Like we told you last month, it sounds like Portland is attempting to land their much-needed
point guard.
A source with knowledge of the situation has told TKB that Portland is talking with Philadelphia about Andre Miller, who is apparently very available.
We’ve noted for some time that despite their fascination with adding the likes of David Lee, the Blazers are willing to use Raef Lafrentz’ s contract to bring back a veteran QB who would add great leadership to the team. It is their hope that Miller, a savvy floor general who can do it all, can be the difference in the team making a serious playoff push.
The details of any possible deal are hazy but it appears that a third team may have to be involved. Ed Stefanski, admittedly, is at a crossroads with his team and despite scoffing at Elton Brand rumors, the 76ers GM has not openly ruled out dealing Miller.
Miller would add a great deal to the Blazers’ playoff hopes as the team is desperately in need of a floor general. Steve Blake, who did an admirable job, is out and the team has been leaning on Brandon Roy to play the one with rookie Jerryd Bayless shouldering much of the load as well. Acquiring Miller would allow Roy to play his natural off guard position as well as bring a sense of leadership to a young team much like the addition of Chauncey Billups did for Denver.
Stay tuned.
That trade would be great for the Blazers. Maybe it could allow us to get Bayless for a cheaper price because their guard rotation would be packed with Roy and Fernandez at the shooting guard spots and Andre Miller, plus Blake (and Rodriguez) at the point.
Maybe they would like to get an expiring contract like Malik Rose (that could turn out to be dangerous for us regarding Lee’s situation this summer though) or a second round draft pick which is always a valuable trade asset for the future. I always said it and I’ll say it again, getting Bayless would be great for the Knicks and if the Blazers get Andre Miller in the next few weeks it would be easier for us to get him.
Good deal for Portland, especially if all they have to part with is Lafrentz.
I think Miller for LaFrenz straight up is a salary cap match.. No third team is really needed.. Not sure what Philly gets from this deal as Miller is expiring as well.
I would bet that it would take more than Raef to get Miller in return. The Blazers are loaded with young talent, draft picks, and unsigned draft picks.
This would be great for us because Miller is the engine that makes them run and I believe it would result in them slipping out of the 7th seed, depending on who they got in return. Philly desperately needs 3pt shooting, so I think whoever they get will fill that void. What if the player they’re after is Bayless?
I too, would love bayless, but I don’t think there is any possibility that we get him. I think we had our chance last year.
Bayless was available even in december, but I know that his value has increased since the New Jersey game. Maybe it’s too late but depending on what they would be giving up for Andre Miller (if that happens) and which guards they would decide to keep, that could push him to the exit.
We should have done something before though, in my opinion.
I think we can get a good PG at this year’s draft even with the 16th pick. besides we don’t have the pieces to deal with the Blazers. i’m sure they don’t want Marbury.