CHA-CHI-NOP (Batum to Pelicans)

[realEAST]

CHA in: J. Grant, E. Moore, 2019 NOP 2nd
CHA out: Batum

Looks like Hornets are falling out of playoff contention, so it makes sense for them to reduce their hefty playroll, making it also easier for them to retool in time (if they manage to move Williams and MKG). They get solid backup PG in Grant and rotation SG in Moore, while opening playing time for Lamb and Monk if they continue to (im)prove.

CHI in: Asik, Ajinca, 2018 NOP 1st (top12 prot)
CHI out: J.Grant

Bulls get a 1st roubd pick for taking on salary, something they should look to do this season. Those contract expire next season too. Also, Bulls keep some of their trade chips

NOP in: Batum
NOP out: Moore, Asik, Ajinca, 2018 NOP 1st (top12 prot), 2019 NOP 2nd

Hornets get a serious upgrade on wing once Batum gets in form following injury (and he slowly, is last two, three games). Before Hill gets back he can play SF with Holiday and Rondo in backcourt, after SG along Holiday in backcourt. He is all around wing who brings good defense, shootig and playmaking, which is especially important along Holiday going forward next seasons. They also save 1.5 mil in cape space.

Holiday-Batum-Hill-Davis-Cousins
Rondo-Clark-Miller-Cunningham-Dialo

[Diop]

I don't think the front office will accept its a failed season until it's too late, either way I don't mind it for Charlotte.
Both Grant and Moore have been ok this year and would bolster our crappy bench.

I like Batum on the Pelicans, but it seems a little expensive, how long does that protection last for?

[HartfordWhalers]

I don't see NOP saying yes. Too much cost and risk and Moore has been good.

[Resistance]

I have doubts that New Orleans should be swapping Asik, Moore and Ajinca for Batum.

Since the proposal also has the Pelicans sending out a first round and a second round pick, New Orleans should avoid this trade.

[realEAST]

I don't think the front office will accept its a failed season until it's too late, either way I don't mind it for Charlotte.
Both Grant and Moore have been ok this year and would bolster our crappy bench.

I like Batum on the Pelicans, but it seems a little expensive, how long does that protection last for?

Maybe a bigger role for Lamb, or Moore's recent good stretch could help mask the intention at first, at least on PR level.

Pick coukd be protected for two years, but being a top12 this year, I think it more or less certainly is conveyed to Bulls.

As for Hornets playroll, it would be considerable next year, 122 mil for 8 players (Holiday, Batum, Hill, Davis, Cousins, F. Jackson, Miller, Dialo).

But if they manage to move T. Allen before the deadline this season, they'd get under the luxury tax this season, which would save them from repeaters tax down the road.

[realEAST]

I don't see NOP saying yes. Too much cost and risk and Moore has been good.

Moore had few fine games on offense, but he is not that good on defense this season, and is more of an average than actually good defender, while Batum has been improving as shooter since return, other parts of his game are there (rebs, assists). Not to mention Batum can cover both SG and SF positions, which is of greater value for Pels.

Once he is back at 100% he'll be great all around addition on both sides, especially long term, with his playmaking ability along Holiday who is good but not great running the team.

I'd consider him significant upgrade to what they currently have on wings (and I thinm Hill is better than Moore, especially in small role they'd have on offence).

As for cost, it in part is, more speaking long term, since both Asik and Ajinca are under contract for next season, so it basically saves them appx four mil. over this and next season, while bringing considerably better production imo. Next two are bit problematic, but they'd be over the cap either way, so better to add someone significant when they have a chance.

[HornetJail]

NOLA is giving up a 1st and we aren't getting said 1st? Pass, or cut out the Bulls from this.

[MKWB]

First, they the Pelicans! Lol, multiple references to them as Hornets. But yea, I agree with others here that the risk is too big for the Pels. Batum seems to go down with injury quite often, and with that big contract while having 3 other players getting paid >20mil, just doesn't seem like a route they would go.

I do agree Batum would be a major upgrade though, when healthy. Just not at that contract for the Pels. It could happen, though.

[pelifan]

I don't see NOP saying yes. Too much cost and risk and Moore has been good.

Moore had few fine games on offense, but he is not that good on defense this season, and is more of an average than actually good defender, while Batum has been improving as shooter since return, other parts of his game are there (rebs, assists). Not to mention Batum can cover both SG and SF positions, which is of greater value for Pels.

Once he is back at 100% he'll be great all around addition on both sides, especially long term, with his playmaking ability along Holiday who is good but not great running the team.

I'd consider him significant upgrade to what they currently have on wings (and I thinm Hill is better than Moore, especially in small role they'd have on offence).

As for cost, it in part is, more speaking long term, since both Asik and Ajinca are under contract for next season, so it basically saves them appx four mil. over this and next season, while bringing considerably better production imo. Next two are bit problematic, but they'd be over the cap either way, so better to add someone significant when they have a chance.

Moore is playing small forward right now. He's not equipped to do so, he's at least above averageto good defensivlely when at his natural position. Moore is also a great shooter on a team that needs them badly, Batum is not.

I'm not doing this trade. It gets rid of the Pelicans only real bargain contract for an overpaid player even at 100% who may never be the same. If it were Hill instead of Moore... I'd think about it.

Batum shouldn't be worth positive value. Sorry but it's true.

[jbk1234]

Moore has more value on his contract than Batum on his. This is a really bad trade for the Pelicans.

[realEAST]

I don't see NOP saying yes. Too much cost and risk and Moore has been good.

Moore had few fine games on offense, but he is not that good on defense this season, and is more of an average than actually good defender, while Batum has been improving as shooter since return, other parts of his game are there (rebs, assists). Not to mention Batum can cover both SG and SF positions, which is of greater value for Pels.

Once he is back at 100% he'll be great all around addition on both sides, especially long term, with his playmaking ability along Holiday who is good but not great running the team.

I'd consider him significant upgrade to what they currently have on wings (and I thinm Hill is better than Moore, especially in small role they'd have on offence).

As for cost, it in part is, more speaking long term, since both Asik and Ajinca are under contract for next season, so it basically saves them appx four mil. over this and next season, while bringing considerably better production imo. Next two are bit problematic, but they'd be over the cap either way, so better to add someone significant when they have a chance.

Moore is playing small forward right now. He's not equipped to do so, he's at least above averageto good defensivlely when at his natural position. Moore is also a great shooter on a team that needs them badly, Batum is not.

I'm not doing this trade. It gets rid of the Pelicans only real bargain contract for an overpaid player even at 100% who may never be the same. If it were Hill instead of Moore... I'd think about it.

Batum shouldn't be worth positive value. Sorry but it's true.

I put Moore as I taught Pels would want to keep Hill as he is better more versatile defender and has upped has 3pt shooting to end the season. Also, don't think Moore keeps 45% for season.

Not sure whether it would make a great, deal breaking, difference for Horners here, since player they are getting back isn't crucial imo, but I'd leave their fans to judge it. And Hill would have place in their rotation too.

Batum is 36% shooter on 4.5 atts for 3pt, per career. At 100% he is pretty good defender and 15-5-5 player who can be secondary ball handler from wing which is pretty valuable imo.

Lastly, one genuine question for Pelicans fan:
would you prefer to trade your 1st round pick this year for upgrade (and what player that would be if that is the case) or keep it, trying to push for playoffs with team as is, given Hill is getting closer to return and he'd (ideally) give you that 3&D wing you are lacking? And, do you prefer Holiday-Moore or Rondo-Holiday backcourt (in other words, do you see Holiday running the point)?

[realEAST]

Moore has more value on his contract than Batum on his. This is a really bad trade for the Pelicans.

I think it should be looked at as who is better player, since they do clear out Asik and Ajinca too (OK, for a pick, but they clear comparable salary anyway), and are over cap anyway so they won't be able to add more players of this caliber, and not sure they'd be available through draft, being out of lottery.

Of other options, I'd prefer Batum at 22 mil. over Matthews or Bazemore at 17, for ex. since he is better player imo. Of the cheaper options, Holiday or Harkless for ex. (and I proposed few of those trades), not sure if they represent upgrade over Hill once he gets back in February to warrant giving up pick for them (well, I'd even say that Matthews or Bazemore for that matter, if Hill keeps shooting the way he was to finish last season).

What separates Batum imo is his playmaking and ball handling ability.

[jbk1234]

Moore has more value on his contract than Batum on his. This is a really bad trade for the Pelicans.

I think it should be looked at as who is better player, since they do clear out Asik and Ajinca too (OK, for a pick, but they clear comparable salary anyway), and are over cap anyway so they won't be able to add more players of this caliber, and not sure they'd be available through draft, being out of lottery.

Of other options, I'd prefer Batum at 22 mil. over Matthews or Bazemore at 17, for ex. since he is better player imo. Of the cheaper options, Holiday or Harkless for ex. (and I proposed few of those trades), not sure if they represent upgrade over Hill once he gets back in February to warrant giving up pick for them (well, I'd even say that Matthews or Bazemore for that matter, if Hill keeps shooting the way he was to finish last season).

What separates Batum imo is his playmaking and ball handling ability.

If I'm the Pelicans, I prefer to cut the Hornets out altogether, retain Moore, and get someone far more affordable at SF.

[realEAST]

Moore has more value on his contract than Batum on his. This is a really bad trade for the Pelicans.

I think it should be looked at as who is better player, since they do clear out Asik and Ajinca too (OK, for a pick, but they clear comparable salary anyway), and are over cap anyway so they won't be able to add more players of this caliber, and not sure they'd be available through draft, being out of lottery.

Of other options, I'd prefer Batum at 22 mil. over Matthews or Bazemore at 17, for ex. since he is better player imo. Of the cheaper options, Holiday or Harkless for ex. (and I proposed few of those trades), not sure if they represent upgrade over Hill once he gets back in February to warrant giving up pick for them (well, I'd even say that Matthews or Bazemore for that matter, if Hill keeps shooting the way he was to finish last season).

What separates Batum imo is his playmaking and ball handling ability.

If I'm the Pelicans, I prefer to cut the Hornets out altogether, retain Moore, and get someone far more affordable at SF.

Fine, but who'd that guy be? (genuine, not angry question )

[jbk1234]

I think it should be looked at as who is better player, since they do clear out Asik and Ajinca too (OK, for a pick, but they clear comparable salary anyway), and are over cap anyway so they won't be able to add more players of this caliber, and not sure they'd be available through draft, being out of lottery.

Of other options, I'd prefer Batum at 22 mil. over Matthews or Bazemore at 17, for ex. since he is better player imo. Of the cheaper options, Holiday or Harkless for ex. (and I proposed few of those trades), not sure if they represent upgrade over Hill once he gets back in February to warrant giving up pick for them (well, I'd even say that Matthews or Bazemore for that matter, if Hill keeps shooting the way he was to finish last season).

What separates Batum imo is his playmaking and ball handling ability.

If I'm the Pelicans, I prefer to cut the Hornets out altogether, retain Moore, and get someone far more affordable at SF.

Fine, but who'd that guy be? (genuine, not angry question )

I mean Brewer or Shump could be had just for the cap space. Hill will be back next season. Harkless has been glued to the bench in Portland and they need to get out of the tax.

[realEAST]

If I'm the Pelicans, I prefer to cut the Hornets out altogether, retain Moore, and get someone far more affordable at SF.

Fine, but who'd that guy be? (genuine, not angry question )

I mean Brewer or Shump could be had just for the cap space. Hill will be back next season. Harkless has been glued to the bench in Portland and they need to get out of the tax.

What cap space? (without gutting their already too thin bench; Brewer lack of 3pt shot makes him almost unusable, and they have Cunningham/T. Allen in similar mold)

So, Asik needs to be attached in basically any deal (only for Holiday Ajinca would do, but still, it would take a 1st to do it too) and that automatically means attaching the 1st. So if they have to attach the first, I'd just go for best player available (and imo, in this context that would be Batum).

Or try to push the season with team as is, but that is gambel in itself (Cousins).

Btw, weren't the last news on Hill February return, or did I miss something (if he is out for season, I'd say it is the reason more to try and trade for a SF)

I've got Lee as one of the names too, but with Knicks eyeing PO, not sure they'd give him up.

[jbk1234]

Fine, but who'd that guy be? (genuine, not angry question )

I mean Brewer or Shump could be had just for the cap space. Hill will be back next season. Harkless has been glued to the bench in Portland and they need to get out of the tax.

What cap space? (without gutting their already too thin bench; Brewer lack of 3pt shot makes him almost unusable, and they have Cunningham/T. Allen in similar mold)

So, Asik needs to be attached in basically any deal (only for Holiday Ajinca would do, but still, it would take a 1st to do it too) and that automatically means attaching the 1st. So if they have to attach the first, I'd just go for best player available (and imo, in this context that would be Batum).

Or try to push the season with team as is, but that is gambel in itself (Cousins).

Btw, weren't the last news on Hill February return, or did I miss something (if he is out for season, I'd say it is the reason more to try and trade for a SF)

I've got Lee as one of the names too, but with Knicks eyeing PO, not sure they'd give him up.

If they're sending Asik & Ajinca to the Bulls with that 1st, that's like 15 million in space.

[realEAST]

I mean Brewer or Shump could be had just for the cap space. Hill will be back next season. Harkless has been glued to the bench in Portland and they need to get out of the tax.

What cap space? (without gutting their already too thin bench; Brewer lack of 3pt shot makes him almost unusable, and they have Cunningham/T. Allen in similar mold)

So, Asik needs to be attached in basically any deal (only for Holiday Ajinca would do, but still, it would take a 1st to do it too) and that automatically means attaching the 1st. So if they have to attach the first, I'd just go for best player available (and imo, in this context that would be Batum).

Or try to push the season with team as is, but that is gambel in itself (Cousins).

Btw, weren't the last news on Hill February return, or did I miss something (if he is out for season, I'd say it is the reason more to try and trade for a SF)

I've got Lee as one of the names too, but with Knicks eyeing PO, not sure they'd give him up.

If they're sending Asik & Ajinca to the Bulls with that 1st, that's like 15 million in space.

But I'd rather keep pick along Asik and Ajinca, than send them away to get guys like Shumpert (injured, shoozting 28% on 3s and not interested in basketball) or Brewer. I'd just go for the best player in that case, and Batum brings very valuable playmaking, especially along Holiday and after Rondo expires (not that he is much good anyway, so they could use it right away too, while he is getting his shooting stroke back).

Harkless would require additional asset too, that Pels just don't have, and again with him shooting badly this season (and not having high % historically), along Hill being back in Feb, I'd just keep the pick even if Portland lets him go for someone like Grant or Holiday coming from Bulls which would provide Blazers cap release. (deal I recently posted)

[jbk1234]

What cap space? (without gutting their already too thin bench; Brewer lack of 3pt shot makes him almost unusable, and they have Cunningham/T. Allen in similar mold)

So, Asik needs to be attached in basically any deal (only for Holiday Ajinca would do, but still, it would take a 1st to do it too) and that automatically means attaching the 1st. So if they have to attach the first, I'd just go for best player available (and imo, in this context that would be Batum).

Or try to push the season with team as is, but that is gambel in itself (Cousins).

Btw, weren't the last news on Hill February return, or did I miss something (if he is out for season, I'd say it is the reason more to try and trade for a SF)

I've got Lee as one of the names too, but with Knicks eyeing PO, not sure they'd give him up.

If they're sending Asik & Ajinca to the Bulls with that 1st, that's like 15 million in space.

But I'd rather keep pick along Asik and Ajinca, than send them away to get guys like Shumpert (injured, shoozting 28% on 3s and not interested in basketball) or Brewer. I'd just go for the best player in that case, and Batum brings very valuable playmaking, especially along Holiday and after Rondo expires (not that he is much good anyway, so they could use it right away too, while he is getting his shooting stroke back).

Harkless would require additional asset too, that Pels just don't have, and again with him shooting badly this season (and not having high % historically), along Hill being back in Feb, I'd just keep the pick even if Portland lets him go for someone like Grant or Holiday coming from Bulls which would provide Blazers cap release. (deal I recently posted)

Brewer is expiring. Shump is expiring next season. Again, Hill will be back. But if they trade for Batum, their roster is locked for almost the entirety of AD's contract which is very, very dangerous.

[realEAST]

If they're sending Asik & Ajinca to the Bulls with that 1st, that's like 15 million in space.

But I'd rather keep pick along Asik and Ajinca, than send them away to get guys like Shumpert (injured, shoozting 28% on 3s and not interested in basketball) or Brewer. I'd just go for the best player in that case, and Batum brings very valuable playmaking, especially along Holiday and after Rondo expires (not that he is much good anyway, so they could use it right away too, while he is getting his shooting stroke back).

Harkless would require additional asset too, that Pels just don't have, and again with him shooting badly this season (and not having high % historically), along Hill being back in Feb, I'd just keep the pick even if Portland lets him go for someone like Grant or Holiday coming from Bulls which would provide Blazers cap release. (deal I recently posted)

Brewer is expiring. Shump is expiring next season. Again, Hill will be back. But if they trade for Batum, their roster is locked for almost the entirety of AD's contract which is very, very dangerous.

True, but they still won't have any cap after with Davis, Holiday and Cousins on books, along with Hill and Moore, so they give pick to trade away Asik essentially (which imo isn't the best move) because neither Shump nor Brewer represent upgrade over what they have in Cunningham (or Miller, although different type of player).

Batum carries a bit of risk, as mostly every player does, but he should be getting back to 100% soon, and he is a very good all round player, especially as #3/4 option, and it is not bad to be locked in with good two way player imo, especially if there is no other way to upgrade roster (and I can't see it for Pels).

Imo, core of Holiday, Batum, Davis, Cousins, with picks in 2019 and 2020 there to use for draft or trade is not bad at all.