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With impending free agency right around the corner, it appears that one suitor who was once 
hot and heavy for David Lee, no longer has interest.
A source close to the Blazers braintrust has informed TKB that the Blazers seem to have an off season plan in place and that they are desperately trying to move Martell Webster, Sergio Rodriguez and Travis Outlaw so they can make a play for Orlando’s Hedo Turkoglu. As we’ve reported, Andre Miller is also a target with Jason Kidd’s name popping up as well should Miller remain in Philly.
With an estimated Salary Cap of $57 Million for the upcoming 2009-10 season, you would figure that both Miller and Turkoglu would demand a combined $20 million (roughly) so the Blazers could make it work if they can dump a few salaries.
The Blazers did have their sights on Lee during the season, but now are zoned in on Turkoglu, which removes a team with cap space from the Lee situation, unless the team works out a sign and trade in July.
The Blazers organization is enamored with the big forward who can shoot based on Hedo’s play for the Magic this year. It appears they would think that if they were to spend the money, they’d rather strengthen their perimeter offense, which Lee does not bring.
In addition, they loved what they saw in Denver’s acquiring Chauncey Billups and are serious about adding a veteran quarterback with Miller atop the list.
“Hedo and the point guard are the targets,” the source told me. “After whiffing at the trade deadline, they are primed to make some things happen. I don’t know if they are the right things, but they have a plan in motion.”
To add another layer, reports claim that the Blazers have their sites set on Stephen Curry and are trying to trade up, but from what our mole told us that is a long shot at best. Looking to add some size and energy, which is what Lee would bring, the Blazers are gauging where Tyler Hansbrough status is and very well make a deal to snag the UNC product.
This should be good news for Lee in the sense that it could assure his stay in New York, which is where he wanted to be all along, albeit for a more modest salary. The Pistons and maybe the Bulls would also figure to be in the mix for Lee.
“…”There already been a lot of interest,” Lee told the Post’s Marc Berman. “There’s definitely a bunch of teams very interested. It’s a matter of how serious that interest is and what the Knicks want to do about it…”
But as it stands, one of the bigger one-time suitors is not in the mix at the moment.
Tommy- what is their back up plan should Hedo resign with Orlando?
Berman — as unreiable as he is — had a report Lee was on the Blazer’s list.
I dont give Berman much cred but give him props for going to the seaport yesterday in the rain to talk to Lee and Will.
I know it is for salary purposes, but I am baffled at all of these reports talking about the Blazers willingness to move Outlaw so easily. I like Outlaw as a player, but I am sure that there are short-comings in his game that drive people nuts in Portland. He’d be a great fit for us, especially if Wil gets dealt (which I think is very much unlikely).
Thank God!!! As i have made pretty clear in my comments, i am a HUGE David Lee fan, and really want the knicks to hold on to the fan favorite. This is music to my ears.
KEEP DAVE LEE!
Cheech: I fully agree. The knicks need blue collar David Lee. With a big, who will defend, along side of Lee, we will have a better team in the coming season. I hope a deal can be struck for the knicks to pay david 40 million for 5 years.
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