Wolves/Blazers Trade?

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

William Bohl just tweeted:

"... Whatever is happening between the Blazers and Wolves doesn't involve Lillard. So it probably doesn't really matter much, big picture."

Anyone have any other ideas/leads what he's talking about? I couldn't imagine them already turning over Vonleh since they gave up Batum to get him. Other than that I don't know who else we could really use outside of Lillard. Ed Davis isn't a guaranteed upgrade at the 4. Unless we're dumping one of our 2's to get Henderson I think the 4 is really the only spot we would be looking to upgrade right?

[Carlos Danger]

Just a big rumor at this point from what I can see. No names or any concrete info. Just speculation by guys looking for some clicks:

http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2015/08/wolves-blazers-explored-major-trade.html

[Lipoli390]

Apparently the deal being discussed is dead.

[bleedspeed]

I think in the zone was talking about this. They said it would have involved Pek.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I hope that any rumored deal stays dead, because with Portland's payroll so low and the Wolves over the cap, the only kind of deal that would have made sense would have been a salary shedding deal for the Wolves. And Portland wouldn't have done that without getting back something of value. I wouldn't be surprised if Portland came to Flip to offer to take on two big contracts...say, Bennett and Pekovic...if we would also give them a player like Muhammad. I would have hated that.

[Monster]

It sounds like this was really nothing but Triano is a Blazers assistant so I could see Bennett landing there although the Blazers have plenty of guys (17 on the roster) and I don't know what value they have on some of them. They have a ton of bigs so it seems doubtful. That's a ton of cap room yo work with the Blazers should be able to pick up some assets this season taking on salary like the 6ers have done.

[TeamRicky [enjin:6648771]]

I hope that any rumored deal stays dead, because with Portland's payroll so low and the Wolves over the cap, the only kind of deal that would have made sense would have been a salary shedding deal for the Wolves. And Portland wouldn't have done that without getting back something of value. I wouldn't be surprised if Portland came to Flip to offer to take on two big contracts...say, Bennett and Pekovic...if we would also give them a player like Muhammad. I would have hated that.

If the Blazers offer an unprotected first rounder next year, they can have Bazz, Pek and AB. But other than that, no reason to pay to shed contracts.

[TeamRicky [enjin:6648771]]

http://dunkingwithwolves.com/2015/08/22/wolves-trade-that-wasnt-friday-night-on-nba-twitter/

This article suggests to me that the most likely scenario discussed was Gerald Henderson for Bennett swap. Assuming we don't tender AB, both would be free agents, next year. I do like that Henderson plays defense so I would be on the happy side of ok if this deal goes through (as long as we aren't giving up a pick in the trade).

[Monster]

Blazer GM: Milt how is Flipper doing?

Milt: Terrific you know Flip he is gonna beat this thing.

BGM: So Bennett is available right?

Milt: What are you willing to give up for him?

BGM: How are you feeling about Mike Miller?

Milt: Is Miller wanting to coach?

BGM: That's not what I meant but no he still wants to play.

Milt: I'd rather watch Bennett play.

BGM: Alright man give Flipper my best.

Milt: Will do talk to you later.

[Lipoli390]

I don't see how a Bennett for Henderson trade makes sense for the Wolves. The wing positions are already crowded with Wiggins, LaVine, Shabazz, Martin, Prince and Bjelica. I suspect that the Blazers made an inquiry about Pek and demanded too much in return for taking Pek's salary off the Wolves' ledger. i suspect the Blazers were asking for Dieng or Shabazz. There is absolutely no way Flip would or should give up either of those two in exchange for offloading Pek's salary. In any event, no doubt there were never any serious negotiations. The only reliable source on the Wolves is Jon Kraw. Doggie is notoriously inaccurate, but even he wasn't reporting that a deal was in the works.

Anyone with cap space interested in trading for Pek should not expect any players or assets in return other than Pek and either Bennett or Payne, possibly along with Rudez and Lorenzo Brown. That's it! The Wolves aren't in a position where they have to unload Pek. The Wolves' roster is complete for the season with no danger of hitting the luxury tax threshold. The Wolves are also well-positioned to avoid the luxury tax next season without jettisoning Pek's contract. Then the following season, Pek will have only one year left on his deal. At that point, if Pek is healthy his $11.6 million for that remaining season will be a great bargain under the new cap. Otherwise, Pek will have substantial value at that point as a sizable expiring contract. And for all we know, Pek's latest surgery may have solved his problem, in which case he'll be a very positive contributor to the Wolves or a hot trade asset in February.

Bottom line: there is absolutely no justification for giving up decent assets to offload Pek.