Rashard Lewis is reportedly headed to Orlando for a max deal, likely worth $15 - 16 million a year. I thought Lewis would have been a very nice fit for the Blazers, but that was never realistic. Seattle would have had to sign-and-trade him to Portland (a division rival) for marginal value and a big contract in return. By letting Lewis walk, Seattle gets no compensation, but drops a ton of salary off its books. With the franchise in limbo as to which city it will land in, letting Lewis walk was the smart financial move.
Free agents are commanding a high price this off-season. Lewis is a very good player, but without some additional help I don't think he makes Orlando a contender.
Jason Kapono scored $5 million a year from the Raptors. Luke Walton got a similar deal from the Lakers. Steve Blake is said to be seeking a deal in the upper range of the mid-level exception, and he'll probably get it. If you need veteran point guard help, there isn't much out there.
Gerald Wallace will likely cost a team $10 million/year or more. If management decides he's worth it, I'm not convinced the Blazers have the right assets to entice Charlotte into a sign-and-trade. Perhaps some combination Webster, Outlaw and one of our point guards?
Although signing an expensive free agent like Wallace would kill the Blazers' 09 cap space, it wouldn't be management's last chance to improve the team down the road. Raef Lafrentz (expiring in '09) or Darius Miles (expiring in '10) could be used in a package late in those seasons to land a highly-paid veteran.
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