Hopefully this means the Blazers are trying to maintain maximum flexibility as they seek a deal for a better big.
It only means they don't want to have to guarantee his deal and after he clears waivers they'll probably sign him to a ten day contract.
I understand that, but I am hoping that the reason they don't want to guarantee his contract is not monetary but is to maximize their flexibility, i.e. to sign him to a longer term contract if it makes a trade work, or not resign him if they need to clear a space on the roster to make a trade work.
Agree. And he'll be gone for good after his 10 day contract is up because Batum will be back by then.