There are a lot of trade rumors going to fly around the next week, but when you look at them ask yourself this: Do they help both teams? Teams only do deals they think get them closer to a goal.
Portland we know is looking to move Jamal Crawford and get something for him before he opted out this summer and walked away. Portland could use a point guard since Raymond Felton has not blown off anyone’s doors this season. On the other hand, Minnesota has point guards to spare but wants to add scoring punch to make a run into the playoffs (as of right now they are one game out of the last spot in the West).
Minnesota is “making a strong push” to get Crawford, Hoopsworld’s Alex Kennedy reports. How about Luke Ridnour for Crawford? That is one that ESPN’s Chad Ford suggested as possible in his weekly chat. It works in that it gives both teams something they need. Under the new CBA you can do that deal straight up, although Portland may want a second round pick or some other sweetener in the deal.
Not saying that exact deal is happening — Portland is going to have a few offers to sort through for Crawford — but Minnesota is a team to watch in the sweepstakes.
