Shareef to the Nets?

Shareef Abdur-Rahim was never going to be a long term fit in Portland after arriving there half way through the season. Despite putting up strong numbers for the Atlanta Hawks, Abdur-Rahim found himself behind young phenom Zach Randolph at power forward in the rotation, and with Rasheed Wallace freshly removed to free up minutes for Randolph it was unlikely that Shareef was going to unplace him any time soon.

The Trail Blazers have depth at the four spot, having Dale Davis to play minutes at the four if needed, so it is no suprise that Portland has been shopping Abdur-Rahim, previously an All Star, this offseason.

The latest rumors out of the New York Daily News links Kerry Kittles and Aaron Williams to the Blazers in exchange for the talented forward. Both Abdur-Rahim and Kittles are entering their final years of their contracts.

According to Ohm Youngmisuk and Mitch Lawrence of the Daily News, while Kittles and Abdur-Rahim are the principals in a potential deal, the trade could be expanded to include Portland's Ruben Patterson and the Nets' Lucious Harris and Rodney Rogers. The Nets, however, had reservations about Patterson last summer when they talked to Portland about a possible trade for Wallace.

The Nets already have another All Star at the power forward position in Kenyon Martin, but with Martin a restricted free agent this offseason who is expecting to demand big dollars Abdur-Rahim would be insurance in case negotiations break down with Martin and he leaves. Should Martin stay Abdur Rahim can play the small forward position, having done so in Vancouver before transferring to the Hawks, allowing rising star Richard Jefferson to slide across to shooting guard.

Kittles is expected to be left unprotected for next month's expansion draft.

Via New York Daily News

New Jersey Nets, Portland Trail Blazers

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Knicks shopping Kurt Thomas around the league

League officials have leaked that Knicks team President Isiah Thomas is shopping Kurt around the league and has already had discussions with the Portland Trail Blazers about acquiring forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim.

Due to an $8 million difference in salaries, the Knicks are looking to package in Moochie Norris and Othella Harrington.

On the other hand, Portland is also talking to New Jersey about Kerry Kittles.

Amongst other players Thomas is shopping are Dikembe Mutombo and Shandon Anderson.

Via North Jersey

New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, New Jersey Nets

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Blazers Still Interested in Sabonis

Blazers GM John Nash has an interesting summer ahead of him. Of his goals, he intends to try and attain a big name shooting guard, maybe sign 2 free agents, and again see if Arvydas Sabonis wants to play in Portland for the 3rd time.

'Nash said Monday he tried to lure Sabonis back in the midst of a tense April playoff race for the Blazers' final two games against San Antonio and the Lakers.

"Emotionally, it would have been a boost for us," Nash said. "And then we could have met face-to-face and talked about next year. But I have talked to his agent, and he made it clear that if Arvydas did return, he would only want to come to Portland. And we maintain an interest in discussing it."'

Via The Oregonian

Portland Trail Blazers

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