That's why I said they could also trade him for picks/assets. I'm sure they could find a suitor.
Now let's replace that with Batum.
Batum- 1.5mil
Bayless- 3.0mil
Rudy- 2.2mil
Babbitt- 1.8mil
Williams- 1.3mil
Collison- 1.4
Brackins- 1.4
Pondexter- 1.2
Thornton-???
Now that's a VERY enviable position. Great young talent at 4 positions, and an extraordinary amount of flexibility. If we're just gauging the opinion of Blazer fans, Batum has as much, if not more potential than Aldridge. So why go for the more expensive player who hasn't improved much over three years?
I don't think the Hornets are much better, if at all, with Aldridge instead of Batum, and I say this as more of an Aldridge fan than Batum fan. Their team is going to suck, a lot, but that's what you get when you're rebuilding, and management is going to know what.
For any rebuilding team, Batum is just a safer bet. He's cheap, bursting with potential, and younger.