Regardless of which trade goes through for McGrady, it seems like we are getting a PF in return. Battier is becoming more and more expendable. Battier and Scola for Manu and I. Mahinmi Manu has just as much intangibles as Battier, is a natural and efficient SG, and has the Argentinian fire and will to win of Scola. He is also an expiring. If the proposed Chicago deal goes through B. Miller/Hayes/D. Andersen/*Yao Landry/T. Thomas Ariza/Budinger Ginobli/Salmons Brooks/Lowry + 2 picks in 2010 and a bunch of expiring contracts. anybody know what the cap space would be if this went through?
This question brings out another matter into discussion. If it's time to trade Battier, what's his trade value? I for one agree completely that it's time to trade him. The guy is amazing and has served us well but the direction the team has taken doesn't fit with what he can offer. As many have said, he is a glue guy but there is nothing to hold, our superstars are on the way out and in rehab. This is a chance for DM to decide how to rebuild. He can give Yao one more chance with a solid team and prepare for the 2011 FA market or he can start now, gather picks and young talent. My choice would be to trade all players who can't afford to wait some years of rebuilding. What would an up and coming team like Oklahoma or Portland be willing to offer for a package of Scola and Battier?? I have no idea, but I'm sure those two players would work instantly with Durant and Westbrook. Would it be enough to pry away James Harden, Bayless or Rudy Fernandez? Suppose a trade of Harden/Ethan Thomas for Battier/Scola isn't too far fetched and the NY deal goes through: 2011 Roster: Brooks/Lowry (assuming we resign him)/LLul Harden/Budinger/Taylor Ariza/Jeffries Landry/Hayes/Hill Yao/Andersen That team is good enough to give Yao a chance. If it doesn't work out we'll still have draft picks, a lot of young, promising players and cash to offer the 2011 FA class.
I said this before, we should have traded him when his value was higher, it was obvious that he has been on a steady decline. Now that he's put up such a stinker of a season, we won't be able to get much for him if we wanted to trade him.
The more this season progresses, the more I'm inclined to say "yes, it may be time to trade Battier." We might not be getting peak value. And yes Battier's own skills/athleticism, and with it, trade value, may likewise have peaked, but I'm just not sure what he brings "to the floor" that we couldn't otherwise replace with someone younger, stronger, and a better shooter. I know some will say there's "leadership" intangibles to be said for. But for a young team like this, I'm sensing leadership from all areas, all positions. It's kind of like the core of the team is just growing as a group together. Ultimately, the most impt leadership imho is leadership from the point. AB0 could be that guy. Or perhaps someone we pick up later down the road. But inasmuch as Battier is good for the franchise, good in the locker room, and a good guy all around - whch I don't dispute, when it comes to the future of this franchise, I am starting to believe that it is perhaps time to move on to a new generation of leader. theSAGE
I'd say we should be patient and wait til Yao gets back. Perimeter defender is useless without a shot blocker in the paint. everything will fall into place once yao gets back hopefully. be patient guys, be patient.
