It stuns me some people are reacting negatively to this trade. Portland has made the absolute correct decision in this trade. Made sure Wallace cannot lock up cap space next year, somehow acquired a likely 4-10 pick to go along with our own most likely top ten pick in a LOADED DRAFT.
We had three options:
1. Somehow, by miracle, acquire legitimate star player with our limited trade pieces this year, and not waste LaMarcus' prime.
2. Understand this ship, as it is, is going no where. Acquire expiring contracts and picks for average talent, go into loaded draft with flexibility to acquire difference making players. Do not waste LaMarcus' prime.
3. Keep things as is, be 7-8th seed (miracle), or a late lottery pick. Acquire nothing, let Wallace opt in next year and eat 11.5 million cap space - commit to WASTING LaMarcus' prime.
Until two hours ago number three looked like what was going to happen; the worst of all options.
Now they have insured we will have 25ish million cap space next year (before resigning Batum), two most likely top ten draft picks in again a LOADED DRAFT, and we're removing losing mentality players. Nate is likely gone.
This is a great day. Great day.