Few Last Notes Before the Draft

David West opted out of his contract with the Pacers, looks to hit the market. The Pacers save some money (and may be hoping that Hibbert opts out too) but I thought West was a keeper, a no-nonsense veteran that contributes and keep everyone in line (sounds like Larry Bird's dream player, no?). West endured the ins and outs of George, Lance, Granger and Turner in the last coupla years, seems like now the Pacers are back on the upswing, thought West would be in for the long haul. Guess not. Where does he go from here? Knicks or Lakers could use him, might be a useful replacement for Millsap with the Hawks, Mavs always need new faces.

Lamb goes to the Hornets, Barnes to the Grizzlies, Ridnour and a Hornets 2nd rd pick to the Thunder. Okay, this makes a little more sense. Thunder are dumping salary and end up with Ridnour (who I assume will be waived soon) and a bonus 2nd rd pick. Grizzlies get another veteran defender, seems like the Grizzlies have enough of those guys but why interrupt the motif they got going? The Hornets get an SG to replace Henderson...who's really no better than Henderson. The Hornets have been making moves (supposedly they've made Kody Zeller available) and I am a fan of Batum but they're still a ways away from the playoffs with this squad.

Apparently Aldridge has informed the Blazers that he'll be moving on (according to the San Antonio newspaper). Wow. This has been percolating since their 1st rd playoff exit but until then it was inconceivable that Aldridge would be anywhere but Portland next year. With Afflalo and Batum already gone, Matthews and Lopez presumed to be leaving, the Blazers are in for a full-in overhaul this summer. Wow. So who might be on their radar: K Love? West? Valenciunas? Vucevic? Millsap? Are the Blazers expecting to turn it around pronto or are they resigned to sucking next year?

I think there will be a lot of trades tonight. Marcus Smart, Terrance Jones are suddenly in play, Jamal Crawford could be out there, Batum and Barnes may still be on the move, and of course any and all of the Nuggets roster could probably be had for 'future considerations'. No one's talking about the Raptors but they may be as desperate as anyone to exchange roster pieces. This summer's gonna be a lollapalooza of player movement and tonight should be pure Steve McQueen action.