Minnesota Sports Forum

http://www.slamonline.com/nba/knicks-blazers-trade-moe-harkless/#Vij9GcdwMDIox8AB.97

The New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers have reportedly had preliminary discussions about a trade involving Moe Harkless and draft picks.
Portland is allegedly willing to package a 2017 first-round pick (No. 15, 20 or 26) in order to shed Harkless' salary. Per ESPN:

Talks between New York and Portland are believed to be in the early stages, but at least one scenario discussed involved an additional player from Portland being sent in a trade, according to sources. Portland's Moe Harkless is one player who was discussed in a possible trade scenario, sources told ESPN.

It is unclear which players outside of Harkless have been discussed. It's worth noting that the Blazers have nearly $133 million in guaranteed contracts on their books for the 2017-18 season, so they may be looking to shed salary in any transaction involving their first-round pick.
Harkelss, 24, averaged a career-high 10.0 points on 50.3 percent shooting after signing a 4-year, $42 million extension last summer.

Comment: This is exactly the type of deal we need to take advantage of. I like Harkless and his salary is not too bad, but I'd really like another pick in this draft as there will be some nice players that drop to late first round. I could see Portland, if all thing are equal, preferring to trade with the Knicks or Nets, but I'd be willing to try to put together a more favorable deal if need be. Maybe we take on another player (Aminu, Crabbe, Ezeli or Leonard) or throw them rights to Dubs or take the worst of the first rounders. Harkless would give us an upgrade over Bazz and he's only 24.

That sounds too good to be true. If the Blazers were willing to pay me to take Moe Harkless back I would do that deal all day long. Heck I would take Harkless without being paid to do so. That's exactly the type of trade I would LOVE to see. I would think they are trying to unload another unsavory contract like Turner or Leonard because a non lottery 1st round pick isn't enough to make that happen.

I agree with Monster that it sounds too good to be true. But if it is true, then the Wolves should get in on the action.

I don't see a salary dump happening with a division rival unless we take Turner off their hands as well.

Who knows this might happen but I do think it is funny all of the Knicks rumors getting a great deal.

Rose for rubio

Now Harkness and a 1st for nothing

The Blazers are reported to be going after Paul George also, since CJ McCollum is good friends with him. The thing is, not one Salary besides maybe Aminu is worth is right now. But I am a huge fan of Harkless and his quiet swagger and defensive attitude. Wolves need to be involved somehow

Would anyone do Crabbe/Harkless/#15/#20 for Aldrich?

End game for Portland.....saves them $20MM. If they truly want/need to dump a bunch of salary, we are one of a couple teams that could do it. I hate Crabbe's contract, but he is a young shooter that we could certainly use. I like Harkless for this team as well. I take him, and let Bazz walk.

There are still some interesting players in this draft at that 15-20 spot. Collins, Anunoby, Justin Jackson, Anigbogu, Giles, etc. Or, perhaps you package those two picks and move up for a guy like Collins. Leaves some flexibility.

Crabbe might be too much to take on....but something to think about.

Hicks123 wrote:Would anyone do Crabbe/Harkless/#15/#20 for Aldrich?

End game for Portland.....saves them $20MM. If they truly want/need to dump a bunch of salary, we are one of a couple teams that could do it. I hate Crabbe's contract, but he is a young shooter that we could certainly use. I like Harkless for this team as well. I take him, and let Bazz walk.

There are still some interesting players in this draft at that 15-20 spot. Collins, Anunoby, Justin Jackson, Anigbogu, Giles, etc. Or, perhaps you package those two picks and move up for a guy like Collins. Leaves some flexibility.

Crabbe might be too much to take on....but something to think about.

I would do that immediately. If Lavine is not ready in the beginning of the season, Crabbe could take his place in rotation. IN best case he would replace Lavine's production and Wolves could trade either of the players when Lavine is healthy and get some value back.

But I doubt Portland would be willing to add first round picks to get rid of Crabbe. I would guess Brooklyn would be willing to give at least second rounder to get him since they offered that contract to Crabbe last year. Maybe they would be even willing to give their first round pick from Boston.

Evan Turner's contract is a different story. I guess no one would trade for it unless they get first rounder with it. Personally I wound't take it even with the first rounder.

Crabbe has a trade bonus in his contract (15% I heard), so his contract gets even more ridiculous. I believe even the Nets don't touch him, they constructed that contract to be untouchable.

Brooklyn_Wolves wrote:Crabbe has a trade bonus in his contract (15% I heard), so his contract gets even more ridiculous. I believe even the Nets don't touch him, they constructed that contract to be untouchable.

Good point mentioning the trade bonus that does make that contract more difficult to move. It does kick in for just 2 more years as the 4th year of his contract is an option year. That 4th year becomes a bit of a problem though if you deal for him because if he isn't as good as you hope he is then you are stuck with him for that that year but if he is good...then you either worry about losing him or having to pay him even more.

The Nets cant trade for him since the signed him to the original contract. If they could IMO they would still be pulling the trigger even with the trade kicker.