Batun's extension and minutes - very interesting

If he makes it to restricted free agency an extension is off the table and the Blazers will be at the mercy of the market.

 

You can say the same thing about 25 free agents every offseason. Sure we arn't guaranteed Batum won't magically develope into some type of all-star, but the historic chance of that happening to a wing player in their 5th season is virtually zero.

 

Well Allen said he doesn't want to pay Luxury tax anymore; but he didn't say he doesn't want to go over cap. So if we look at the cap being close to 58 mil, and the luxury threshhold being around 70; why couldn't we?

Aldridge + 12, Wallace +9, Batum +6.5, Wes +7, Felton +7, Oden (Big if he comes back) +9, Jamal +9 (we may not want him), Mil MLE +2.5, Max MLE +7, a couple vet mins +3 mil, some rookies +3-5 mil. That equals = 75.5 So the big ifs would be Oden +9 and Crawford +9.

 

I'm a huge Wallace fan and was against trading him for mid to late round draft picks. But if this new CBA has the effect it is intending, it would be a mistake to commit to a big money long term deal with Wallace.

I could see an offer of big money for 1-2 years ,but Wallace will probably be offered a long term deal from some team who wants him bad enough. It is a tough situation for the Blazers, but smart contracts are going to be a big asset for organizations. Signing Nic to a long term deal would be smart, signing Wallace to a long term deal would not be, IMO.

I don't think they should trade Wallace unless this year falls apart, but I think they should be ready to let him walk at the end of the year (if what he is looking for is the biggest contract).

 

So he could be worth more or less than an extension will cost now. I'd rather make that decision when we have more information then overpaying him now because of some fear teams will be throwing the kitchen sink at him.

If we are over the cap we can't offer Crawford more then ~$6. To get under the cap we need to renouce some of Batum/Wallace/Felton/Oden. I'm fine with Crawford leaving if he costs more then $6 mil.

 

I think I would wait until the trade deadline and put a lot of pressure on NJ to deal us Deron Williams for Felton and Batum if they can't get Howard. That team is pretty damn shitty without D12 and I don't think Deron is enamored with the big city. He wants to win. Offer them Felton and Batum and then try to pickup some shooter from the D league or something to fill his hole.

 

Really? I don't follow all players but there are 25 FA who are 23 yrs old, athletic, talented, good locker room guy and good community guys?

In 4 seasons, from the age of 19-23, Nic has shown improvement, growth in his game, and an overall understanding of the game. Yes there is no guarentee he will be an all star (if there was he would get max money), but I would gamble on someone like Nic becoming an integral part of the team and not allow any other team to outbid for his services (in most situations).

 

I know, and he was right for doing so, the system is pretty crappy.

Regardless, I still believe he's one of a few owners willing to spend, Especially in a Championship window.

 

well i think we should keep wallace and move batum/felton for a standout pg.... or center

 

Center? I don't think those two could do that. Isn't it the norm that you don't trade a small for a big? Or are you talking like Camby and Batum for a center/pf type or Batum/Felton for a PG?

 

You really don't see the disconnect in your statement do you?

 

I think you have captured very well the "essence" of the situation

 

What I'm saying is that I believe he was mainly posturing during the lockout. He has always, and will always spend if he sees a unique opportunity to do something special. With the current roster he has that opportunity unlike ever before.

 

Goodness people! Have you watched these games!?!?! Crash has killer instinct Batum does not!! Crash brings energy and assertiveness, Batum does not. LA and Batum are both "AW SHUCKS GUYS" good nice players, but they need a train conductor who attacks. That what Wallace brings. Batum can tear it up in the Euro leagues all he wants but in the NBA it's a mans league and here he's shown to be a deer in the headlights to often. You either have it or you don't, Wallace does Nick, not so much...

 

ghost pepper is on the $

 

When Crash has a bad night; the team loses.

 

Depth is the most important thing to winning in this, the toughest league in the World. As Steve Kerr put it having Batum come off the bench is an amazing "Luxury." Here's to PA keeping the luxury tour alive.

 

That may be true but Batum isn't even relevant enough out there to be a game changer and Crash as you've said is! That pretty much answers who needs to be traded. Nic will have some nice nights don't get me wrong but he not a leader, Crash is!

 

Looks like dwight jaynes is stirring the pot.... batum now saying playing time is the ultimate factor regarding extension

http://www.csnnw.com/pages/landingb...ant-factor-in-Ba=1&blockID=628754&feedID=5212

 

Batum to me is a watered down version of T Prince in his prime....