Batum

[jambr380]

We have Crowder on a great contract as well as Young or Hunter possibly playing his backup next year. If anything we need a shooting PF to replace Sully, JJ, Amir, and Lee when they all come off the books next year.

We'll keep Amir if no one better wants to sign with us.

Would be extremely happy if we are able to bring in a quality free agent like Batum or Barnes...and yes, I do believe those guys will get max money from some team.

[dreamgreen]

I'd take him, we need players like him.

[Big333223]

I think he'd be an excellent second-tier target if we're not in the running for someone like Durant. It also would allow IT to go back to the bench due to Batum's ability to work as a point-forward, similar to Turner last year. Also, his defense and size will be just as good if not an upgrade to Crowder at the wing, but he brings much more shooting, ball-handling, and creation. I think we'd be around a 55 win team this season with him. He has the exact skills that we need at the 3.

I guess he could play the 2 as well. After all the Hornets are primarily using him as a 2 guard this year.

If I were in Ainge’s position I wouldn’t waste time offering a contract to Durant (since we have almost zero chances with him anyway). I would direct all my focus on a more attainable target (like Batum) with the hope that we get to agree a deal with him while most of the other potential suitors are still waiting for Durant to announce his decision.

Yeah, the Celtics are not in contention for Durant. We'd be smarter going after a Batum-caliber guy early and get in a call before anyone else, the way we did with Amir.

[jmen788]

I think it'd be easier to get Batum than Barnes. I don't think Batum is a superstar, but he can fit our team concept and help us improve. But I'm not sure about giving him the max.

Does anyone know what the max for a player with his experience will be given the cap increase?