01-21-2022, 12:14 PM
(01-21-2022, 11:34 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: I don't think Batum is as diehard for the Clips as you're making it seem. Yes he took a slight discount to stay with them. I'm sure he also wanted to stay because 1) he wants to win a ring and a team with George and Kawhi is a pretty good place to do so. 2) They took a chance on him and helped revitalize his career.
Like you say if the Clips were to trade him, I think that would sour him a bit on returning. At least in my mind it would. Here he takes a discount and 6 months later they trade him to avoid tax penalties.
In any case, Batum would help the Mavs so much. Same with Ibaka. 2 long defenders that are a vet presence and know how to win. Both of them and Dragic would take the Mavs to the 2nd round easily.
I would not be surprised if somebody (possibly even the Mavs) offered Batum the full MLE. I would have preferred him to Bullock.