Portland Trail Blazers Trade Rumors

Raymond Felton's status still uncertain; Marcus Camby misses practice with bronchitis
February 8
Oregonian
 
"Raymond Felton said it won't be his call if he will play in the Trail Blazers' game against Houston in the Rose Garden on Wednesday. "If it's up to me, I'm going to play," said Felton, who sat out the Blazers' loss to Oklahoma City with a sprained left foot. "We'll see what Jay (Jensen) the trainer says." The Blazers officially listed Felton, who suffered the injury Saturday against Denver, as "questionable" for Wednesday and said he would be a game-time decision. Felton said he has been rehabilitating through laser treatment, icing and work in the pool."
Trail Blazers' Raymond Felton doubtful against Oklahoma City Thunder
February 6
Oregonian
 
"The Trail Blazers probably will face the NBA's best team without their starting point guard. Raymond Felton did not participate in the team's morning shootaround because of a left foot sprain and he is doubtful for tonight's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Rose Garden. Coach Nate McMillan said Felton underwent treatment and other tests with team trainer Jay Jensen on Monday, two days after he injured his left foot during a victory over the Denver Nuggets, but it remains sore. McMillan was not optimistic about Felton's chances of playing against the Thunder and refused to speculate how much time he might miss."
Nicolas Batum demonstrates why contract negotiations could be lengthy
January 15
Oregonian
 
"The agent for Nicolas Batum wants the Trail Blazers to give his client a contract extension, and he wants the team to pay big money. You can see why after Batum had a dynamic night Saturday in Houston, finishing with 29 points, eight rebounds and four spectacular blocks. On the other side of the bargaining table, the Blazers want to give Batum a contract extension, but they want to pay what they believe is a fair price. If I was to hazard a guess, I would venture the Blazers wouldn't want to pay him any more than $7 million a season. And you can see why after Saturday's 107-105 overtime loss to Houston, when Batum didn't attempt a shot for the final 6:52 of regulation and not until he"
The Trail Blazers meet with Nicolas Batum's agent to discuss contract extension but do not reach a deal
January 14
Oregonian
 
"The Trail Blazers and representatives for Nicolas Batum met Friday in San Antonio to discuss a contract extension for the backup small forward, but were unable to reach an immediate agreement. Interim GM Chad Buchanan, team salary cap specialist Joe Cronin and Batum's agent, Bouna Ndiaye, met in a negotiation session Friday morning and exchanged proposals. Buchanan refused to discuss details of the talks, but labeled them "typical negotiations." "We're still talking through everything," Buchanan said. "We're trying to find something that makes sense for both sides." It was the second time the Blazers and Ndiaye have talked and first time they've exchanged financial numbers. Buchanan said"
After an ankle rolls in San Antonio, does a phone ring in Milwaukee?
January 14
Oregonian
 
"When it comes to bad days at the office during his five seasons with the Trail Blazers, there are two that rank right up there for Chad Buchanan. One came last month in what has become known around Portland as "Black Friday" - that Dec. 9 day when Brandon Roy retired and the left knee of Greg Oden and the heart of LaMarcus Aldridge suffered setbacks. The other was last February, when the team traded center Joel Przybilla to Charlotte. It was a great basketball move, one that netted the Blazers do-everything forward Gerald Wallace. But it was a lousy deal in the world of friendships. The Buchanan family — son Trey and wife Melanie — had become especially close with the Przybilla family."
Trail Blazers and Nicolas Batum's agent will meet Friday to negotiate contract extension
January 11
Oregonian
 
"The Trail Blazers and representatives for Nicolas Batum have scheduled a Friday meeting to begin negotiations aimed at keeping the small forward in Portland beyond this season. Bouna Ndiaye, Batum's agent, said he and the Blazers plan to get together in San Antonio, where the Blazers play the first of a six-game trip through Texas, New Orleans, Atlanta, Toronto and Detroit. Ndiaye, who is in Portland and will attend tonight's game against the Los Angeles Clippers, said the sides have talked briefly to "get on the same page," but have not yet discussed contract specifics, including an "exchange of numbers." "Basically, we're looking to see how Nic is thought of with the team and how he fits"
Agent for Nicolas Batum set to meet with Trail Blazers next week to talk contract extension
January 6
Oregonian
 
"The agent for Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum said on Thursday that he plans to meet with the team next week to discuss a contract extension for his client. Agent Bouna Ndiaye attended the Blazers' 107-96 win over the Lakers on Thursday, but said he didn't negotiate with the team. He said the plan is to meet next week, although no formal date or meeting has been arranged. The team has until Jan. 25 to sign Batum to an extension. Otherwise, he becomes a restricted free agent at the end of the season. Both the team, and Batum has expressed a desire to sign an extension. "I like them; they like me,'' Batum said Thursday night. "It's up to my agent to so something.'' Batum said he would"
Jamal Crawford says he will sign free agent contract with Trail Blazers
December 15
Oregonian
 
"Jamal Crawford says he has chosen to sign a free agent contract with the Trail Blazers, giving the team the perimeter scoring punch it was looking for after losing Rudy Fernandez and Brandon Roy in the offseason. Crawford said he has yet to sign the contract, believed to be for two years and $10 million, with an option for him to leave after one season. His agent, Andy Miller, also confirmed Crawford's decision to become a Blazer. Crawford, 31, is a 6-foot-5 veteran who can play both guard positions. He has played 11 NBA seasons, the last two with Atlanta, where he was the 2010 Sixth Man of the Year as the NBA's top reserve. That was one of his finest seasons, finishing with averages of"
Sources: Nets chase Dwight Howard
December 14
ESPN.com
 
"The New Jersey Nets have entered into serious talks with the Orlando Magic on a multiteam trade scenario that would bring Dwight Howard to the Nets, according to sources close to the process. Sources told ESPN.com that the most active proposal discussed by the teams would send Portland Trail Blazers swingman Gerald Wallace to the Magic along with Nets center Brook Lopez as two of the main pieces Orlando would receive in exchange for Howard. As part of such a trade, which could be expanded to include a fourth team, sources say Orlando would also shed the long-term contracts of Hedo Turkoglu and Chris Duhon -- both absorbed by New Jersey -- while also potentially receiving future draft"
Free agent Jamal Crawford says Blazers are 'right there' at top of his list
December 14
Oregonian
 
"Jamal Crawford says the Portland Trail Blazers are "right there" in a three-team battle to sign him to a free agent deal. "They are right there, definitely,'' Crawford said by phone late Tuesday night. "I'd be lying if I said they weren't.'' Crawford, 31, said the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks are also in the running for his services. He said he expects to make a decision this week, and will factor three criteria in making his decision: The team's style of play, where the team is headed, and how he fits in with the coach. Crawford was born and raised in Seattle and said he has known Blazers coach Nate McMillan since he was 16. Crawford is also very close to Blazers guard Brandon"
Report: Trail Blazers one of four teams in pursuit of Reggie Williams
December 13
Oregonian
 
"Another day, another NBA free agent reportedly being pursued by the Portland Trail Blazers. NBA.com's David Aldridge reported on Monday the Blazers were pursuing Atlanta Hawks free agent Jamal Crawford. Today Aldridge reports it's Golden State Warriors free agent Reggie Williams the Blazers are after, along with the Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Bobcats. Williams became unrestricted over the weekend when his former team, the Warriors, rescinded its qualifying offer to him in order to clear room for a four-year, $43 million offer sheet Golden State made to Clippers center DeAndre Jordan. The Clippers matched the sheet on Jordan Monday."
Report: Brandon Roy to retire
December 9
USA Today
 
"Portland guard Brandon Roy will take a medical retirement according to a tweet from ESPN's Chris Broussard. The announcement could come as early today. Roy, who has been battled degenerative knees, has been in the league since 2006 and averages 19 points, 4.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds."
Greg Oden will sign one-year deal to remain with Trail Blazers
December 8
Oregonian
 
"Greg Oden is returning to the Trail Blazers. The free agent center will sign a one-year qualifying offer with the Trail Blazers on Friday according to agent Bill Duffy. Oden, who turns 24 in January, will be paid $8.9 million this season. Starting Friday, Oden was eligible to receive free agent offers from other teams, after which the Blazers would have three days to match. But Oden took other teams out of the equation by deciding to return to the Blazers. "The mission has not been accomplished,'' Duffy said Thursday. "The Blazers have stood by Greg, and now he is going to stand by them.''"
Brandon Roy will remain a Trail Blazer this season, team officials say
December 6
Oregonian
 
"Barring an injury setback before the season starts, the Trail Blazers will not use the "amnesty clause" on Brandon Roy this season, team president Larry Miller told The Oregonian late Monday evening. "Our plan right now is not to use the amnesty," Miller said. "We expect Brandon to be a part of this team when the season starts." Under the yet-to-be-signed collective bargaining agreement, teams have one chance to wipe an entire contract off the books during the time that the CBA is in place. Because Roy has $63 million remaining on his contract, and no longer has cartilage in either knee, some forecasted that the Blazers would waive the three-time All-Star even though he was the face of"
Report: Miami Heat after Greg Oden
December 5
Miami Herald
 
"The Heat is exploring any and every option available through free agency to upgrade at the center position, including possibly making a run at chronically injured Trail Blazers big man Greg Oden. ESPN.com reported Sunday that Heat president Pat Riley is working on a sales pitch for Oden, who hasn't played a game since 2009 because of injuries but holds a qualifying offer of $8.9 million with the Trail Blazers for the upcoming season. With only the $5 million midlevel exception at its disposal, the Heat's bargaining chips are limited. Riley would have to appeal to Oden's desire to play for a championship-ready team to lure Oden away from Portland, which has waited patiently for Oden to"
Sources: Heat mulling run at Greg Oden
December 4
ESPN.com
 
"Because of their limited spending power and the multiple areas of their roster that need shored up, the Miami Heat might have to get a little creative in free agency. That could be part of their plan to address the center position. The Heat are considering making a run at restricted free agent Greg Oden, league sources said. Oden, who hasn't played in nearly two years after suffering two different knee injuries, has a key doctor's examination this week when he could be cleared to resume contact practices. Oden has a one-year qualifying offer from the Portland Trail Blazers for $8.9 million on his plate at the moment. The most the Heat could offer is the bulk of the $5 million mid-level"
Availability of Trail Blazers' Greg Oden should become clearer Thursday
December 4
Oregonian
 
"The Trail Blazers and other NBA suitors will get a much-anticipated update this week on the health of free agent center Greg Oden when he is examined by the doctor who performed his latest knee surgery. Oden will be examined Thursday in Vail, Colo., by noted knee specialist Dr. Richard Steadman, who along with Blazers orthopedist Dr. Don Roberts performed microfracture surgery on Oden's left knee last November. Oden has been running for about a month, but has not been cleared for full-contact activities that would occur in an NBA practice. Training camps open Friday, as does the league's free agent signing period. Oden has been tendered a one-year, $8.9 million qualifying offer by the"
Blazers president Larry Miller strongly denies that team has made decision on Brandon Roy
December 1
Oregonian
 
"The Trail Blazers have not made any decisions on using the amnesty provision to waive Brandon Roy. Team president Larry Miller, in a packed news conference at the Rose Garden on Wednesday, was adamant a that column by The Oregonian's John Canzano -- which quoted a source saying Portland had decided to waive Roy -- was dead wrong. "We have not, and regardless of what's been said by John Canzano and others out there, (made a) decision on amnesty as of yet," Miller said."
New amnesty clause opens possibilities for Wolves
November 29
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Might Minnesota fans finally see Brandon Roy in a Timberwolves uniform, five years after their team traded him away on draft night in 2006? It could happen, despite Roy's two deteriorating knees, if ... • Portland pays him $49 million for his contract's remaining three years and releases him through an "amnesty" provision in the new labor agreement, which allows teams to wipe one current player's contract from its salary-cap books once during the 10-year agreement's term. • The Wolves then make a winning bid to assume a portion of Roy's contract in a "modified waiver process." That process will allow teams under the salary cap a chance to acquire amnesty players -- a group that could"
Blazers appear set to use amnesty clause on Brandon Roy
November 29
Oregonian
 columnist John Canzano
"he whisper at One Center Court is that Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen won't bother to take one last look at Brandon Roy before he goes amnesty clause on the guy who won all those games for him. Here's hoping Allen does. And that the longest look is into Roy's eyes. "Brandon's out," a league executive told me Monday. "Don't know the exact details, but everyone around the league knows it's way, way done. Paul and Bert (Kolde) are calling the shots on this one.""
Jamal Crawford says Blazers' interest is mutual
November 7
CBSSports.com
 
"Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge has been openly recruiting free agent guard Jamal Crawford for weeks. On Sunday, Aldridge capped off that recruitment by hosting Crawford's official visit to Portland during the Rip City Basketball Classic charity game, held at the University of Portland's Chiles Center. s Aldridge's plan had been carefully laid. Two weeks ago, he urged Blazers fans on Twitter to make Crawford "feel at home so he will sign with us!" Shortly thereafter, Miami Heat forward LeBron James began his own recruitment of Crawford, prompting Aldridge to write to James: "How are you going to try and steal Jamal Crawford from us?! I already told Portland to make him"
Trail Blazers: LaMarcus Aldridge taking a 'closer look' at playing overseas?
October 11
Oregonian
 
"Fresh off the news the NBA will cancel the first two weeks of the season, Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge is once again mulling the possibility of heading overseas, writes Yahoo! Sports' Marc J. Spears: Aldridge said he is attracted to possibly playing in Spain, Turkey or Australia. He isn't optimistic the lockout will end soon. "It could get bad," Aldridge said. "We thought it was going to be a good negotiation this time. We didn't actually think this was going to happen. But we prepared for the worst. It's a little more dramatic for me now that two weeks of the season are canceled."
Trail Blazers' Marcus Camby arrested, charged with marijuana possession
September 23
Oregonian
 
"Trail Blazers center Marcus Camby was arrested earlier this week after a traffic stop in Pearland, Texas, and charged with marijuana possession. Camby, who lives in the Houston area during the offseason, was driving a black Porsche around midnight Monday morning in a school zone, when he was pulled over for an "equipment violation," according to a police spokesman. Officers questioned Camby and a passenger in the car and noticed the smell of burnt marijuana. The officers were granted permission to search Camby's car and discovered less than two ounces of marijuana. Camby and the passenger, 24 year-old Kendal Lance Johnson, were arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana in a drug"
Blazers' Oden planning to leave next summer?
September 22
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden(notes) was the first overall pick in the 2007 draft, but the Indianapolis native hasn't had a stellar time since. He missed what would have been his rookie season after microfracture surgery on his right knee. The following season, he missed chunks of time with various injuries, including a chipped knee cap. In December of 2009, he was taken off the court on a stretcher and missed the rest of the season with a fractured left patella. Then in November of last year, he had microfracture surgery again."
Report: Trail Blazers center Marcus Camby arrested, charged with marijuana possession
September 22
Oregonian
 
"Trail Blazers center Marcus Camby was arrested earlier this week and charged with marijuana possession in Pearland, Texas, according to a published report by the Pearland Journal. Camby, who lives in the Houston area during the offseason, was driving a black Porsche around midnight Monday morning, when he was pulled over for having an illegal sun screen device blocking his front window. Officers questioned Camby and a passenger in the car and noticed the smell of marijuana. The officers were granted permission to search Camby's car and apparently discovered several marijuana cigarettes and a small bag of the same substance under the front seat."
Time is running short for Trail Blazers' GM search
September 22
Oregonian
 
"The executives charged with conducting the latest round of job interviews at One Center Court believe there are a plenty of options available to the Trail Blazers when it comes to filling their vacant general manager position. They're encouraged. Great, hire someone. And do it soon. The Blazers have reportedly expressed interest in former Golden State general manager Chris Mullin, and also, in Spurs assistant GM Dennis Lindsey. Also, Oklahoma City's Troy Weaver apparently interviewed for the position vacated after Portland fired Weaver's mentor, Rich Cho, who was discovered to be too awkward to work with the social butterfly known also known as Paul Allen. The whisper now is that San"
Blazers assistant coach Bill Bayno expected to leave team for position with Timberwolves
September 16
Oregonian
 
"Assistant coach Bill Bayno intends to leave the Trail Blazers' bench for a similar position with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to a report in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. When contacted by phone yesterday about a possible Portland exodus, Bayno said he was on vacation in the Dominican Republic and preferred to talk Monday. A source with the Blazers confirmed that Bayno probably would not return to the team next season. Bayno, who is in his second stint with the team under head coach Nate McMillan, was well liked and highly regarded within the organization. A tireless worker, he specialized in player development with the Blazers' front court, including LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg"
Source: LaMarcus Aldridge Not Going Overseas
September 15
SLAM Online
 
"Portland Trail Blazers' forward LaMarcus Aldridge will not go overseas and will remain in the states if the NBA lockout resumes, sources told SLAMOnline. Aldridge spoke with the Oregonian last month and said playing overseas was a possibility. That stance has now changed, as CBA negotiations took a turn for the worst yesterday and both sides walked away without a deal in place—a shock, as most thought things were moving in a positive direction in prior meetings."
NBA wants 3rd round in draft
September 7
SheridanHoops.com
 
"After an overnight flight connecting through Helsinki, Finland, I bumped into a scout for the Denver Nuggets near the tourist information booth at the quaint little airport here where the second round of EuroBasket is taking place. Whether he knows it or not, he may be here scouting future third-round draft picks. That's right: Third round. SheridanHoops.com has learned that NBA owners have proposed adding a third round to the annual draft, a proposal that the players' union has countered by offering an array of changes to the draft that would help address the owners' desire for more competitive balance."
NBA Lockout Update: Sides are closer than they're saying
September 6
SheridanHoops.com
 
"Here's the dirty little secret about the NBA lockout, despite what both sides — the owners and the players — would have you believe: They are a lot closer to a settlement than most people realize. I know this because I talk regularly with a bunch of important people who tell me important things, and I am going to explain why I believe a settlement will be reached that will not only save the season, but also enable the NBA to have an "all is forgiven" honeymoon period (similar to what the NFL just experienced following its labor settlement) in which the frenzy of free agents signings, trades, training camps and exhibition games will make everyone forget all of the doomsday talk they've been"
No NBA season? Businesses may be benched
September 1
Portland Tribune
 
"You've got to feel for Timothy Davey. The affable Davey is general manager of Spirit of '77 on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, a few blocks' walk from the Rose Quarter. Davey rushed to open Spirit of '77 last October, 10 days before the first Trail Blazers game of the year. Spirit might be classified as a sports bar, but foremost it is a Blazers fan hangout, according to Davey. Last year, 82 of the bar's busiest 100 nights were Blazers game dates. Fans stop by before and after attending the games, or to watch away games on television. Training camp should be three weeks away, but the NBA is at odds with its players over negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement,"
Melbourne Tigers to sign Patty Mills following NBA lockout
August 28
Durham Herald-Sun
 
"MELBOURNE Tigers will confirm one of the NBL's greatest recruiting coups with the signing of Boomers guard Patty Mills. Coming off two seasons with the Portland Trailblazers, free-agent Mills is available to the Tigers because of the NBA lockout that could cancel the season. While Mills has an offer on the table from Portland and likely will return to the NBA if the lockout ends, the Tigers are keen meanwhile to cash in on the availability of the lightning fast guard. No official comment was available from the Tigers, but they have scheduled a media conference for a significant announcement at 11am today."
Aldridge Signs Off on Landry
August 28
SLAM Online
 
"The New Orleans Hornets' free agent, Carl Landry, recently told SLAMonline that he thought he'd be a good fit with the Portland Trail Blazers and was interested in signing with the organization once the lockout ended. LaMarcus Aldridge concurs with Landry and feels such an addition would drastically improve the Blazers' current roster. "That's big of him to speak out and I'm glad he spoke out and said he wants to play with us," Aldridge told SLAMonline. "He's a good player and I definitely feel like he can help us immediately." As the new face of the franchise, Aldridge finds himself in unfamiliar territory. He's now a player others look up to and want to play with. Seldom has an athlete"
La Marcus Aldridge is fine missing the 2011-12 season
August 25
CBSSports.com
 
"Ask a player, owner, commissioner or anyone affiliated with the NBA about the status of the 2011-12 season and you're going to get differing levels of optimism and pessimism. David Stern is optimistic. Dwyane Wade is optimistic. But LaMarcus Aldridge? He's on the other end. Not just pessimistic, but extremely pessimistic. He told The Oregonian he doesn't see the 2011-12 starting on time and even worse, is completely willing to sit out the season to get a fair deal. Aldridge, who is the Blazers' player representative in the NBA Player's Union, said he does not expect the season to start on time but does believe there will be a season eventually. That said, he is prepared to sit out all"
Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge on playing overseas during lockout: 'It's a possibility'
August 24
Oregonian
 
"Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge is in town to host a three-day youth basketball camp and I caught up with him Monday night on the phone to talk about the event. Aldridge, who just finished a weeklong trip to China as part of Nike's Festival of Sports, refused to discuss the ongoing NBA lockout and was tight-lipped about a host of other subjects. But he did offer one interesting note about the possibilities of playing overseas should the NBA's work stoppage stretch deep into the season as many expect. "I've thought about it; it's a possibility," Aldridge said of playing internationally. "My agency is looking into it.""
Former Trail Blazer Zach Randolph invited beating victim to sell marijuana at after-hours party, police say
August 22
Oregonian
 
"Police say the latest chapter in basketball star Zach Randolph's colorful life began Friday night, aboard a special charter cruise of the Portland Spirit, which got under way on the Willamette River at 11 p.m. That's where police say Randolph, a former Trail Blazer now playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, invited a Southeast Portland man he knew to his mansion on Southwest Turner Road, in the Stafford area south of West Linn, for an after-cruise party. The Portland man, James Ruben Beasley, told police he was invited to sell marijuana at the party, which drew about 20 people. But something went wrong around 4 a.m. Saturday. "Mr. Beasley said four to seven people jumped him and beat him"
Landry interested in Trail Blazers
August 19
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Each day, another NBA player signs with a team in a foreign land or at least expresses interest in playing somewhere else if the NBA lockout can't be worked out. So it's kind of refreshing when a player comes out and expresses interest in playing for an actual NBA team. Slam Online reports that forward Carl Landry, who will be a free agent when the new CBA is agreed upon, has some interest in joining the Portland Trail Blazers whenever the next season rolls around. "I think I can fit in with Portland, "Landry told the site. "They're in need of a big post presence down low. I'm not taking anything away from (Greg) Oden and (Marcus) Camby. I just know what I can provide. The Blazers are a"
Trail Blazers great Arvydas Sabonis tells fans at Portland rally
August 19
Oregonian
 
"It has been eight years since Arvydas Sabonis has been in Portland, but the former Trail Blazers great said it seemed like yesterday when he was honored during a sun-splashed gathering at Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square. An estimated 2,500 people showered Sabonis with applause, chants of his name and signs Thursday, nearly a week after he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. "I feel like I've been here the whole time," said Sabonis, who lives in Kaunas, Lithuania. Always a humble and private person, Sabonis appeared embarrassed by the attention and adulation. "I say thank you for remembering me," Sabonis told the crowd. "I'm surprised.""
Trail Blazers GM search continues without interim GM Chad Buchanan, who is no longer a candidate
August 18
Oregonian
 
"After nearly three months of uncertainty, the Trail Blazers have finally settled on one thing regarding their lingering search for a new general manager: Interim GM Chad Buchanan is no longer a candidate for the job. In a meeting Friday, Blazers president Larry Miller told Buchanan he is out of the running because Miller and team owner Paul Allen have decided they want to hire someone with GM experience or with extended service time as a "No. 2." Buchanan, who has been with the Blazers for seven years, has never held a permanent NBA position higher than director of college scouting, a job he has maintained the past four seasons. "They'd like someone with more experience — I totally"
Next bargaining session coming early September?
August 17
CBSSports.com
 
"It took 46 days for the NBA and its players' union after the lockout began July 1. It didn't go all that well. Rhetoric from both sides ramped up, lawsuits started flying around and most importantly, there wasn't any movement towards the middle. Then David Stern accused the union of cancelling a meeting last week with the union responding that Billy Hunter had been told Stern wasn't going to be available for two weeks. So as you can tell, this is all going just super. But they're finally going to try again sometime in early September, according to Newsday. At this point, the union will host an executive meeting in New York at the end of August. The anticipation is the union and league"
David Stern: NBA to look at contraction
August 15
CBSSports.com
 
"The NBA currently has thirty teams, but the league's commissioner, David Stern, seems open to the possibility that that number of franchises could shrink in the future. Speaking on an ESPN.com podcast, Stern stated that there is some interest in contraction from both the league and players sides and that the subject will be picked up after the current Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations are completed. "[Contraction] is not a subect that we're against," Stern said. "In fact, when you talk about revenue sharing, a number of teams have said that if you have a team that is perpetually going to be a recipient, aren't you better off with the ability to buy them in? Because between the"
Trail Blazers' Nicolas Batum reaches agreement with French club Nancy
August 1
Oregonian
 
"Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum has reached an agreement to play with French basketball club SLUC Nancy if the NBA lockout extends into the regular season, according to Julien Deschuyteneer of BasketSession.com. He will sign an official contract with the team after a physical evaluation is performed. The Portland Trail Blazers forward will begin the season in French Pro A and the Euroleague with Nancy if an NBA lockout continues into the NBA regular season. We knew contact discussions between the two parties were progressing, but nothing was sure yet. Especially as other clubs have expressed interest, including ASVEL according to information published in L'Equipe just ten days ago."
Bickerstaff interviews today with the Wolves
July 22
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Bernie Bickerstaff is scheduled on Friday to become the third candidate to interview for the Timberwolves' head coaching job. President of basketball operations David Kahn and owner Glen Taylor interviewed former Timberwolves guard Terry Porter on Monday and former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson on Tuesday. They are expected to interview Don Nelson and perhaps one or two other candidates this weekend or early next week. Bickerstaff, 67, owns a .445 winning percentage (415-517) in 13 seasons as head coach with Seattle, Denver, Washington and Charlotte. He last was a head coach for the Bobcats in 2007, when his team went 33-49. He also has worked as"
Should the Trail Blazers sign Josh McRoberts?
July 21
Oregonian
 
"Continuing our look at NBA free agency and the Trail Blazers, we turn today to former Blazers forward and unrestricted free agent, Josh McRoberts. The former second round pick by Portland had a career year in his fourth NBA season, averaging 7.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 22 minutes per game (51 starts) with the Indiana Pacers. He holds career averages of 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in just over 15 minutes a game. The Pacers have young talent in the frontcourt with Tyler Hansbrough at power forward and Roy Hibbert at center, and with plenty of cap space the front office -- which now includes former Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard (the man who drafted McRoberts) -- will likely be"
Whom will the Trail Blazers target?
July 19
Oregonian
 
"The NBA lockout has brought the usually brisk offseason trades and signings to a halt. But when the league and the players eventually agree on a new collective bargaining agreement, the dealing will soon return. Here's a look at the NBA free agent class of 2011, sorted by restricted and unrestricted free agents. It doesn't have the eye-popping names of past years, but there are plenty of role players who will be available, and that might be just what the Trail Blazers need."
Should the Blazers bring back Joel Przybilla?
July 12
Oregonian
 
"The NBA lockout has rendered what would normally be an active July free agency period dormant. But that's not going to keep us from looking at some of the available free agents and analyzing whether or not they could (or should) be on the Trail Blazers' radar. First, a look at Portland's current roster: PG: Raymond Felton, Armon Johnson, Nolan Smith, Patty Mills* SG: Wesley Matthews, Brandon Roy, Elliot Williams, Jon Diebler SF: Gerald Wallace, Nicolas Batum, Luke Babbitt PF: LaMarcus Aldridge C: Marcus Camby, Greg Oden*, Chris Johnson *Restricted Free Agent, extended qualifying offer Once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached the salary cap will undoubtedly look much different,"
Batum eyes top French club, orchestrates all-star game for Friday
July 6
SportingNews.com
 
"Add Portland Trail Blazers SF Nicolas Batum to the list of NBA players considering heading overseas this summer if the lockout impacts the start of next season. Batum is contemplating joining a French club and is also organizing an exhibition game for this Friday that will include other French NBA stars as well, according to multiple Internet reports. Speaking with French site oust-france (via Hoopshype), Batum said he may play for the French club Nancy."
Report: Blazers consider Chris Mullin as GM candidate
July 4
SportingNews.com
 
"Chris Mullin is a potential candidate for the Portland Trail Blazers' general manager position, according to an online report. "NBA source tells me the Blazers have explored Chris Mullin as a possibility in the GM search. Feels like Chad Buchanan gets this job," John Castanzo, a columnist for The Oregonian newspaper, said via Twitter on Saturday. Buchanan is the team's acting general manager; he took over for the fired Rich Cho."
Trail Blazers general manager search: It's started, but team plans to be secretive
June 30
Oregonian
 
"Trail Blazers president Larry Miller on Wednesday said he has started to work on establishing the criteria he will use in finding the team's next general manager, but he said those qualities, and the search in general, will be kept private. "We have started to work on the qualities we are looking for, but I don't want to get into what they are,'' Miller said. "One of the things we are not going to do this time is conduct this search in the media as much as possible.'' The Blazers have been operating without a general manager since May 23, when it fired Rich Cho, who had the position for 10 months after replacing the fired Kevin Pritchard."