Trail Blazers Trade Rumors

Trail Blazers sign LaMarcus Aldridge to five-year extension
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October 23
Oregonian
 
"The Portland Trail Blazers have signed forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a five-year contract extension, it was announced today by General Manager Kevin Pritchard. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. "It's a blessing and I'm very thankful," said Aldridge. "I want to thank Paul Allen, Kevin Pritchard, Larry Miller, Nate McMillan and Tom Penn for giving me the opportunity to be in Portland for many years to come. I also want to thank the Portland fans, my friends and family for all of their support. I'm really happy we got this done and now I'm really excited to get the season started." Aldridge, 24, holds career averages of 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.11 blocks, ..."
Source: Aldridge to get $65M extension
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October 22
ESPN.com
 
"The Portland Trail Blazers have verbally agreed in principle to a contract extension with forward LaMarcus Aldridge, a source close to the process told ESPN.com on Wednesday. Aldridge Aldridge The extension is for five years and $65 milliion and will go into effect next season, the source said. If Aldridge achieves certain hard-to-reach incentives, his contract could ultimately be worth as much as $70 million."
Blazers excercise options on Oden, Batum, Fernandez and Bayless
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October 17
OregonLive.com
 
"The Portland Trail Blazers exercised their fourth-year option on center Greg Oden and third-year options on the contracts of guard/forward Rudy Fernandez, forward Nicolas Batum and guard Jerryd Bayless."
Talks with LaMarcus Aldridge take a turn for the better
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October 15
Oregonian
 
"With an Oct. 31 deadline nearing, general manager Kevin Pritchard said Wednesday the Trail Blazers and star forward LaMarcus Aldridge are "moving toward a deal" in which Aldridge would be a Blazer long term. After negotiating since July 1, Pritchard said talks with Aldridge's agent, Arn Tellem, took a decided turn for the better this week. "There has been movement," Pritchard said. "But I don't want to get the cart before the horse because I want to do this right. I want to make sure we are staying on the right path. But I feel like we are moving toward a deal. Now that doesn't mean we are going to get a deal done. Negotiations ebb and flow all the time, so I want to be cautious with that. ..."
Blazers' Andre Miller and Nate McMillan discuss Miller's role, controversial comments
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October 12
Oregonian
 
"After Sunday's Trail Blazers practice, point guard Andre Miller addressed the comments he made in this Yahoo Sports story and discussed a host of other issues, including his treatment by the Portland media, his desire to be in Portland and his relationship with coach Nate McMillan. Miller: You were quoted in the story as saying "If I was told right out when I had my meetings that I would be a backup, then I wouldn't have come (to Portland)." Is that accurate? "Yeah, that's accurate." Are you cool with your situation here? Is it a work in progress? "That's the mentality that every player should have. If it doesn't go my way, it doesn't go my way. But I'm going to continue to work hard ..."
LaMarcus Aldridge still waiting for long-term deal
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September 29
Oregonian
 
"LaMarcus Aldridge expressed displeasure and confusion Monday afternoon at the unresolved status of his contract negotiations with the Trail Blazers. Speaking publicly for the first time since negotiations started in July, Aldridge said at the team's annual media day that he was stunned the Blazers had not signed him to a long-term contract, particularly considering the prominent role he has played in helping transform the franchise into a Western Conference power. "I didn't think it would take this long," Aldridge said. "I thought that after what we did last year, having 54 wins and after the big change that's happened ... here, I just felt like it wouldn't be this hard to get it done. ..."
Collins to Portland; Malone's stepfather dies
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September 24
The Deseret News
 
"Barring any unforeseen or still-untold incidents, there will be no golf cart-related banter inside the Utah Jazz locker room this season. Also missing? A Stanford University presence. The Portland Trail Blazers confirmed Wednesday that longtime Jazz center Jarron Collins will participate in their upcoming training camp and has a shot at earning a spot on the roster of Utah's Northwest Division rivals. "We wanted an experienced big, and (Collins) has great experience and a wealth of knowledge for the game," Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard told The Oregonian. "He will have a chance to make our team." Collins has spent his entire eight-year NBA career with the Jazz, who picked up the ..."
LaMarcus Aldridge, Trail Blazers make progress in contract talks
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September 11
Oregonian
 
"Contract negotiations between the Trail Blazers and star forward LaMarcus Aldridge continue daily as the Oct. 31 deadline nears, but general manager Kevin Pritchard said it could take time and is a "complicated" process. The biggest problem is neither side knows what the figure for maximum contracts will be because the league doesn't release that information until July 2010, when the league sets its salary cap and reveals the figure for basketball-related income (BRI). When a player signs a maximum contract - like Blazers guard Brandon Roy did in August - the first year of his contract is approximately 25 percent of that year's BRI. The league typically releases those figures in the first ..."
Blazers rookie Jeff Pendergraph to undergo hip surgery
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September 8
Oregonian
 
"Trail Blazers rookie Jeff Pendergraph will undergo left hip surgery on Wednesday and is expected to miss a considerable portion of the season, although a timetable will be determined after the procedure. The second-round pick from Arizona State has an impingement in his left hip, a mechanical disorder that in Pendergraph's case, is congenital. Wednesday's surgery will be in Vail, Colo. Pendergraph has not signed a contract with the Blazers, but general manager Kevin Pritchard on Saturday said a deal was imminent. Indications are that the injury and subsequent surgery will not discourage the team from signing the power forward."
Blazers will take a look at Juwan Howard and Stromile Swift
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September 6
Oregonian
 
"Veterans Juwan Howard and Stromile Swift will audition for the Trail Blazers next week as the team looks to sign a backup power forward before training camp opens at the end of the month. Howard, a 15-year veteran, played in 42 games last season (three with Denver, 39 with Charlotte) and averaged 4.1 points and 1.8 rebounds. Swift, an 8-year veteran, played in 19 games last season (six with New Jersey, 13 with Phoenix). Both will scrimmage with current Blazers players over the next three weeks, and general manager Kevin Pritchard said he expects the team will sign one, or two, players before training camp starts on Sept. 28. The NBA allows teams to carry as many as 15 players; the Blazers ..."
LaMarcus Aldridge deal expected 'very soon'
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August 8
Portland Tribune
 
"Trail Blazers General Manager Kevin Pritchard said Friday that negotiations continue on a contract extension for Portland forward LaMarcus Aldridge. "We have been working on it," Pritchard said. "We're hopeful it gets done. Our intent is to have LaMarcus under a long-term contract very soon." Guard Brandon Roy, who has a new five-year deal, said locking up Aldridge "is extremely important. We have built a relationship on and off the court that has been important to our early success. Now it's time to get LaMarcus signed. He is a huge part of what we're trying to do. He is a future All-Star for years to come." • Roy said he liked Portland's signing of free-agent point guard Andre Miller. ..."
Miller finalizing deal with Portland
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July 24
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Andre Miller's agent, Andy Miller, has confirmed that within 24 hours Andre Miller will be a Portland Trailblazer. Andy Miller said the two parties are "finalizing" the deal today and it should become official within 24 hours. His client, who has been the 76ers starting point guard for the last 2-1/2 seasons, will receive a deal that one source said was "an improvement" over the deal the Sixers were offering, which was reportedly in the 1-year/$6 million range. Yesterday, Sixers General Manager Ed Stefanski removed the team's offer to Miller, essentially ending any chance of Miller returning to the Sixers. Last season, Miller started all 88 games (82 regular season, 6 playoff) at point ..."
76ers still at impasse with Andre Miller
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July 22
Oregonian
 
"Another conversation between 76ers president and general manager Ed Stefanski and the agent for free agent guard Andre Miller ended yesterday with no change to the status quo. "We are still in the sign-and-trade mode," Stefanski said about his talk with Andy Miller, with whom he has spoken frequently since NBA free agency began. Meanwhile, with 10 players under contract, the Sixers are looking to add four to their roster in time for the 2009-10 season. If Andre Miller opts to sign with another organization - the New York Daily News reported that Miller met yesterday with the Knicks and last week with the Portland Trail Blazers officials - it would preclude the Sixers from perhaps getting a ..."
Stymied Blazers taking a run at Sixers point guard Miller
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July 22
NBA.com
 
"Twice spurned in their attempts to sign a high-profile free agent this summer, the Portland Trail Blazers are jumping back into the fray, opening discussions with the agent for Philadelphia 76ers free-agent point guard Andre Miller, according to sources. A deal is not imminent, but there has been progress made toward resolving Miller's status, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions. The Blazers have been looking to upgrade at point guard but didn't get very far in talks with Dallas guard Jason Kidd (who re-signed with the Mavericks) or Phoenix's Steve Nash (who agreed to a two-year, $22 million extension with the Suns on Monday). Portland was not looking hard at Miller ..."
Blazers 'opening discussions' with Sixers' Andre Miller
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July 22
Oregonian
 
"The Philadelphia Inquirer (by way of the NY Daily News) wrote this morning 76ers free agent point guard Andre Miller met with Blazers officials last week. And Tuesday afternoon, David Aldridge of NBA.com says Portland is "opening discussions" with Miller: The Blazers have been looking to upgrade at point guard but didn't get very far in talks with Dallas guard Jason Kidd (who re-signed with the Mavericks) or Phoenix's Steve Nash (who agreed to a two-year, $22 million extension with the Suns on Monday). Portland was not looking hard at Miller because the Blazers thought they needed to add someone to the roster with more perimeter shooting skills than the 33-year-old. But with $7.7 million ..."
Trade likeliest scenario left for Blazers
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July 18
Portland Tribune
 
"The Jazz weren't going to allow an over-the-top offer by a Northwest Division rival steal away the 24-year-old power forward. It was strike two for the Blazers, who were spurned by free agent Hedo Turkoglu (Toronto) earlier this month. What next? Most of the top-tier free agents - Millsap, Mike Bibby, Jason Kidd, Ron Artest, Trevor Ariza, Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Grant Hill and Rasheed Wallace - have been snapped up. Portland General Manager Kevin Pritchard indicated earlier this week that, if the Jazz were to match on Millsap, he would continue discussions on free-agent signings and trades. A trade would seem the likeliest scenario."
Portland's Blazing a trail for Knicks forward David Lee
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July 18
New York Daily News
 
"could be back on Portland's radar now that Utah Jazz has decided to match the offer sheet the Trail Blazers gave to free agent Paul Millsap. Utah's move means that Portland has now lost its two main targets this summer. Two weeks ago, the Blazers had a handshake agreement with Hedo Turkoglu but hours later Turkoglu reneged on the deal to join the Toronto Raptors instead. Millsap signed a front-loaded, four-year, $32 million offer from Portland. Lee, a restricted free agent, is looking for a deal that will pay him between $10 million and $12 million annually. Lee's price tag has scared off potential suitors and he is, at best, third on Portland's list, after Lakers forward Lamar Odom and ..."
Utah Jazz match Portland offer to Millsap
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July 17
The Deseret News
 
"Paul Millsap stays. That much was made known today, when — one day prior to the deadline for doing so — it was decided by the Jazz that they'd definitely be matching the four-year $32 offer sheet that their restricted free agent power forward signed late last week with the Portland Trail Blazers. That would be with the one with about $10.3 million — including a $5.6 million bonus, and approximately $4.7 million of $6.3 first-season salary — due to be paid before the end of the month. When Carlos Boozer goes, however, remains to be seen. When word on Millsap leaked late this afternoon, it prompted speculation that either a trade for on-the-block power forward Boozer was about to be made — ..."
Millsap could become Jazz's loan ranger
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July 14
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Brother, can you spare $10.3 million? While Utah Jazz CEO Greg Miller, president Randy Rigby and vice president of basketball operations Kevin O'Connor haven't hit the streets and started panhandling in search of the quick cash they need to keep Paul Millsap, the team's decision-makers have been exploring urgent ways to raise money. The solution, apparently, could come in the form of a bank loan. The Jazz have until the end of the week to match the four-year, $32 million offer sheet that Millsap signed with the Portland Trail Blazers and keep with young power forward in Utah. The total amount of the offer did not blindside the Jazz, team officials have said. But the tricky part about ..."
Millsap's contract causing concern
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July 12
The Deseret News
 
"It's been described as hefty, substantial, explosive and even toxic. Whether the offer sheet restricted free agent Paul Millsap signed with the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night — for four years and roughly $32 million, including a whopping $10.3 million or so payable within a week — is noxious enough to keep the Jazz from matching it, however, remains to be seen. "The indication I got is that they're not going to do it," said Millsap's representative and uncle, DeAngelo Simmons. Yet even while somewhat mixed signals seemed to be coming from the franchise's front office Saturday, general manager Kevin O'Connor did have this to say regarding Jazz ownership: "I don't think the Miller ..."
Sources: Jazz shopping Boozer
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July 11
ESPN.com
 
"The Portland Trail Blazers elected Friday not to wait on trade possibilities, deciding instead to offer Utah Jazz restricted free agent Paul Millsap a four-year contract worth $32 million, according to sources with knowledge of the Blazers' plans. The Jazz, meanwhile, are expected to continue their push to trade Carlos Boozer in response, with the intent of creating sufficient distance from the luxury-tax line to enable Utah to match the Millsap offer. The Blazers front-loaded the contract to make it difficult for Utah to match their offer. They gave Millsap at $5.6 million signing bonus and agreed to pay him $4.7 million of his first-year, $6.3 million salary the day the contract becomes ..."
Blazers make offer to Millsap
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July 11
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"The Portland Trail Blazers signed Paul Millsap to an offer sheet Friday worth between $32 million and $36 million over four years, setting the stage for a wild week in which the Jazz must decide about matching the offer to Millsap, possibly trading Carlos Boozer or improbably keeping both power forwards. The offer sheet to Millsap contains a significant signing bonus, agent DeAngelo Simmons confirmed, serving as an added disincentive to the Jazz on top of their luxury-tax considerations. Under NBA rules, the signing bonus could total up to 17.5 percent of the contract's value. The Jazz have seven days to decide about matching. The Jazz's decision could be to match the offer to Millsap ..."
Jazz brass debate Millsap match
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July 11
The Deseret News
 
"To match, or not to match. That is the question being faced by the Jazz now that restricted free agent Paul Millsap, their backup power forward, signed an offer sheet from the Portland Trail Blazers. The offer is for four years, said Millsap's representative and uncle, DeAngelo Simmons, after it was signed late Friday night. The contract — worth approximately $32 million — contains no team options, and player opt-out or early termination options. It also is structured, Simmons said, with a significant signing bonus — the so-called "toxic" element, as first reported by the Oregonian newspaper in Portland last Wednesday night, designed to discourage Utah from matching. "It's a deal Paul ..."
Pritchard confirms Millsap offer; agent says Millsap will sign tonight
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July 11
Oregonian
 
"Free agent Paul Millsap on Friday night signed an offer sheet from the Trail Blazers for a four-year contract, setting in motion a process that will allow the Utah Jazz seven days to match the offer. Agent DeAngelo Simmons, who is Millsap's cousin, said the Blazers' offer is for four years. Neither Simmons nor Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard disclosed the contract's monetary figure, but ESPN reported the offer to be between $32 million and $36 million with a "hefty" signing bonus. Simmons said Millsap, 24, has assured the Blazers he would accept a role playing behind Blazers rising star LaMarcus Aldridge, who turns 24 on July 19. In his three years in Utah, Millsap has started 41 ..."
Carlos Boozer deal 'not going to happen' for Bulls
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July 11
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Portland Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard poured cold water Friday over the little smoke left from what was the Carlos Boozer-to-the-Bulls, three-team trade rumor that ESPN.com started Thursday. How's this for synergy? ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard shot down the story during a ''Sportscenter'' broadcast. Broussard quoted Pritchard as saying the deal is ''not going to happen,'' despite his team's strong desire to trade for Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich. Hinrich reportedly was headed to the Blazers in the deal. Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas would have gone to the Utah Jazz and Boozer to the Bulls. The Jazz is desperate to dump Boozer's $12.7 million salary. Bulls coach Vinny Del ..."
Boozer's name bounced around
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July 10
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"As they awaited word Thursday of a contract offer - toxic or otherwise - by Portland to restricted free agent forward Paul Millsap, the Jazz also were hit by the first wave in what could prove a sea of Carlos Boozer trade rumors. According to an ESPN.com report, the Jazz have discussed a three-team deal with Portland and Chicago that would deliver Boozer to the Bulls, Kirk Hinrich to the Trail Blazers and Tyrus Thomas to the Jazz. Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor, who spent Thursday traveling back from the Orlando summer league, declined to comment about the report. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said he had not been briefed on any possible trades. Thomas, the former No. 4 overall pick in ..."
Blazers confirm talks with Utah's Paul Millsap
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July 10
Oregonian
 
"The Trail Blazers on Thursday confirmed their interest in free agent Paul Millsap, but general manager Kevin Pritchard said the team has yet to extend an offer to the Utah power forward. "We are looking at all our options," Pritchard said. "I wouldn't say we're just looking at (Millsap). We are talking with him, that I can verify. But he's not the only person we're talking to." Other free agents the Blazers are believed to be talking to are power forward Brandon Bass, small forward Lamar Odom and point guard Raymond Felton. Millsap, however, has been identified as the team's top priority. Millsap and Felton are restricted free agents, which allows their teams seven days to match an offer. ..."
Sources: Boozer could go to Chicago
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July 9
ESPN.com
 
"Another major multiteam trade might be looming in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls having discussed a deal that would be headlined by Carlos Boozer and Kirk Hinrich, according to NBA front-office sources. Sources stressed to ESPN.com that no deal was imminent Thursday and that both Portland and Utah are still evaluating multiple trade scenarios. But two sources with knowledge of the three-team proposal confirmed that there have been substantive talks regarding a trade that would land Boozer in Chicago, Hinrich in Portland and Tyrus Thomas in Utah. A deal featuring those main components would deliver the elite low-post scorer that the Bulls have been ..."
Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
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July 9
The Deseret News
 
"His representative says he hasn't received a firm contract proposal from the Jazz, but Paul Millsap reportedly has one coming from another NBA team. It's from the Portland Trail Blazers, and it apparently is a doozy. The Oregonian newspaper reported on its Web site Wednesday night that the Trail Blazers "have settled on (Millsap as) their next target" and that they're "preparing what one source called a 'toxic' offer designed to exterminate interest from other teams." Neither financial terms nor length of the offer were reported. But the Blazers, according to the Oregonian, "are hoping Millsap provides some interior grit and toughness" and "figure to exhaust nearly all of their (team ..."
Report: Blazers targeting Millsap
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July 9
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"The Portland Trail Blazers are preparing an offer to restricted free agent forward Paul Millsap that will test the Jazz's resolve to match, according to a report Wednesday night on The Oregonian 's Web site. The Blazers originally courted Hedo Turkoglu at the start of free agency before Turkoglu backed out of a commitment and opted to sign with Toronto. After exploring trade options, Portland apparently has targeted Millsap next. The Jazz have committed to match whatever offer Millsap receives, but doing so could push their payroll past $80 million, leaving them to incur $10 million or more in the NBA's dollar-for-dollar luxury-tax penalties. Should they not match, however, the Jazz ..."
Blazers preparing offer for Utah's Paul Millsap
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July 9
Oregonian
 
"After a series of trades fell through this week, the Trail Blazers have settled on their next target: Utah power forward Paul Millsap. Although Millsap is a restricted free agent, meaning the Jazz can match any offer, the Blazers are preparing what one source called a "toxic" offer designed to exterminate interest from other teams. Millsap, 24, is a bruising and active player who excels at rebounding. Despite being only 6-foot-8, Millsap last season used his 250-pound frame to average 13.5 points and 8.6 rebounds in 30.1 minutes per game. His 3.3 offensive rebounds per game ranked fourth in the NBA and his 251 offensive rebounds ranked sixth. If Millsap signs an offer sheet accepting the ..."
Trail Blazers interested in Lamar Odom
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July 7
OregonLive.com
 
"Ken Berger at cbssports.com is reporting that "a coaching source" said the Trail Blazers are interested in Lamar Odom. Despite reports that the Trail Blazers were preparing to make a major bid for Knicks restricted free agent David Lee, a coaching source familiar with the situation said Portland is more interested in the Lakers' Lamar Odom. And the source described the Odom situation with Portland as "lukewarm.""
Portland Trail Blazers mull options beyond signing Knicks' David Lee
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July 5
New York Daily News
 
"While David Lee waits for an offer from the Portland Trail Blazers, the club is still debating whether to throw its resources at Lamar Odom or Andre Miller, according to a source close to the team. The Blazers had a verbal agreement with Hedo Turkoglu on Friday, only to lose him hours later to the Toronto Raptors. Odom, who is looking for a deal that would pay him $10 million annually, has skills similar to those of Turkoglu. The Lakers have said they want to re-sign Odom and Odom says his first preference is to return to Los Angeles. Miller is another possibility for the Blazers, but it is unlikely that Miller and Lee each will command $10 million per season. Most teams are in a ..."
Hedo Turkoglu rejects Blazers, ends negotiations
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July 4
Oregonian
 
""He's not coming," a source familiar with the negotiations said. In the end, it wasn't the money, it wasn't the team, and it wasn't the length of the contract. "It just wasn't the right fit," the source said. "When you are talking about that much money, everybody involved has to feel great. If you don't on either side, it doesn't work." ESPN's Ric Bucher reported that Turkoglu's wife was a major factor in the decision, as she would prefer to live in Toronto over Portland. The Raptors were the Blazers' staunchest opponent in the race to sign the 6-foot-10 forward, and they appear to be the likely destination for the 30-year-old. It capped a wild day of erroneous reports that Turkoglu ..."
Turkoglu breaks off talks
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July 4
Oregonian
 
"The Oregonian has learned that free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu has rejected an offer to sign with the Trail Blazers and has ended negotiations with the team. He will leave town tomorrow morning. More to come. PREVIOUS STORY Despite published reports to the contrary, Hedo Turkoglu has not reached an agreement with the Trail Blazers, a team source announced at 2:20 p.m. Friday. ESPN first reported that a deal had been reached in principle, but general manager Kevin Pritchard and Turkoglu agent Lon Babby have not confirmed the deal. The 6-foot-10 small forward, one of the top commodities in this year's free agent market, arrived in Portland on Thursday afternoon and is expected to leave ..."
Trail Blazers refute reports deal is done with Hedo Turkoglu
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July 3
Oregonian
 
"Despite published reports to the contrary, Hedo Turkoglu has not reached an agreement with the Trail Blazers, a team source announced at 2:20 p.m. Friday. ESPN first reported that a deal had been reached in principle, but general manager Kevin Pritchard and Turkoglu agent Lon Babby have not confirmed the deal. The 6-foot-10 small forward, one of the top commodities in this year's free agent market, arrived in Portland on Thursday afternoon and is expected to leave Saturday morning. If a deal is struck, the Blazers can not officially sign Turkoglu until July 8, when the league's free agent moratorium is lifted. Teams have been allowed to contact and negotiate with free agents since midnight ..."
Turkoglu, Blazers agree
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July 3
ESPN.com
 
"Hedo Turkoglu has reached an agreement in principle to join the Portland Trail Blazers, according to sources. Although a verbal commitment may be announced sooner, the terms of the contract cannot be finalized until Wednesday, after the NBA informs teams what next year's salary cap will be. Turkoglu The Orlando Magic's recent trade for Vince Carter, who has a large salary and plays small forward -- which is Turkoglu's position -- made it highly unlikely Turkoglu would be back in Orlando. The Toronto Raptors expressed interest, but that was constrained by their other efforts to keep Shawn Marion and Carlos Delfino. Turkoglu, a 6-10 forward from Turkey who played a prominent role in the ..."
Report: Rudy Fernandez 'unhappy' with Blazers
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July 2
OregonLive.com
 
"Chris Sheridan and ESPN.com have been told today by "sources" of some displeasure coming out of Spain surrounding the Trail Blazers possible acquisition of free agent Hedo Turkoglu: Portland's pursuit of a certain player from Turkey has infuriated the Trail Blazers' lone remaining Spanish player, Rudy Fernandez, to the point where he'd prefer to play in Greece, Russia or even Spain again, ESPN.com learned Tuesday.A league source told ESPN.com that Fernandez has already been courted informally by European powerhouses Olympiacos, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and CSKA Moscow as word spread that the Blazers had become the apparent front-runners to land free agent Hedo Turkoglu."
Turkoglu to meet with Blazers' hierarchy
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July 1
ESPN.com
 
"Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan is flying to Orlando to have a Wednesday night dinner with the Blazers' top free-agent target, Hedo Turkoglu. Turkoglu's agent, Lon Babby, said Wednesday that Turkoglu will then travel to Oregon for a Thursday tour of the Blazers' facilities and meetings with Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard and assistant GM Tom Penn. With the Blazers projected to have $8 million to $9 million in salary-cap space this summer -- with firm figures not known until the league announces next season's salary cap on July 8 -- and the Orlando Magic lacking the financial flexibility to re-sign Turkoglu after trading for Vince Carter last week, Turkoglu is widely ..."
Blazers open for business in '09 free agent market
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July 1
Oregonian
 
"Wednesday is the day Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard has been pinpointing for years: The opening of the 2009 NBA free agent market. With calculated trades and contract decisions, Pritchard has positioned the Blazers to have a payroll of $50 million, making them one of five teams that expect to come in under the NBA's salary cap, which is expected to be announced July 8. Because the Blazers will be under the cap, they can lure a free agent by offering the amount they are under, which is expected to be between $7 million and $9 million. Or the Blazers could opt to make an uneven trade, meaning they can execute a deal without having to match the salaries of the players ..."
Blazers pursue Hedo Turkoglu as NBA free agency opens
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July 1
Oregonian
 
"The Trail Blazers' summer agenda was revealed late Tuesday night at the minute the free agent market opened. That's when general manager Kevin Pritchard and assistant general manager Tom Penn called agent Lon Babby to begin the courtship of small forward Hedo Turkoglu. "Kevin Pritchard and Tom Penn called me at the earliest possible moment and expressed enthusiasm for engaging in discussions about Hedo becoming a Trail Blazer," Babby said late Tuesday night. "We have begun that process." Pritchard said he first contacted guard Brandon Roy and forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who both are seeking contract extensions with the Blazers, before inquiring about Turkoglu. Turkoglu, 30, is a 6-foot-10 ..."
Here's your rundown on the Trail Blazers and free agency
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July 1
Portland Tribune
 
"Wednesday is a big day in the NBA, the day when team executives can begin the process of negotiating contracts with players and trades with other teams. There's little doubt that the cell phone of Portland General Manager Kevin Pritchard is getting a workout. The Trail Blazers won't know until next Tuesday the exact number at which the league's salary cap is set, but they figure they'll be somewhere between $7 million and $8 million under the cap, which should be in the $58 million range. That affords the opportunity to do a lot of things. Portland can do an uneven trade - meaning, it can send a player making a certain salary to another team and reap a player with a higher salary in ..."
Trail Blazers will not make a qualifying offer to Channing Frye
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June 30
Oregonian
 
"Channing Frye's two-year stint with the Trail Blazers officially ended Monday when general manager Kevin Pritchard said the team has decided not to make a qualifying offer to the 26-year-old free agent power forward. The move allows Frye to become an unrestricted free agent, and prevents the Blazers from having the right to match an offer from another team. The Blazers had until midnight on Tuesday to make a $4.6 million qualifying offer to Frye, who made $3.1 million last season. "We are going to open up some cap space,'' Pritchard said. "But we are very thankful for what Channing did and has done. He has been terrific for us.'' It was an expected move as the Blazers prepare to become a ..."
Shaquille O'Neal said no to a trade with the Trail Blazers
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June 28
Oregonian
 
"Ian Thomson of Sports Illustrated is reporting that Shaquille O'Neal nixed a potential trade involving Raef LaFrentz's expiring contract that would have sent him to Portland before last season's trade deadline back in February. "During the middle of the season, Steve said Portland was interested," said O'Neal. "He said was I interested in going to Portland? I told him no, so he stopped that." The Blazers, however, are adamant that they didn't try to trade for Shaq in February. "Why would we when we've got Greg (Oden) developing and we've already got (Joel) Przybilla?" said a Blazers official who asked to remain anonymous. "If were in go-for-it mode, maybe we would be more interested." ..."
Bigger moves ahead for Blazers
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June 26
Portland Tribune
 columnist Kerry Eggers
"Portland gave away reserve point guard Sergio Rodriguez - who was going to have to fight for reserve minutes with Jerryd Bayless at best next season - to Sacramento to save $1.5 million on the salary cap. The Blazers preserved the nucleus of their roster and gave themselves a little more cushion, as they hope to add another important piece or two when free agency starts next month. Their lone first-round pick, Spanish forward Victor Claver, will stay in Europe for at least another season. And the three second-round choices all come at small pricetags and with contracts that are not guaranteed. On July 8, the NBA will set its salary-cap figure, probably at about $58 million. That should ..."
NBA Draft Tracker
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June 26
Portland Tribune
 
"Portland held the 22nd, 33rd, 38th and 55th picks in the draft. The Blazers, however, have dealt point guard Sergio Rodriguez and the No. 38 selection and cash to the Sacramento Kings for the No. 31 pick, which ended up being Arizona State 6-10 forward Jeff Pendergraph. Here's a pick-by-pick look at the NBA Draft: FIRST ROUND 1. Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffin, Oklahoma - The Clippers hope the 6-10 super athlete can help lift the NBA's woebegone franchise. It was L.A.'s 20th lottery pick. "He gives you an incredibly powerful athlete," ESPN analyst Jay Bilas says. "He just goes after it, never changes his demeanor." Says Griffin: "I'm not worried about what's happened in the past (with ..."
Bulls open to moving Thomas; Hinrich on Portland's radar
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June 24
ESPN.com
 
"Chicago, by all accounts, has been increasingly open in its willingness to move power forward Tyrus Thomas. Kirk Hinrich, meanwhile, is said to be prominent on Portland's wish list given the Blazers' growing pessimism about persuading Phoenix to part with Steve Nash via trade and their ability to sign Jason Kidd away from Dallas. The larger holes that Cleveland's exit in the Eastern Conference finals created on the wing and in its frontcourt rotation, coupled with the Lakers' championship run and subsequent deep desire to re-sign Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza, have increased the Mavs' confidence when it comes to re-signing Kidd, who has been linked with those two teams for months."
Hinrich thinks he will go to Portland
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June 24
Yahoo! Sports
 (scroll down)
"Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich is telling friends that he thinks he'll be dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers, who have interest in pairing him with Brandon Roy in the backcourt."
Wizards Rebuffing Inquiries for Butler
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June 23
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Wizards hold the fifth pick in Thursday's NBA draft and President Ernie Grunfeld has spoken openly about his willingness to move the selection, opening the door for numerous inquiries and trade discussions in the past few weeks. About half of the teams in the league have spoken with the Wizards, according to a league source, and most of those discussions have revolved around the draft choice. Some teams, though, have also asked about the availability of the Wizards' top players, with most focusing on Caron Butler. Multiple sources have confirmed that the Wizards engaged in conversations with the Phoenix Suns about acquiring all-star forward Amare Stoudemire last month, but ..."