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Regardless of what POR is saying, this is a move that screams of preparing for life without Aldridge.
Maybe Aldridge said, trade that French player.
Regardless of what POR is saying, this is a move that screams of preparing for life without Aldridge.
One would think so, but not sure. Perhaps POR has soured on Batum and getting a #9 pick/big man prospect + depth in Henderson (while saving money) doesn't scream desperate or rebuild. It could, but they need big man depth and perhaps feel Batum isn't as good as the value he appears to have.
And the thing is, Aldridge is almost 30. He's never been out of the 2nd round. I imagine winning is the biggest priority for him at this point. I can't imagine that trading Batum (even with his off year) for Gerald Henderson and a raw prospect that likely won't be contributing for another couple of years is going to make Portland more enticing. He might've been aware of the trade, sure, but that doesn't mean it won't push him closer to leaving.
I agree.
So when do the Dallas "Aldridge" jerseys go on sale?
Vonleh/Henderson > Batum is a tough sell to Aldridge if you're trying to convince him that they're serious about contending. Not saying that Vonleh/Henderson isn't better than Batum (who was terrible last season) but that it's a tough sell on the surface to LMA IMO.
Of course the Trail Blazers have to pretend it's not the first step of a re-build (I actually think they'll re-load more so than re-build), but it has to be.
Vonleh is a clear PF; Aldridge detests playing C and is a 36 mpg PF. They didn't give up one of the better SF's in the league (with no clear way to replace him at this point, by the way) for a big who'll see limited minutes.
They clearly think Aldridge is gone and have no interest in paying Matthews or Afflalo what they'll seek.
^ pretty much, the only question is where is Aldridge going?
One step closer to Aldridge in SA
Mills/Fathead/Splitter in a S&T for LMA?
I don't know enough about Vonleh but if POR is really high on his potential I can see it being a nice sell to LMA. They had Kaman playing, RoLo could be gone, they need young bigs - even if it's bench bigs.
Sure you don't typically give up a starter for a bench guy, but they might feel Afflalo can replace him and maybe feel Batum is empty impact and net them a young big they like while shedding money this year.
Batum is overrated and was really ty last season, but I agree that this isn't a trade that will convince him to stay. He's leaving.
Affalo is entering FA I doubt he goes back
Afflalo is a family friend tbh. That is LA bound, book it.......
I could see that
Yeah Afflalo is gone too. Blazers fans were disappointed in him and he didn't fit their system.
Batum has a lot of talent, he's just in a poor system. He absolutely is much better than Danny Green.
Green is better in what both can do. Batum can do much more, though.
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