J
jdbraver
Guest
Looks like minn is goin to miss out on Batum. Can we still make a play
The Trail Blazers delivered a direct and emphatic message to free agent Nicolas Batum during a downtown meeting Thursday afternoon: Batum will remain with the Blazers. A trio of Blazers executives, led by general manager Neil Olshey, met with Batum and agent Bouna Ndiaye and told the 23-year-old forward that they intend to keep him in a Blazers uniform no matter what other teams offer him or propose to the team in trades. "We told Nic that it is in his best interests to sign with us," Olshey said. Oregonian
andThe Bucks have presented Ilyasova with a guaranteed five-year contract, apparently between $7-8 million a year. That would make Ilyasova the second-highest paid player on the Bucks’ roster behind Monta Ellis, who’ll be paid $11 million this season. However, at $8 million a season, Ilyasova would be paid just slightly more than backup guard Beno Udrih, who’ll be paid $7.8 next season. Udrih’s number paled in comparison to Ilyasova’s as he averaged a mere 5.9 points and 18 minutes a game as a non-starter. Tugsavul made it quite clear the Bucks’ offer wasn’t acceptable for him. “We’re looking for a better offer,” Tugsavul said succinctly. Racine Journal-Times
If we're going to go for a PF who'll spend time at SF or even potentially start there, I'd much, much rather go for Ilyasova. Anderson wouldn't be cheap either. But Ilyasova is more mobile, quicker feet, can pullup off the dribble, better rebounder and better/more versatile defender than Anderson. He's also spent time at SF and had success.While Tugsavul was guarded about Ilyasova’s intentions, some acquaintances of Ilyasova told The Journal Times he wasn’t particularly content in Milwaukee and would sign with another team that made a comparable or better offer than the Bucks. Tugsavul wouldn’t divulge how much Ilyasova is seeking, but some people who have been involved with Ilyasova’s free-agent activities said it was $10 million a season. Racine Journal-Times
If Ilyasova is going to turn his nose up at $8mil per then he can proabbly cross his name off a lot of team's lists, including ours.
The cap is about to get much harder. SAome teams led by drunk owner appear to be in denial. All agents obviously are in denial. But you simply aren't going to be able to pay $10mil+ a year on guys who aren't one of your Top 3 players anymore.
Wolves and Blazers are talking trade now for Batum. They want a 3rd team involved to get a vet SF back. Would be nice if they would take Salmons, but they might go for Outlaw.
Wolves and Blazers are talking trade now for Batum. They want a 3rd team involved to get a vet SF back. Would be nice if they would take Salmons, but they might go for Outlaw.
Um...why would Portland do that? He's restricted.
The only thing I can imagine is that bridges have been burned so utterly in Portland by the media war over his offer sheet that Portland now doesn't think they can effectively bring him back. They can, obviously, bring him back, but they may be worried he won't be a good soldier anymore. So they hold him "hostage", effectively threatening to match unless Minny agrees to a S&T instead. But Minny doesn't have the vet SF that Portland is after, so they're looking three-team.
I can't imagine that Salmons is the answer here, but IF Portland were to go for that, it might look like:
Portland - Out: Batum In: Salmons
Minny - Out: Milicic In: Batum
Sacramento - Out: Salmons In:Milicic
It's not a huge help for us, obviously, but it saves us one year and a total of $9.5M. I'd do it, if Portland was in.
It looks as if the 3rd team they want to use has already been contacted, so I guess we'll wait to see who it is. I'd be beyond thrilled if the Kings were involved.
Also, it appears that if Portland does this sign-and-trade with Minny, Minny would be giving up 2 1st round picks in the deal.
So 2 1st round picks and a 12mil/year salary to land Batum.
I like Batum but...that a bit crazy.
It looks as if the 3rd team they want to use has already been contacted, so I guess we'll wait to see who it is. I'd be beyond thrilled if the Kings were involved.
Also, it appears that if Portland does this sign-and-trade with Minny, Minny would be giving up 2 1st round picks in the deal.
So 2 1st round picks and a 12mil/year salary to land Batum.
I like Batum but...that a bit crazy.