Blazers Send Outlaw, Blake to Clippers for Camby
In desperate need of a big man for the upcoming Western Conference playoffs, the Trail Blazers jumped right into the trade deadline fun on Tuesday, shipping Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake (along with $3 million of cash considerations) to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for center Marcus Camby’s expiring contract.
Portland was looking good in the frontcourt coming into the season, with Greg Oden starting alongside LaMarcus Aldridge, and Joel Przybilla on the bench as big man relief. One shattered kneecap for Oden, one torn tendon for Przybilla, and the Blazers had resorted to starting 37-year-old Juwan Howard as their center each night.
Enter Camby, who is second in the NBA in rebounds/game (12.1). Camby’s contract expires after the season ends, freeing up cap space for the Blazers when Oden and Przybilla return.
“We are very excited to bring an experienced big man of Marcus’ caliber to the team and we feel he’ll help us a great deal down the stretch run,” Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard said. “He’s a fierce competitor and has been one of the league’s best defensive players for quite some time.”
Camby is a former defensive player of the year, and a two-time member of the NBA all-defensive team.
