The chief suitor for Fernandez’ talents would appear to be FC Barcelona. Not only are the Blaugrana apparently waiting to decide on contracts for Gianluca Basile and/or Roger Grimau in the hopes Fernandez might be freed up. And according to Spanish-language website Sport.es, that’s exactly where Fernandez wants to go: “Rudy and his representatives have commented that his desire is to play on the Blaugrana – next to his friend Ricky Rubio – and that would be his first choice should he decide to leave the NBA.” Ball In Europe
This, the signing of Wesley Matthews to a rather large offer sheet, and the fact that they would have four (Roy, Matthews, Elliot Williams, and JD Bayless) other shooting guards on the roster, all suggest that Portland expect Fernandez to depart. He has also been quite unsatisfied with his life/role/plight with the Trailblazers. Rather than lose him with nothing in return, it would seem they would be highly motivated to move him. If he would "like" to play for Boston and a way to acquire him can be implemented, this would seem to be a win/win.
The methods of acquisition apparently available are either the 2 D-leaguer contracts or Sheed's contract for Fernandez and either Pryzbilla or Oden (or Andre Miller but I'm pretty positive that isn't happening unless a third team is involved). The Trailblazers have three centers and there is no reason to believe they want to be rid of any of them. They do account for $24M of the $65.7 they have committed (before adding in Wesley Matthews 5.7 or 9.2--I'm unclear on how the front loading will play out) so perhaps there is something about getting below the Luxury Cap. Pryzbilla is coming off surgery but should be further along in his recovery than Perk will be. Oden is a crap shoot with potential for high payoff and complete bust being about equal odds with journeyman who never fulfilled his promise. I actually like the Oden gamble and if fits my idea of Danny/Red bringing in the long shots.
