - two players that would immediately start in Portland - for Zach Randolph? There’s no way the Bulls would go for that. The Lakers, as a colleague at Fanhouse pointed out, could offer Kwame Brown’s expiring contract, their No. 1 pick (19) and Brian Cook for Randolph. But would the Lakers really want to help out a division rival - one that is likely to dominate the league over the next 15 years with Greg Oden? Moreover, as bad as things are between Kobe and the Lakers … will they deteriorate further when he has to share the ball with a top-tier talent?
So that leaves the Blazers to deal with lottery teams. A hot topic seems to be a rare deal between the teams with the top two picks: Randolph-for-Rashard Lewis. Again, we’re going to have to call bullshit. The Soncis already have two power forwards - Nick Collison and Chris Wilcox. Why add a third? Lewis, though, would be an ideal fit at the three for the second worst scoring team in the NBA. There’s also the Knicks, only because Isiah Thomas is a certifiable lunatic. Thing is, he doesn’t have anything Portland would want. Quentin Richardson and Malik Rose? The salaries may match, but the Blazers would be stuck with those bums for two years (Q Rich has an option for a third).
There’s some chatter about the Hawks - some strange scenario where the Hawks draft Mike Conley third, and then deal him and … that’s where the deal dies.
Yes, this is a bit radio-ish, but folks, it seems to be what people are talking about. You find an actual way the Blazers can deal Zach Randolph, and we’ll understand the logic in taking Oden. But for now, we still think Durant is the right move.
35 Responses to “What Are the Chances the Blazers Trade Zach Randolph?”
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May 23rd, 2007 at 10:09 pm
How about the Wizards. Blazers are a young team and could use a talented veteran to steer the youth in the right direction. I think Antawn Jamison fits on both points. The blazers would have to throw in one more player to make the salaries work, but they would get a bonafide all star SF, who isn’t going to saddle them with a long contract.
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:12 pm
Or the Blazers could draft Oden regardless and let him and Aldridge develop alongside Randolph. Oden won’t immediately make them a title contender, so they would still have a chance to get a wing in the next season or possibly move Randolph somewhere.
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:22 pm
right, don’t draft oden bc they have randolph. next you’ll write that they should draft sam bowie instead of michael jordan.
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:38 pm
“The Soncis already have two power forwards - Nick Collison and Chris Wilcox. Why add a third?”
Randolph is an elite low post player who teams would have to double in the post. He finished the season fourth in scoring at the forward position the other three not being true post players (Melo, Bron, Dirk).
By the logic that they have those two guys who should be getting starter minutes, that would leave Ray Allen, Durant or Rashard Lewis to have to play PG becasue you can’t bench them. Would the combo of Allen, Durant, Lewis, be fun to watch? Yes, especially if they had a pg named Nash and C named Amare. A lineup of Wilcox, Randolph, Durant, Allen, Ridnour would give them three elite players that have three different styles, tough to match up with any given night.
The key is if the Sonics think Lewis will opt out. If he will, they should get anything they can for him. The past couple of drafts for the Sonics, have not left them with a quality low post player, which is something they have targeted.
Oden, Aldridge, Lewis, Roy, Jack is better for portland. Lewis can light it up from three which would be a nice compltement to Roy slashing game. And they just upgraded in defense which a true anchor down low in Oden.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:16 pm
Why would they want to develop Aldridge and Oden alongside Randolph? Are you planning on using Oden or Aldridge or Randolph as a non-starter in the next few years? They can’t all be on the court at once, especially in that conference.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:36 pm
does it work out if they send zach to cleveland for gooden and snow and a pick?
what’s the rationale for sending the only proven 20 ppg scorer on the blazers away again?
oh yea…nothin else to talk about
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:38 pm
I think the answer here may be Richard Jefferson. The Nets want to resign Carter, and they could make an eastern conference run with Kidd, Carter, and Randolph.
Ben
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:43 pm
A straight up trade of Zach Randolph for Richard Jefferson works. It gives portland a team guy who plays a position of need and who can be a veteran presence. It also gives New Jersey a legitimate post scorer who can combine with Kidd and Carter to compete in the East.
That said, I say draft Durant, keep Randolph, and play Aldridge at the 5 spot.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:45 pm
I’m sorry, but you guys sound like Skip Bayless on this one. The Randolph situation will work itself out. But the bottomline is you just don’t pass up a guy like Oden.
Anyways, I’m thrilled the Knicks don’t have a real tradeable parts right now because there is no doubt I’d be seeing Randolph rockin’ the blue and orange for god knows how many years.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:53 pm
How about Zach for Richard Jefferson?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:06 am
I live in Oregon and was a hard-core Blazer fan in the late 80s and early 90s. Then we got the Jail Blazer tag… we opted for “talent” over character and the community has pretty much revolted.
Randolf is one of the last of the original “Jail Blazer” members. I would be happy to see him go. You have Oden… why put up with Randolf’s off the court issues? Especially when the fan base is sick of seeing Blazers on the police blotter.
NBA is the only professional team we have here, and so the players are under a microscope. Bring in someone with a fresh slate and the future ahead of them, not someone who sooner or later will end up with 10 to 15 in jail.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:07 am
“But would the Lakers really want to help out a division rival - one that is likely to dominate the league over the next 15 years with Greg Oden?”
I hate to quibble, but the Lakers and Blazers haven’t been division rivals since re-alignment — Portland plays in the Northwest, L.A. in the Pacific. I’d agree they’d still make strange bedfellows.
Trading Randolph for a small forward or lump of expiring contracts would be an ideal scenario for Portland, but it’s not a necessity. Oden and Randolph would be a perfect tandem in the frontcourt, with Oden as the defensive guy and Randolph (who looks like Grimace, but couldn’t guard him) as the scorer. Aldridge comes off the bench to spell either Oden or Z-Bo, Webster/Outlaw/Udoka play at the 3, Roy at shooting guard, Jack runs the point (fine, the Spaniard runs the point). Is this really inconceivable?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:11 am
Best Options:
1) Nocioni + Gordon for Zach + rights to swap 2008 picks ( top 3 protected) ( or + top 10 protected 2008 pick). Don’t hink Chicago does that and Nocioni should not be overpaid 7/8 mil. for 4 years.
2) Nocioni + 9th pick for Zach , don’t think the Blazers need another pick but Acie Law or Conley would look good in the team ( 9 is a reach of Law and Conley wwon’t be there).
3) RJ + future Nets pick lottery protected for Zach = I also like this one, RJ does not demand the ball a lot and is a good defensive player. I see this happening.
4) Odom for Zach, don’t wanna deal with LA, but Odom would also look good in a Blazers uniform.
5) Getting Rashard in some sort of 3 teams deal - I’m not a big fan of Rashard, I could go for it but we can’t overpay him, he does not deserves to get the max or anything close to it.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:18 am
Trading Zach to Seattle for Rashard sounds great for both teams, but no way it happens. With both teams drafting a franchise player, a decision that will be compared for years, no way do they swap all-star caliber players to create a bigger water cooler question of, “Who made the right moves in summer 07? Portland by taking Oden and trading for Rashard, or Seattle for taking Durant and trading for Zach.” I doubt either team wants to run the risk of helping their division rival. And don’t forget, Nate left Seattle for Portland. The rivalry would be unbelievable, and I don’t think either team wants the second guessing from fans for the next 10 years. That said, let’s get Rashard to Portland!
May 24th, 2007 at 1:03 am
If the Blazers are going to swing a deal for Randolph they had better do it before the “Stephen Jackson” window for finding desparate takers for dumb ballers gets slammed shut by David Stern.
Stern has become Mr. Rulebook since Goodell went all Buford Pusser in the NFL and started cracking down on thugs, and since Stern loathes to be shown up by anyone he may have a crackdown of his own just so he doesn’t look like a pussy.
May 24th, 2007 at 3:23 am
if we’re going to trade with the lakers, the only deal that makes any sense is randolph for odom. no other tradeable player on the lakers comes close to equal value for zach. it would be sadistically fun, though, to watch zach and kobe “share” the ball.
May 24th, 2007 at 3:41 am
Kdot- Antawn is a 4 not a 3. He’s always struggled when forced into the small forward spot and he’s made it publicly known that he’s strictly a 4. Besides, he can’t cover anyone.
These scenarios are all a bit ridiculous. Can you really call an 80 million dollar player underrated? There are very few GM’s in the league that will want to bother themselves his contract and shitty reputation. The Bulls and Wizards are both young teams with great chemistry and intelligent general managers. Then there’s the Nets. They still have to figure out the Vince Carter situation before they ship out a talented and fan-friendly player like Richard.
May 24th, 2007 at 4:04 am
How about Rashard Opts out of his Contract and the Bulls do a sign and Trade for Zach
May 24th, 2007 at 5:28 am
Agree with USM here. Why is Portland in a hurry to make this move? They’ve committed huge money to Randolph and he’s going to stay there. Also, if you draft Oden it’s not because he’s going to be instant offense. There is still a HUGE learning curve in store for both Aldridge and Oden in terms of matching up (and specifically) staying out of foul trouble against more experienced centers.
You keep Randolph and either bring LMA off the bench or just go insanely enormous and start Randolph at three and LMA at the two. Toss in Oden (with Roy and Jack in the backcourt of course) and not only are you getting 50+ rebounds a game right there and preventing anyone from bringing the ball into the post, but you have a pretty stout lineup. No question that Randolph can’t guard some of the quicker threes in the league but it’ll work at least some of the time.
May 24th, 2007 at 6:10 am
Great Point Theo!
Take the best available player! GREG ODEN!
May 24th, 2007 at 7:38 am
TBG, I love you guys, but you’ve lost some respect by thinking that the Blazers will do ANYTHING BUT draft who Pritchard thinks is the best player. You’re not trying to fill holes with the top pick in the NBA draft and everyone knows the Sam Bowie story…
That said, I’m sure they will be entertaining phone calls for Z Bo but we all know he’ll be tough to move…
May 24th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
I think they’ll take Oden, but here’s what you guys need to remember.
A) Portland isn’t winning next year, despite who they draft
B) Oden is at least 2-3 years before he makes a dominant impact
C) Randolph gives them immediate help
D) Durant gives them immediate help.
Everyone thinks that Oden is going to step in and dominate and make them a contender right away. He won’t. Drafting Oden doesn’t make them a title contender. Drafting Durant doesn’t make them a title contender. Why trade a proven vet to make room for a rookie who you THINK will be a star in 2-3-4-5 years?
That being said, I am not a fan of Portland so I hope they take Oden so I can see Durant play in Seattle.
May 24th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
I don’t think that Pritchard and the Blazers are Atlanta or Boston, they won’t trade a top tier talent for Kwame Brown or any other stiff the Lakers want to throw in unless they are named Odom and Bryant, which will never happen since we don’t want Odom and Kobe is obviously untouchable. Lewis for Randolph would make the Sonics a playoff team assuming they take Durant. You get a slasher/shooter (Durant) lethal shooter (Allen) and a guy who can score on anyone in the post and grab rebounds at both ends to go along with decent pointguards who can distribute. The Nets would be propelled to the top 3 or 4 in the East, with Kidd Randolph will be incredible, if even Mikki Moore can look solid. For Portland Lewis makes the most sense he gives the Blazers that needed scoring punch from small forward and would be a great compliment to the current and future (ODEN!) players. RJ from the Nets would be nice, but I’d much rather have Lewis, the better shooter of the two. That being said, thank goodness Trader Bob left or the Blazers would never be in this blessed position, they would have fallen in the late lottery after they acquired Ron Artest and Steve Francis whereupon Patterson/Nash would suggest they sign both to a 12 year $300 million deal and investigate trading Aldridge to the Pistons for Dale Davis.
May 24th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
ZBo for Kyle Korver plus Andre Miller works.
May 24th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Alternately, if you wanted to go with vets, Bobby Jackson and Peja Stojakovic for Randolph and Dan Dickau works. Peja’s contract is pretty long, though.
May 24th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Miller and Korver might be the second best trade I’ve heard.
Don’t think anyone wants Peja, his big contract, and his injuries.
May 24th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
How about one of the Atlanta small forwards, like Josh Childress, for Randolph? Atlanta has cap room, so they could take on more salary than they send and if you put Randolph with Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Marvin Williams, plus whatever Atlanta gets with the #3 and #11 picks you’d have a likely playoff team. Childress or Williams or Smith would be big upgrades over the current SF on the blazers.
May 24th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
The Sixers would never make that deal. They would be left with no point guard.
May 24th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Unless they draft Acie Law.
May 24th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
A deal w/Atlanta that I looked at and matched up salary-wise (if I’m remembering right) was Joe Johnson and Josh Smith for Randolph and Dickau. Johnson’s the only guy with a contract big enough to balance the deal, and he doesn’t fit brilliantly on the Blazers, I don’t think…
What would be ideal, of course, would be for the Hawks to draft Conley and then swap him (with Johnson) for Randolph and change, but that ain’t happening.
May 24th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
But would Portland want Joe Johnson? Brandon Roy is the same player at the same position, but at a much, much lower salary.
May 25th, 2007 at 2:19 am
Johnson seems like he’d be big enough to slide over and start at the 3 for Portland — that was my thinking, anyway — but I could be wrong, didn’t watch much ball this past season.
May 25th, 2007 at 5:00 am
Why not just trade cash for Rashard Lewis and keep Zack?
Magloire’s slot should be plenty big. Nate is his buddy. Just down the freeway… fills the small forward spot perfectly.
What a great break for Nate and his defensive concept. Oden and Lewis! Boy is he going to have fun.
Not the title, yet, but Oden will have an impact first year. He joins some truly great talent in Roy and LMA (watch for their impact next year!). Add Lewis AND Zack to the mix, with lots of athletic depth, and you have a very competitive team. The rookie doesn’t have to do it all, and keeping Zach is best because of the double teams opening the lane up to Oden.
Add the first pick of second round and nice trades are still possible withhout touching your 20/10. Always better to add All-Star players.
May 25th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
If you trade with Atlanta, you don’t need to match salaries. Atlanta’s way under the salary cap, so they can take more salary then they send — that’s why a trade is relativley easy.
No way they’re trading either Josh Smith or Joe Johnson — Johnson is better than Randolph and Smith looks like he will be in a couple of years. Childress is probably the forward they could get, and before you scoff, remember this is a guy who was the #7 pick a couple of years ago and he is much better than most people realize. It’s like when Atlanta traded Diaw — most people had no idea how good he was, but if you watched the Hawks, it was obvious. Childress is the same kind of player as Diaw, but better.
June 17th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
why dont the bulls draft conley or acie law at 9 and than trade him along with a sign and trade with nocioni at about 7-8 mil for 3-5 years to make salaries match? This would help both teams remarkably as in the bulls by giving them their low post scorer while also keeping their core 3 impact. And than to get one more big guard for the bulls trade duhon along with khryapa and both 2nd round picks for a mid 1st rounder to get sum1 like javaris crittendon or something. As for what this does to the cap is that it might put them over when they decide to give gordon and deng their deserved contract extentions so than i guess you just have to live with that and take the luxary tax because if a lineup of gordon, deng, hinrich, wallace, and randolph along with ty thomas, thabo coming off the bench is an instant title contender. AS for the blazers this really helps them more down the line because they do need a tough nosed small forward that nocioni would give them, plus the 6-7 million that they would save in contract money would also help them in money to resign a greg oden in the future after his preliminary draft contract. Also this would complete their rotation because tehy really have no true small forward at the moment and this would give them a power forward in aldrige, center in oden, roy and jack at the guards, and nocioni at the small forward.