MN - POR

[Krapinsky]

Darren Wolfson @DarrenWolfson Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Batum's agent to Comcast NW: "When Batum becomes a RFA, we'll look at the other 29 teams before we talk to the Blazers." #Twolves target.

[nate44]

need to shed a forward spot, not stay put

[B Calrissian]

I'd do that trade in a second.

[Krapinsky]

Looks like my thread was timely. First Doogie. Now Zgoda.

Jerry Zgoda @JerryZgoda Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Tweeps are asking if Wolves go after McGee , Hibbert or E Gordon as restricted FAs next summer. Here's one name to remember: N. Batum

[eyeteeth]

Batum would be a ridiculously sweet pickup. If we could get him as a FA, probably even sweeter.

Maybe more likely is a S&T. Either way, score one for us.

[Saltine]

I find it curious indiana didn't extend Hibbert and George Hill, those two, Batum and Gordon are all very nice young talent.

[yowyOw]

Could Batum become some kind of Luol Deng? I personally doubt it. I think that both Williams (if we give him the opportunity to develop his game and gain confidence) and Beas (if Adelman drains his potential) can be more productive than Batum.

BTW, Hibbert is not a realistic option. I can't see the Pacers not matching any offer since they are way under the cap.

Going for Gordon, to me, considering his injuries and knee issues, is gambling a lot. When fit, he is a potential superstar, no doubts about it. But it's just that Brandon Roy's retirement is too fresh in my memory.

If only there was a way to get Harden.....


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[re49gb_2gho32fp]

Looks like my thread was timely.

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=1155762&p=30134526#p30134526

I doubt Portland does this. The Mem pick is worthless, as is Tolliver. Throw in a center and it gets a bit more interesting.

[Fire Mchale]

I do it though I don't see Portland doing it. They are basically giving up value in a season in which they are true playoff contenders. I think something along the lines of Darko and Tolliver might make more sense to Portland oddly enough. My problem there is that this suddenly forces Pek to be a starter and I'm just not ready to go there yet. 18-24 minutes a night is one thing, 30+ is another. As often as I scream Darko's name is disgust, his past 3 games have shown what is capable of being when interested.

Let's say the Wolves make a deal for a Batum and they can do so keeping their draft choices, I think it's clear that a guy like Asik gets pretty high on their radar. I haven't seen enough of him personally, but I sense that a platoon of he and Pek might be at a minimum functional enough to go with. The problem is that paying both Batum and Asik might do serious damage to our ability to acquire the SG we need so badly. Darko is making 5 or so and Tolliver is off the books, meaning we're adding 2-3M a year in paying Batum and Asik would eat, what, 6-8M a year himself? I'm guessing it would take 6-8M/yr to sign Batum - consuming 7-10M of cap space next. The problem there is Batum just isn't a 2, he's a 3 IMO. I love him, but he's basically a more confident version of Wes Johnson if we played him at the 2.

Adding Batum would definitely clear the way to moving Williams on to a new destination. Word is he loves jambalaya........just sayin'.

[The J Rocka]

I'd throw in Johnson + Tolliver/Pek/Darko. I'd try to negotiate without the Utah pick. We should package that with Williams for an Eric Gordon type talent.