I remember hearing somewhere that the Blazers were going to renounce his rights to release them of his cap hold. Unfortunately I think the only way they do it is if they sign a free agent for a lot of money. In the even that that they do renounce his rights, Morey needs to jump on that immediately. This kid is like a 22 year old 6'11 David Lee. What are y'alls thoughts on this?
If he's a 22 year old 6'11 David Lee, I don't think Portland would be renouncing his rights. That's just me though.
I sure would like to acquire Freeland. He's a great shooter with very good mechanics along with great size. A spread the floor type of player that can really shoot the 3 ball, but with enough size and length to be an effective NBA defender in the paint.
Joel Freeland was the #30 overall pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, taken by the Portland Trailblazers. Because he is an unsigned first round pick, he counts against Portland's salary cap (but not the luxury tax - little-known wrinkle). Portland would only renounce his rights if they could not find a trade partner and if it was absolutely necessary to sign Hedo or another major free agent. The guy is not a scrub. He is considered one of the top young big men playing overseas by DraftExpress.com. While I don't see him as a potential interim starting C while Yao is out, he is a decent prospect to take a flyer on, either by trading "future considerations" to Portland or by picking him up if he's waived.
I've been hearing about how good this guy was for years. At 6'11" and given how much i've been begging and pleading for a frontcourt overhaul, the idea of acquiring him has definitely caught my attention.
If the Blazers are going to renounce this guy anyway, then why not just offer up a 2nd rounder for him. At 6'11" 250 lbs he's got to be worth a flyer. Here's what draftexpress says about him: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Joel-Freeland-1055/