This is a direct cut and paste from the NY Times forum...thanks to wjzhang there for providing it.


From the Oregonian (Portland Newspaper) and Hoopsworld

Damon Stoudamire's most likely destination continues to be the New York Knicks, but the Blazers would basically be trading Damon for nothing and Whitsitt generally does not like playing addition by subtraction. The key in that situation would be the Knicks including a first round draft pick in the deal, something the Knicks are thus far unwilling to do, hoping to steal the mercurial Stoudamire much cheaper. The Knicks would like to send players like Shandon Anderson, while the Blazers only desire receiving players with shorter contracts like Charlie Ward and Travis Knight. Nevertheless, the talk is heating from both sides and more so than yesterday something is possible.

Damon Stoudamire spoke up in the Oregonian this week stating his familar tune of "start me or trade me. The Blazers realize that they are in a difficult spot. Jeff McInnis is not a pleasant person to have on the bench and unhappy with his role and Damon is even more difficult as he places great emphasis on starting and finishing a game instead of his actual minutes and shots during the game.

Antonio Daniels will find out his fate late this week on October 5th, the date his trade restriction is removed. The Blazers are still working with Denver to acquire Marcus Camby as well as talking with the Wizards regarding Christian Laettner, although those rumors are slowing down. There are no plans as of yet to move Daniels, but his contract and talent is appealing. Ideally the Blazers would like to acquire a first round pick in exchange for Daniels. Do not look for any dramatic action on October 5th.

Hold onto that pick Layden! I can feel the pressure building to get rid of a player demanding PT with the recent signing of Bonzi. Ward and Knight for Damon would be a steal.

I'd throw them Ward, Knight, and a 2nd rounder for Damon, or send Ward, Knight, and our first rounder, only if they get Portland's back (so Portland would bank on finishing with a better record, so it'd be similar to a trade up.)

Damon is the perfect PG for this offense, Layden has to get him.

Just a thought, would you pull the trigger on Eisley/Sprewell for Patterson/Stoudamire?

This trade sounds like the best of all worlds. A legit point and getting rid of excess baggage.. Give up Ward and Knight - flip picks - but do it now at the beginning of the season...

If we ever trade a first rounder again in the near future it should only be a HEAVILY protected pick. This team is no lock in any circumstance for the playoffs and 1st round picks should be treated like GOLD since we are capped out for years. I have no problem utilizing a pick for a trade that makes sense but IT HAS TO COME WITH HEAVY PROTECTION.

bELIEVE IT OR NOT THE TEAM COULD NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS AND WIN THE DRAFT LOTTERY AND THAT COULD CHANGE THE TEAM FOR 15 YEARS. DAMON STOUDAMAIRE OR NVE ISNT WORTH A FRACTION OF THAT.

On a side note....has anyone looked at Portlands roster this season...they have so may talented players, especially at the SF spot. If they could only get their act together.