http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AtaMAIZwTPZeUCEADWr3wIm8vLYF?slug=ys-conleyoutlaw112808&prov=yhoo&type=lgnsThe guts are Mike Conley and Hakim Warrick for Sergio Rodriguez and Travis Outlaw. Javaris Crittenton has also been discussed, but the deal doesn't work if he is included, unless Portland includes Ike Diogu (that could very well happen).
Travis made real nice progress the last 2 years, but he has totally stagnated. I am convinced that Portland likes Martell Webster and Nicolas Batum much better as their SF rotation. Webster just signed a 4 year 20 million deal, and Batum has been very impressive for a 19 year old, who played in Europe. Outlaw has become very one dimensional. He is almost automatic when taking a dribble or two, but he cannot catch and shoot with any consistency. He is a mediocre rebounder, passer, shot blocker, and only a decent defender. Something has to give between Webster and Outlaw, and I believe Outlaw is out, and that decision was made in Fall camp when Batum and Webster played well, and Outlaw could not beat either guy out to be the starter.
Rodriguez's European agent demanded a trade earlier this year, because of lack of playing time. Sergio is at best an NBA backup, nothing more. His playing time has increased lately, but I think that has been only to showcase him for a trade. He has done OK at best.
Channing Frye has not done much. When he started the last 5 games last year after Przybilla's injury he played well, but there is no place for him to play. He is also a perimeter player, and we need some players who can score in the paint, and get to the line. Diogu hasn't done anything, and Frye has more value elsewhere I believe, so Warrick could make some sense. I haven't watched him all that much, but from what I recall he is more of of a points in the paint guy who gets to the FT line a lot more. I would expect a trade involving Frye as well. Of the 3 Warrick is paid the least.
As far as Conley at this point he is an upgrade over Rodriguez for sure. Long term a PG rotation of Bayless and Conley looks pretty promising. I know Randy though Crittenton was a stud, potential all-star (dripping with sarcasm), but he has done nothing so far. He is a throw in.
