Zach Lowe: Utah trade 1st rounder for Batum

[veji1]

A Batum trade is an intriguing proposition. He could be a really good player in a team with a strong defensive identity thanks to his length and he has that "swiss army knife" type of game where he is a very good rebounder and passer for his position (which helps if you have a gunner as a PG). But he plays Hayward's position and wouldn't mesh at all with the type of player Exum is (in a way he is a more experienced Exum type SF).

The key need for the team right now is a quality PG, not a player like Batum.

I think the FO will stay put this summer, draft and try to get a better idea of how the Hood/Burks and Burke/Exum rotations developp before, maybe, making decisions during the season as the deadline approaches.

 

[BTP]

I'm not sure about Nic Batum. He's very puzzling. I don't watch enough Portland games to say if he's misutilized or if he's not good enough to play consistenly on a higher level. But whenever he plays for the French team, he's a stud regardless of competition. He scores on anyone for them and creates so much for others with his passing.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

I'm not sure about Nic Batum. He's very puzzling. I don't watch enough Portland games to say if he's misutilized or if he's not good enough to play consistenly on a higher level. But whenever he plays for the French team, he's a stud regardless of competition. He scores on anyone for them and creates so much for others with his passing.

Well both Lillard and Aldridge are shoot first scorers, so there might be something to there just not being enough shots for him to feel comfortable engaging in a scoring role. LMA and DA combine for roughly 37 FGA per game. The highest two FGA players on our team (Hayward and Burke) combine for 27 FGA per game (and we all know Burke's need to go down by at least 4).

 

[Getting Traded]

Batum is an All-Star caliber talent and still relatively young. You trade a first-rounder for him, except maybe a top-3 pick, any day of the week.

 

[green]

Piggy-backing off my GS trade, do you take Batum or Barnes? Who would you rather have?

Barnes is 4 million then a FA.
Batum is 11 million then a FA.

Both will probably get similar deals as free agents.

Batum is 26. Barnes is 22. Barnes shoots 48% and 40% from three. Batum is 45% and 36%.

If you are Utah, and both deals are on the table, who do you choose?

 

[Crawlnstall]

I use to really like Batum, He could do a little bit of everything and played great defense. But this season he has struggled, I can't say what his problem is as I havent watched enough games...but my buddies in Portland all want him gone due to his high price tag. I'd have to say no to the trade, but if it happened I'd find a way to be happy with it

 

[CALJAZZFAN]

Batum is an All-Star caliber talent and still relatively young. You trade a first-rounder for him, except maybe a top-3 pick, any day of the week.

Agreed. He had an off year, maybe an aberration, maybe not. It is concerning, but is it worth the risk? Probably. If he's happy and one of the primary scoring options, I think he flourishes. He's 4th fiddle in Portland. Lillard and Aldridge take most of their opportunities. On our team, he would be one of our primary scoring options. Plus, he's decent defensively. I'd take a chance on him if it only costs a late lottery pick (or Burke would be even better).

 

[RandyForRubio]

Batum > Barnes. Easy decision.

I think this would be a good trade. Playing with Rudy would help him out a bunch.

 

[Former Member]

Could we put Batum's salary on the books and still keep Booker?

 

[Justys]

Batum > Barnes. Easy decision.

I think this would be a good trade. Playing with Rudy would help him out a bunch.

Agreed, I really like the idea of Batum on the Jazz!! I really like Alec Burks!! if it cost the Jazz Burks; I'd, still be open to it!! So, we can keep our lotto pick to add an additional big! Plus, keep cap space to fill out our bench!

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Could we put Batum's salary on the books and still keep Booker?

Yes

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Batum is interesting. The issue for me is the one year deal... I wouldn't give up the pick for one year of Batum. He's unrestricted next year and we'd probably have space if we wanted.

If it cost burks I'd say no. If burks can match his 2013 inside shooting percentages with his 2014 3 point percentage we are in for a treat. I think the shoulder really messed him up when taking contact. He also really seemed involved and engaged in what we are doing even though he's been hurt. Very excited about him next year.

 

[NAOS]

I probably wouldn't send out a lottery pick for Batum. But if they'd take a future lottery-protected first and a second, then I'd do it.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

I probably wouldn't send out a lottery pick for Batum. But if they'd take a future lottery-protected first and a second, then I'd do it.

OKC pick (I think this ends up turning into two 2nds) and one of our 100 2nds I'd do all day.

 

[Justys]

Could we put Batum's salary on the books and still keep Booker?

Depending on new cap I believe so!! Again, I love Burks but think Batum would be a better fit for this squad. If we could trade Batum for Burks ( which I'd probably do if I'm Portland, if LA leaves) Utah could keep there cap space and lotto pick. Then add an additional player like Kosta k with some of our cap space. Maybe even package our lotto pick with Trey and go after Jrue Holiday or Ty Lawson.

 

[Nate505]

I wouldn't object to Batum being on the team...but not for the 12 pick in this draft. That's insanity.

Maybe for the OKC pick they got in the Kancer trade.

 

[NAOS]

after the All-Star break, was Joe Ingles a more effective player than Batum? Maybe I should even increase the size of that window?

srs question.

 

[aussietin]

Ingles can't match batum on defense. Don't get me wrong, I think ingles is a GREAT defender given the tools he has to work with. Almost never makes the wrong decision guarding the fast break. But batum just has more tools to work with.

Batum at the 3 gives us another really long defender, and a potential small ball 4. Think he's still worth taking a small risk on (aka okc first) if he becomes available for that price.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Ingles was also left wide open for a reason. Teams dared him to shoot, and continued daring him even once he got relatively hot. He did a good job shortening his release by a few fractions of a second and that really helped. If Batum got the same looks though it's hard to see him not shooting similar or better percentages. It think the only area Joe truly has an advantage might be in mid-range pull type shots.

 

[NAOS]

Ingles was also left wide open for a reason. Teams dared him to shoot, and continued daring him even once he got relatively hot. He did a good job shortening his release by a few fractions of a second and that really helped. If Batum got the same looks though it's hard to see him not shooting similar or better percentages. It think the only area Joe truly has an advantage might be in mid-range pull type shots.

So, your answer is a highly qualified Yes?