This is a great question. I voted A because while Batum is nothing more than a number 2 or 3 option, he's a really good number 2 or 3 option. I could easily be more than happy with option B though.
B is a great option. Batum isn't worth anywhere close to 12 million per. Not retaining him would allow us to make a lopsided trade for a wing at the deadline and re addressing this in the off season through FA and the draft
That would be me. I think we can probably get a player that will give us what Batum gives us for less than he's being offered. Perhaps I'm wrong, but it's my opinion.
Agree with you. Don't think you're wrong. But Batum gives you a luxury that no other player outside the Blazer organization gives. Allows you to go over the cap to resign him because you hold his rights. Icing on top of the cake if you will. He's a pretty good talent offensively and defensively as a role player. Which is what he is.
I voted A, but I can pretty easily live with B ... in fact B is probably the healthier long-term outcome for this organization. I realize Paul is loaded, but entering cap hell without championship level pieces could doom this team to mediocrity for years ... also known as "more of the same." Maybe Lillard, <fill-in-the-blank-random-ass-shooting-guard>, Batum, LA, and Hibbert with a back-bench of Leonard, Freeland, Wesley, plus whatever other mix of wings and guards we end up keeping is enough, but that feels like a pretty thin group when you consider it has to get through the likes of OKC, just to get to LeBron and Co.
wages of wins puts batums worth right now at 11 million per, and it is safe to assume he will improve into his 20's and last i heard it was 4/44 anyways
I guess I just don't see the point of going over the cap to resign him if you can get something comparable without going over. Kinda like Nik says--long-term, all things being equal, I'd rather just have the cheaper guy.
hmm worst case. We match, his value is set. We play him for a year, if he blows up, we keep him. If he stays the same, have the option to keep or trade with an established market value.
