FanPost

Let Batum walk

For starters let me say that I am a big fan of Batum's and have been since we got him in a draft day trade. I preferred him over Bayless & Rudy b/c he was a two way player and had good size for his position. However, with the speculation that he'll garner a 4 year $45-50 million contract I think that priced us out. I would offer him at most a 5 year $40-45 million deal. I just think thats way too much for a guy of his talents. Also, with word that we have reached a verbal agreement with Roy Hibbert for a 4 year max deal I feel like our hands are tied and we cannot afford both. I personally don't believe Hibbert is worth more than $10-12 million per year but unfortunately, I'm not the one calling the shots. I believe the league is headed in the direction where big, plodding centers like Hibbert will soon become extinct in favor of smaller, more athletic players. Therefore, I would decide against signing him especially to a max contract as his talents are not on par w/ max level players. He is a solid, top 5 Center but not worth that much money. I'd prefer a smaller contract for a player like a Chris Kaman or Spencer Hawes.

Assuming we sign Hibbert to a max deal, I believe we should turn our attention towards trading for Wilson Chandler. I would offer Wesley Matthews and a second rounder as it doesnt appear that he figures into Denver's long term plans and he is getting in the way of Jordan Hamilton's development. Plus we got screwed by them w/ last year's deal so its only fair we get even lol. If they do not go for this deal I would offer a combination of Shawne Williams, Babbitt & Nolan Smith and hopefully that gets the deal done. I believe Chandler & Batum are similar players skillwise but Chandler is more affordable. Hopefully, we can send Matthews in exchange for Chandler and bring over Claver to provide depth behind Babbitt. I'd also like to sign OJ Mayo or Landry Fields to be our SG w/ Elliot Williams & 2nd round steal Will Barton behind them. Ideally our rotation could be: Lilliard, Mayo, Chandler, Aldridge, Hibbert w/ Williams, Barton, Babbitt, Hickson or Anthony Randolph, & Leonard off the bench.

If we decide to pursue SF free agents I'd consider: Ersan Ilyasova, Brandon Rush, Gerald Green, Alonzo Gee, Terrence Williams, CJ Miles, Grant Hill, Carlos Delfino, Michael Beasley, Devin Ebanks, Matt Barnes, Damion James, Sonny Weems. I'd sign these players to 2 maybe 3 year deals and hope to find an upgrade in the meantime. Of the group I'd prefer Brandon Rush, Gee, Gerald Green or Terrence Williams but wouldnt pay more than $5 million per year to get them. I chose these b/c they're athletic and with the right coaching they can provide a short term fix and hopefully play the wing stopper role that Batum has played for us since his arrival.

Anybody else think Wilson Chandler can be a good replacement for Batum? Or have any better ideas?