Abdur-Rahim to Nets?

[ATTENTIONWHORE]

Nets in talks for Shareef





Nets general manager Ed Stefanski met with Portland GM John Nash for the second straight day yesterday to discuss a trade for Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
However, a league source said the two teams are not close to consummating a deal that could send Kerry Kittles, Aaron Williams and perhaps a first-round pick to the Blazers for the 6-9 former All-Star.

"We are trying to push to get something done," said Aaron Goodwin, Abdur-Rahim's agent.

Stefanski and Nash are both in Salt Lake City attending the Rocky Mountain Revue summer league. Sources say the Blazers aren't crazy about what the Nets are offering for Abdur-Rahim, who wants to be traded. Portland, which likely wants the Nets' potential lottery pick (via the Clippers) acquired in the Kenyon Martin trade with Denver, is looking for a defensive-oriented guard and a backup center.

Incoming owner Bruce Ratner would have to approve a deal for Abdur-Rahim, who has one year left on his contract that will pay him $14.6 million.


Ohm Youngisuk

Found this on NBA.com today...good or bad deal if it happens?

[Andrew]

I guess it's a pretty good deal. It shouldn't be necessary though. The Nets could have asked for much more in return for K-Mart.

[Mikki]

I agree. But another starter, lost?

[Andrew]

It's basically filling a hole and creating another one since I'm sure Reef will start at power forward. I'm guessing Harris will start at shooting guard unless the Nets make another deal or pick up someone slightly better through free agency.

[FanOfAll]

Rumors with the base of SAR for Kittles, ADub have been going around such weeks before the draft. They died down weeks ago, when talks hit a snag, but with NJ getting 3 future firsts from DEN, the offer has been sweetned. I think it's a good deal for the Nets because they not only get an expiring contract (that's larger than Kittles'), but SAR is great on the break, a good fit with Kidd. They do lose their primary fast break man, Kittles, and a pick and roll backup big man, but SAR can fill KMart's points and rebounds very well. He just doesn't have the same heart, intensity, and defense.

The rumor brings an interesting offer for PDX. SAR wants out bad, but Allen loves SAR's high character. Kittles further clogs up that 2 spot, although he can shoot, defend, and run better than most of them. ADub gives them a decent backup, but the main thing is the pick. Which pick will balance the deal more than anything. It's not such a bad deal, as Kittles is 10 million off the books next year, so they're not losing a lot of cap space next year. I would do it if they included the LAC pick.

[Matt]

Nets need to do something before Jefferson leaves next season. Reef would be good but he's not the defender KMart was

[Amphatoast]

2spot can be filled easily, so many 2guards out there..its not like he was a All-Star or anything.
I guess this is in for a effort to try and keep the Nets competitive in the East and make anther run at the championship. They know Jason Kidd needs anther All-Star with him to replace Martin and SaR seems to fit the role. Obviously not as great as Martin, but a pretty solid foward who can do some damage. Him and Bibby use to play well together in Vancover.

[MVP]

Nets need to do something before Jefferson leaves next season. Reef would be good but he's not the defender KMart was

I think Reef is a better offensive player than K-Mart, but defensively K-Mart is way better. Before Reef got to Portland, he was a 20 pt, 10 Reb man.

[matmat8]

He was a 20 points 10 reb man on the Hawks, that makes a difference. Martin is a way more valuable player IMO and as you said especially defensively and offensively his shoot is getting better.

[Andrew]

Martin is definitely the better defensive player but since the Nets let him go for practically nothing (until those picks turn out to be good players, it's a very one-sided deal) Shareef isn't such a bad replacement. It seems to be a short term solution anyway.

[Andrew]

At Jackal's request, I've deleted the second thread he created and am reposting this development:

Upset over a failed trade that would have sent the Blazers power forward over to New Jersey, Shareef Abdur-Rahim plans to go straight to the very top with his complaints. All the way to owner and Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen, demanding a trade if he has to.

"I hope it doesn't come to (a holdout), but if it does, it does," Abdur-Rahim said. "I don't want that to happen; it's not me and I don't think it's indicative of who I am. But at the same time, when I left Portland after the season, I was put under the impression of one thing (being traded), and now it has changed."

The Blazers have apparently decided to keep Abdur-Rahim and do not seem to be flinching at the threats of their star forward and his agent Aaron Goodwin. They (the Blazers) plan to convert Abdur-Rahim to small forward, playing him 24 minutes a game and another 12 minutes backing up Zach Randolph at power forward. Abdur-Rahim and his agent feel that he is a true power forward and should start at that position.

The crux of the dispute is that Abdur-Rahim, 27, thinks he is still in his prime and should play extensive minutes at his natural, power forward position. Blazers officials indicate he is not better than Randolph, a blossoming power forward who won the NBA's Most Improved Player Award, and thus should be his backup.

Abdur-Rahim, who is set to make $14.6 million next season, said he is prepared to absorb as many fines as it takes.

"And if I have to sit out and do whatever I have to do, then I will do it. I don't want to, but I will."

Even though I believe it's a selfish strategy, I can't really blame Shareef for feeling that way. Mind you, if the Blazers are simply prepared to suspend and fine him, it probably won't be an effective protest.

[Micchy_boy]

this trade talks were dead. coz they sign hassell to offer sheet. and if minny doesn't match it, portland will have damon, nick ,telfair, DA and frahm and hassell in backcourt. making it impossible to think they want kittles or harris. (unless they trade DA or damon)

[Homer]

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