Idea: Nicolas Batum

[TheAlbatross]

He's basically what we'd like Jeff Green to be. He's younger, a much better 3pt shooter (39% to 30%), and can defend the wing really well. He also scores a high percentage of his points off cuts, which would mesh well with Rondo.

A Rondo, Bradley, Batum back court is very athletic and even more imposing defensively. The biggest problem is prying him away from Portland (who I imagine would be inclined to match a lot of offers). I believe Batum has all star upside, but I wouldn't feel comfortable committing 8 digit money to him based on that still unrealized potential. Conversely, he looks like every bit the prospect that a guy like Paul George is, except a year or so older. His combination of size, athleticism, and outside shooting is pretty rare.

[Celtics18]

I'm with you.  I love Nic Batum, but I doubt Portland lets him go.

[CantBeRight]

Portland is building around him, LA, and their 2 lottery picks.

[rondohondo]

;eff Green can be signed for cheaper money and less years for pretty much the same production

[pearljammer10]

Love the idea. Not sure how we could pull it off though.

[Yogi]

Batum is fantastic.  So is Jeff Green.  Would love to have both of these guys in green next year.  Batum is a 2/3 and Green is a 3/4.  Bradley is a 1/2.  No reason they all can't play together with Rondo.  A small lineup of Rondo, Bradley, Batum, Green would be sweet.

[TheAlbatross]

Reading more about Batum, it seems his agent is displeased that the Blazers haven't already locked him up and will give the other 29 teams a chance to sign him (his offer sheet) before considering the Blazers' offer. How much of this is posturing, I dont know; however, it does seems likely at least that Batum would consider moving elsewhere. Would 4 years $40 million be something the Celtics should think about? Too much? Would it have to be more to get the Blazers to balk?

[indeedproceed]

;eff Green can be signed for cheaper money and less years for pretty much the same production

Not true. Batum is a much better shooter and defender.

The whole idea that Batum's agent is mad at the Blazers is a bit of a misdirect though. The Blazers hold his rights, they're going to resign him. Nobody is going to blow the blazers out of the water with an offer (it would need to be $10 million per or more), and all the Blazers have to do is match it.

The Blazers are just letting the market set his value. If he were a UFA, they wouldn't have the luxury.

[Mr October]

If Batum costs 10/year, I'll pass. He is a very good role player. He has some Shane Battier to him with the shooting ability and defense.

But... I always have noticed Battier's presence on offense and defense through his career. In the few times I've seen Batum play, I haven't been impressed. He coasted too much. I barely noticed he was on the floor. Thats not what I want out of a high paid starter.

I think he's going to become the next Travis Outlaw-esque signing. (Granted Batum has more skill than Outlaw). I wouldn't go much higher than 6 per year though. I imagine Portland would match that.

[LB3533]

Isn't LA kinda have some health issues? I doubt Portland gives up Batum.

[Yogi]

Nic Batum is a top ten small forward or shooting guard in the league.  He just keeps getting better every time I see him.  8-10 mil a year is a bargain.  Portland should lock him up, but they're a mess down there.