So out of all the players available; which one do you think would give us the best possible shot to win next season? (keeping the rest of the core)
Well it's pretty obvious that Aldridge would net the highest return value. I would guess Batum is next valuable. So the real question is would you use Batum to get a different player in the obtainable field.
LMA He easily has the most value. A UFA in 14-15 I think Neil would be smart to see what he can get for him now.
None of the above. However if you stretch your 1 year out to 2 years, I say Batum. Batum has a big contract, and if you could get say a top 5 pick for him this year along with a rotation player, then deal Aldridge at the deadline or next year for a ransom, you could turn around the franchise in a heartbeat with the assets and large cap room next summer. As well as great draft class next summer we would be drafting high in. Aldridge would net us the most assets in return though
You are absolutely correct. He has the most value, but would what we get in return bring success next season, knowing that we lose him?
Long-term pieces to fit next to the (new) franchise player -- Damian Lillard. Alex Len The uber deep 2014 draft.
what's the overall goal? to make the playoffs next year or build a "real" contender? the contender route might mean sucking and take 2-3 years. Some would argue we can build a contender now with the assets we have - I say that's possible but not probable unless we are both lucky and Neil is very, very good.
+1. There is no player on the roster I wouldn't trade under the right circumstances. Lillard would probably be the hardest to let go of. Aldridge: has the most value, is the oldest, and is the most likely to leave the soonest. Batum: question marks about his ability to play consistently at a high level Matthews: great character, reasonable contract, good D--a very solid role player Aldridge would have to return several shots on goal who are younger (rebuild) Batum would have to produce a big who would look very good next to Aldridge, or a decent big and another wing Matthews would probably need to produce an average big or a younger, riskier SG.
If the goal is to be better next year, trade the scrubs for someone who can actually contribute. If the goal is to be better in three years, then trade Aldridge and hang onto cap space until next summer.
I agree with this assessment. Though for Wes I'd want both an average big and a younger/riskier SG. I also don't see any available bigs that would warrant a Nic trade.
I agree there are no Nic for C trades that pop out at this time. I don't even know if this would be possible, but what about Nic for sign and trade Pek? Nic plus value for Horford if Atlanta can't get an FA and wants to rebuild?