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Back To David Lee

Written by wendell maxey

Friday, 17 July 2009 09:20

lee

I really debated even writing a quick blog post about Paul Millsap.

I debated it because from the very start I felt the Utah Jazz would match any offer, “toxic” or otherwise for a guy they consider one of the cornerstones of a new era in Utah.

They never deterred from their commitment to match penny for penny Paul Allen’s deep pockets. Millsap was their man all along.

Portland is still looking for theirs.

Last weekend, I provided a look about what happens “After Utah Matches”, and right then Marvin Williams was someone the Blazers might have taken an interest in. But since that post, Williams and Atlanta have reportedly drawn closer to reaching a multi-year deal.

It's pretty slim pickings out there on the free agency front.

Portland may turn their attention to an old familiar face.

One source close to the New York Knicks asked me last night if the Blazers were once again going to target David Lee, whose negotiations have apparently stalled. And while I believe Portland will inquire about Lee’s services again, I’m hesitant to go all in on a deal being reached knowing the Blazers really can’t handle another offer and match scenario. Granted, this Millsap situation has been easier to stomach than the Hedo Turkoglu debacle.

But every time Portland takes one step forward, they take two leaps back.

Right now, they are back where they started.

pic via: nytimes

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Comments (9) Add Comment

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written by hg, July 17, 2009

I think the player Lee would match. Being a restricted free agent doesn't and wanting to be a starter and to much money isn't.

I say to wait for some of the players that are going to be traded before trade dead line. I think we could get a better player for less money by then.

Restricted free agents is just using the system to jack their self worth up as we are painfully aware of

hg

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written by C, July 17, 2009

Losing out on free agents is akin to "taking two leaps back?" If nothing else it would seem like you end up back where you started.

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written by Woobot68, July 17, 2009

Now that makes perfect sense: "Every time Portland takes one step forward, they take two leaps back. Right now, they are back where they started.

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written by ogauhouse, July 17, 2009

wow...seems plain to see that the Blazers knew that Utah would match. If not, they get a great backup...but since they did, Utah is forced to trade Boozer. Not sure that is two steps backward.

Half step forward instead of a full step forward maybe?

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written by wmaxey, July 17, 2009

and i'm sure they've considered going that route hg - that is, waiting to make a move when the market value coming in even going out is more open.

that could be a couple weeks, months or like you said at the deadline in february.

just wondering the fan base is content with moves coming over a longer period of time instead of looking for a quick fix.

get where you are coming.

thanks for reading and writing this week.....good stuff.

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written by wmaxey, July 17, 2009

for me c, the "two steps back" part is more of a play on words about the hedo and now millsap plans not working out for portland more then anything. and right now, they are certainly back where they started.

they have money to spend, free agents are available (depending what your needs are), but still nothing concrete is in place as we've seen the past 17 days (and counting).

but sometimes these things take time. sometimes change isn't always a good thing.

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written by wmaxey, July 17, 2009

the way that contract offer was so front loaded for millsap, i'm sure portland thought that might keep utah from matching. and teams are known for calling the bluff of other teams about matching offers.

utah said they wanted millsap. they have been shopping boozer - hard. and so portland tried to call their bluff and take advantage of getting a solid back-up for lamarcus.

again, you have to applaud kevn pritchard and tom penn for trying to make something happen. it just wasn't enough.

on to the next.