This doesn't make much sense. Say what you like about Batum, but he's likely to be more help than any rookie next year at least. If you're trading him for a pick that's called "rebuilding," not "helping the Blazers make another run". [Edit: now I actually READ the quote, it does make sense: it's saying move up (i.e. rebuild) OR GRAB A PLAYER (i.e., NOT a pick) to help make a run. Never mind. Of course, given that we're thinnest at the wing, it would have to be another wing player, and I'd have to wonder what wing player would benefit us more than Batum that the other team wants LESS than Batum.]
I really don't think we're in a position to judge effort. Remember that last year Batum led the entire league in distance covered (this year it was Lillard). And I don't get the impression that his teammates think he's slacking. I also don't think Aldridge would single out someone like that.
It is very likely not enough but I'd love to get either the Lakers or Orlando's pick if it's 5-7 for Nic and our pick, Charlotte has the #9 and I wonder if that's attainable?
I think he might. He'll be coming into his "prime" and he is a unique talent. Someone who fails to sign Durant will throw big money at him. Hell, the Wolves throw pretty big money at him and he hadn't really done squat at that point in his career.
Batum's obviously going to be the subject of trade rumors because he's our only asset that is neither (a) a free agent nor (b) on a rookie contract.
Somebody on Blazers Edge came up with an almost plausible scenario where we essentially swapped RoLo and Batum for DeMarre Carroll and Tyson Chandler. I think that would be pretty much treading water, except that it would be a big disruption on continuity, and the Spurs, Clippers, Grizzlies and especially Warriors have demonstrated the value of persevering with your core. PLUS: Chandler is old as dirt, especially in NBA years. Remember, the Bulls traded then rookie of the year Elton Brand to get him in the first place. ALSO: Carroll is flavor of the month, and a nice player - especially as Everybody Loves Draymond, and he's a cheap knockoff, but will he allow Lillard and CJ to play off the ball the way Batum can? In other words, does he allow our stars to be star-like in the way that Batum can, because of his court vision? I don't think it's any accident that Lillard named Batum when he was asked for a league-wide underrated player, because Damian knows how important Batum is to his game. FINALLY: let's remember, (a) it was never the Blazers' starters that have been the problem these past two years, and (b) we were top 5 in offense AND defense early in the year, before injuries took their toll. By all means dump peripheral players and beef up the bench, but only dump Batum if it becomes clear we're losing Aldridge and/or Wesley.
How are the Warriors an example of preserving your core? They made some pretty massive changes two years ago by bringing in Iggy, and they fired their coach last year. If by "preserve their core" you mean they held onto Steph and Klay, then yes, they did do that.
keep in mind we wold clear more cap and would create a 11-12 mil TPE as well, so even if we keep LMA that would open the door to sign a FA to replace Nic - I mentioned Danny Green and Aminu, or we could use the TPE to lighten someones salary and take a guy we need
I don't think the Lakers are an option. They want to be in the top 5 or they lose their pick. Plus they are swinging for the fences in free agency so they want as much cap space as possible.
They seem to be looking at a lot of small forwards in the draft whether they move up or Not. Makes me wonder if batum for hibbert could happen, then they draft a sf and sign a guy like aminu or Wesley Johnson
They should be looking at SFs... for the bench. If we're planning on our starting SF being a rookie then we are fucked. Although probably not as fucked as if he's Wesley Johnson.
If I were them I would consider their core as Klay, Steph, Green and Bogut. I assume they are looking to get a PF to round it out since they tried for Love last year. Maybe a sign and trade with Cleveland? Barnes or Iggy would be attractive to Cleveland. I doubt they want Love back.
You're assuming we're trading with someone under the cap. Most of those teams are content to rebuild slowly and cheaply with draft picks and wouldn't trade for Batum.
