Minnesota wants Batum @ 11.25M a year

Option c also means batum makes 6 million less next year with no security if he gets hurt. Its in his best interests to sign this year.

 

One thing I've learned is that unless you're a complete disaster like Greg Oden, that injuries, even major ones, don't stop a team from offering ridiculous contracts. The downside to Batum playing on a Q.O. is that he might try to show he has more of a varied offensive game than he's shown.

There is risk involved in everything. Obviously signing this summer is ideal, but if he really does want out of Portland, the only way to do so may be a Q.O., or at the very least, trying to 'motivate' the Blazers into exploring a S and T.

 

I agree, with only one big client, I don't see how his agent risks a 45 million dollar pay day just to get batum to Minnesota.

 

I assumed it's more of a bluff, but who really knows?

 

I hope Neil doesn't cave. This rookie agent is trying to create a toxic environment.

 

Batum would be a complete moron to give up a guaranteed 45 million dollars to live and play in Minneapolis instead of Portland for 4 years. He will never get a better offer. And he could easily get a far less one. He and his agent were pissed they did not get the security blanket last January and now they may put it off another year? I find that very hard to believe.

 

It doesn't matter what we believe, it's what the Blazers/Olshey believe, and if this bluff is just a bluff or could be an actual reality.

 

If they can get the right player then I'm all for it, but I'd hate to see them settle for some middling, mediocre type. Also I think if Nic really does want out badly the Blazers shouldn't exactly force him to be here either. I say that not because I like to see the entitled athlete culture flourish, but because I don't think the team wants to foster an image of pig-headedness and obduracy ... also I'm not sure an unhappy, pouting Nic at 11+ million a year is going to be getting the most bang for your buck -- Nicolas does seem to "drift" a little on the court when things aren't running smoothly.

 

I'd much rather do this than Iggy.

 

Nothing is ever for certain in a situation like this, so you have to play the odds. What I believe sounds more realistic. So I am betting Olshey believes that too. Even if Batum did go ahead with the threat......not the end of the world. Some wanted us to walk away from him anyway. This way we have him for a year. A contract year. So I doubt he pouts. They can still trade him. Regardless I doubt plan c is the option he will choose.

 

http://www.csnnw.com/pages/landingd...ffer-from-Minnes=1&blockID=736324&feedID=8351

He really does make some good points

 

The more time that goes by

The more I believe Nic would actually rather be in Minnesota.

Sadly enough, at this point in time their future looks better than Portland as of today. Blazers don't even have a damn coach.

I have big hopes for Dame though.

 

We know he would rather be in Minnesota. That part has been obvious. But didn't Dwight say his source said Nic would "never" play in Portalnd again. Sounds like he backed off from that.

The other weak part of his video was that he was assuming Portland will get Hibbert when he talked about the "big three" taking up a majority of the salary space. That is a big assumption.

Bottom line is Portland has to do what is best for Portland. If they get a good sign and trade then do it. But if they don't then match it. You can't start letting your Euro players dictate their way out of town because the flights are too long to Portland.

 

This whole Minny signing has taken a bad turn for Batum. If we keep him no one will remember this in a year if he doesn't bring it up. At the moment i'm looking at it as a horrible agent making everything up under the sun to try and get the best offer for Batum no matter how bad it makes his client look and no matter how many bridges he burns.

 

I'd love to have Batum sign that QO, best possible outcome for the Blazers.

 

Why would the qo be the best outcome?

 

Rather have Turner and D Williams then Iguadala!

 

Cheapest contract possible for retaining Batum.