Since everyone and their mom is against the Blazers trading Batum, I got to thinking... how else can the Blazers get better without trading Batum?? And I answer

After next season, we have to make a decision on Gerald Wallace, we can't re-sign him and then sign Batum and try to play them max minutes.

Trade: Gerald Wallace to Cleveland

Recieve: Anderson Varejao

(my thoughts on why Cleveland does this)

Cleveland would want to shed Wallace contract, Cleveland trades Wallace for a top 10 draft pick next year, stays young and builds for the future.

Boom! We have our backup PF/C in Varejao... Does that make us better?? Maybe, but we're not considered contenders just yet... That brings me to my next trade offer.

Trade: Raymond Felton and Marcus Camby to Boston

Recieve: Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green

(my thoughts on why Boston does this)

Boston would have their Center that they missed when they traded Perkins, I think that Garnett and the rest of the team would play their hearts out as Dallas did for Dirk and Kidd this year for Camby to win a ring. It also gives them cap space at the end of the year with Cambys expiring contract, Boston then has cap space to sign a FA to stay in the playoff picture once the Big Three start to retire/go elsewhere. Boston also recieves 27-28 year old Raymond Felton who would fit in well, who also has a contract that expires.

Portland starting lineup

Rondo

Matthews

Batum

Aldridge

Oden

Portland reserves

N. Smith

Roy

J. Green

Varejao

C. Johnson

....... not sure where Mills, Babbitt, E. Williams, and A. Johnson end up in all of this, but this roster would be a top 3-4 best team in the league, contenders and I would bet that this lineup wins multiple championships and eceryone is happy that we didnt lose Batum in all of this.

Go Blazers!!