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The Blazers are reportedly close to extending Marcus Camby's contract for two years to the tune of $21 million, according to The Oregonian. Camby, Portland's starting center since being acquired from the Clippers in February, initially bristled at the midseason trade, but has quickly become comfortable with the Blazers. He had 17 rebounds in Portland's Game 1 win at Phoenix Sunday.Beyond the implications for this summer's free agent market (to which I will briefly comment with a "Brendan Haywood approves!"), this really sets up next season's Blazers' frontcourt to be both good and ... crowded.
In addition to Camby, Portland has LaMarcus Aldridge, Joel Przybilla and a certain Mr. Greg Oden under contract for 2010-11. Aldridge's own extension, signed last fall, will take effect next season, costing the Blazers $10.7 million. Przybilla has a player option for $7.4 million, and Oden's on the books for $6.7 million.
Share Depending on how Camby's deal is structured, that's about $35 million tied up in two positions. Sure, the team might have the best frontline bench on the planet. But, barring injury, that's going to pin one of these dudes (Przybilla, in all likelihood) to the bench.
Ah, injury -- that's the reason Camby made it to Portland in the first place, and it could be a key reason Portland decided to pay a premium to ink him before the market got a chance to present offers. Oden played just 21 games this season, and Przybilla lasted only 30. Juwan Howard started 27 games. Juwan Howard. Given the incredible bad luck Portland saw this season, it's hard to fault them for overloading the frontcourt with talent. If history holds, they'll need excellent back-ups.
Oden is eligible for a contract extension this summer, one which wouldn't kick in until the 2011-12 season. I find it highly unlikely Camby's deal affect Oden's negotiating position in any way. If Camby were a decade younger, perhaps the contract would put some downward pressure on Oden. But with this extension, Camby has essentially become a two-year rental instead of a two-month rental. Oden is still the center of the future here.
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