His production and health have been good this year. Good percentages overall and from distance. Good minutes/health. Why hasn't there been any noise about interest in him. If we are willing to deal him -- which we should be -- what is a fair price and who are the potential suitors? I would assume that he is attractive only to the playoff teams. SAS - nope (No SA interest, no obvious fit) LAL - nope DAL - lost butler, but what could they offer? Roddy B? OKC - Could use veteran leadership but what's the price? Could we get Harden, an underwhelming former high pick? Sefalosha and Battier would provide outstanding defensive options. New Orleans - no, has ariza Utah - no obvious fit Denver - seller, not a buyer Portland - no obvious need or fit; not a real contender Boston - no need for swing man, SF Chicago - Battier would be an upgrade from Bogans and take some of korver/brewers minutes. Tibs loves him some defense and rose could kick out to battier for the corner 3. Would we accept a 1st rounder? Orlando - they've done their shake up. Miami - no desirable assets to trade us. NY - First focus is Melo, but this could be a fit. NY could use a quality player like Battier, who happens to be an expiring. Would NY be willing to trade Randolph + filler for Battier + filler. It would make them a better team and significantly enhance their playoff chances and possibly a first round win. Helping Ny win would reduce the value of those picks, but that's a decent yield for Battier. Would we do this? Would they? ATL - not sure Battier is much of an upgrade over Williams to warrant their interest.
i just posted earlier how i was surprised at the lack of a recent "trade battier thread" :grin: Well for one, morey seems to want to re-sign him. That's if you believe him and don't think he's just trying to increase battier's value. I think other teams know houston values him highly and they need to come up with a solid deal to even get talks going. That's going to limit offers. Also, like you pointed out, there's a limited amount of teams who ned him, have room for him, and can afford him, at this point in his career. Unlike JJ, battier is not likely to be "dumped" on someone just to get something for his expiring contract. I dont think the Bulls really need him. Once JN comes back they'll be rolling even more smoothly defensively. As far as leadership goes, i think boozer, thomas, and Thib provide what battier could, or more. I think LA would be a good fit, if both Fisher and Jax leave next year. That's a lot of veteran experience walking out. Ratliff would also be gone. They'll need to find someone to take on ron though, goo luck with that.
Chicago is the obvious fit. I'm sure TT would rather have Battier over Bogans, Brewer, or Korver. I'm already rooting for that team to take down Miami anyway. Also, I don't see Battier returning next year. He'll command more than Morey will be willing to spend. May as well get something for him now and Chicago is the only team I'd really want him going to. Sucks but that's the truth.
I agree that Chicago is the obvious fit if they actually want him that is. At this point I would accept a first round pick for him in return or possibly Asik. Not sure how they could get a deal done though because the assets Morey would want in return wouldnt necessarily work salary wise.
I don't know why people wants to retire Battier, at least as a Rocket. He's playing his best basketball of the last 3 years. Theoretically, you try to retain your best/winning players, and he's one of them.
No team needs a 3 more than Dallas. They've been starting guys on 10 day contracts and Brian Cardinal at the 3.
He is gradually declining. A good center will make things somewhat easier for him,but a better SF will eventually be needed. Iggy is much better than him and would be a solid fit along with Martin. Iggy can fit in as a SF,even though he is an SG in Philly.
I'm not seeing much of a decline. His stats haven't declined, he still hustles the entire time he is on the floor, and he has even shown us a little more of his offensive capabilities this year. He is at an age where you would expect him to start declining, but the guy is still a great player to have on your team. Battier will definitely have plenty of teams wanting his services if the Rockets decide not to bring him back.
People were saying Battier is DONE. Not only is he not done, he's having his best Rockets season percentage wise since his 1st year. The difference is his minutes are limited playing a veteran 30 minutes a game instead of 35+, which is where he should be at this time in his career. Not sure why Ronnie Brewer wouldnt be more valuable under Tom Thib with the Bulls. Wesley Matthews is thriving while Brewer isnt, you'd figure it'd be the opposite. He's about as good a player you can get back for Battier in a straight swap.
He isn't a great perimeter defender anymore,although his post defense has improved. The fact that other teams may want him is good for us,but I doubt if DM has the foresight to do anything about it. A younger yet fairly experienced player like Iggy who is now fit and playing well, will be better not only in the short term but also in the long term. Without a Yao replacement,Battier and also Luis can only help get us get as far as the 2nd round.
I have come to the conclusion Morey and his fans are one in the same. They wouldnt be smart enough to know when to trade guys and their value. He will wait until Battier has his least value like all the rest of his deals. Brooks being the next in line of course. Thats if teams wanted him which most of those teams have a starter better than Battier. So? There is that.
