I WOULD do that too... IF it were actually possible; I think my proposed trade is possible. We already know Minny likes Batum & the reason we have a shot @ Wiggins is because he hasn't proven he'll b the player ppl think he'll become so there's the element of the unknown on our side; otherwise, IF Wiggins was already @ the peak of his powers aka already 1 of the elite... I would not have proposed the deal that I did.
Wiggins was traded for a top15 player before he had played an NBA game. He now exceeded expectations and won rookie of the year, so his value has increased. I don't know if we could trade a resigned LaMarcus or Lillard for him, but you think they will take an average starting SF coming off his worst professional season on an expiring contract?
Then we can trade Damian Lillard for Steph Curry (Lillard is younger/will be better), move Wiggins for LeBron (Cavs realized they made a mistake), S&T RoLo for Demarcus Cousins (RoLo better defender, Cousins too expensive for a rebuilding team), and trade Middleton for Jimmy Butler (Middleton is a much better shooter, Chicago needs this). Curry/Butler/LeBron/LMA/Cousins. Who's with me? Sounds like a plan.
All ^ is true except Batum's not average (or @ least this is case w/ the real Batum); he IS coming off his worst professional season & is on an expiring contract, I think Batum will turn things around next season (IDK how long he'll keep it up & how injuries r going to b for him due to the France stuff though). @ B-Roy & Draco, I c where u guys r coming from, that's why I asked 'what do u guys think...' I do appreciate both ur perspectives (& others as they may come). ps B-Roy, ur plan... LET'S "GIT 'ER DONE!"
An average starting SF is not bad... that means there's only 15 players in the league better than him at that position. I'm a big Batum fan but he's obviously behind LeBron, Durant, Kawhi, above Matt Barnes or Jeff Green yet doesn't have the upside of Jabari Parker, Khris Middleton types. Batum is far better than the average SF in the game when considering bench players, scrubs, old has beens but in terms of starters throughout the league he's nothing special. Wiggins has a chance of being an MVP level player and at the least looks like a guy who can defend and be a two way player so his value is exponentially higher.
If you want to know a true home run, I would do it exactly like this.... Step 1: Cut a hole in a box Step 2: Put your junk in that box Step 3: Make her open the box
In all actuality I came up with the idea of how to make the cap space then was like... ehhh Now who do you sign? Gasol or Brook Lopez? Ok Fine, then what? Still need a SF and a SG at that point.
I still think we need a legit third star. Getting someone like Gasol would be amazing. I don't think it's going to happen though. Assuming LMA signs an extension, at this point I think I would let Rolo walk and go hard after Gasol. Or, if Memphis would be amenable, I would offer them Batum and Rolo for Gasol. My other targets would be Danny Green and Pat Bev. As much as I hate that guy, I think he would be a great backup. I would actually rather have Green over Wes or AA at this point. His shooting and defense would be very helpful in our offense. The key is getting someone like Gasol though. He's a legit third star. You add him to this team and I think we are definitely a contender next season.
Here's my unrealistic dream, in order of pipedreamness: 1. Get Thibodeau. 2. Sign Marc Gasol. 3. Re-sign Aldridge 4. Re-sign Wes (and have him fully recover) 5. Draft Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (wing defense) 6. Acquire Petteri Koponen (big combo guard - replaces Blake) I could die happy. As it is, I fear I'll have to live miserable.
Don't you think Petteri would have already come to the league if he was good enough to do so? Other than that, I would love to see Thibs and Gasol come to Portland.
Define "hard to get anything for him". I am pretty sure he has value. Certainly we will get more from him then if we did not resign him. Toronto still loves him. I give him credit for playing through his injures. GM's will as well.
For all of his faults, people still underestimate how difficult it is to find a wing player with Batum's skillset. Look at the stupid contract the Mavs gave Chandler Parsons. He averaged 16 ppg, 5 boards, 2.4 assists, and had a PER of 16.37. Is that worth an average of 15.3 million per year? Look where the Mavs ended up after all the hype in the offseason.
