Joe Freeman @BlazerFreeman 18m Reply Retweet Favorite · Open The Blazers and the agent for Nicolas Batum met today to discuss a contract extension, but did not reach an agreement. Joe Freeman @BlazerFreeman 18m Reply Retweet Favorite · Open The sides plan to talk again soon to discuss extension, but no date has been set. A deal must be reached by Jan. 25 or Batum becomes RFA. Joe Freeman @BlazerFreeman 12m Reply Retweet Favorite · Open #Blazers interim GM Chad Buchanan: "We're still talking through everything. We're trying to find something that makes sense for both sides."
I would have no problem with Nic going to restricted FA. His agent probably wants money in the Aaron Afflalo range and Nic's play has not warranted that.
Yeah I wouldn't pay much more then MLE money right now, if we have to pay a little more as a RFA then so be it. But theres a chance we could pay less or have the freedom with Nic taking a smaller cap hold that nets us a good free agent first and then we address resigning Nic. There is zero downside of us losing Nic in the offseason unless its by our choice. The new CBA is all about having players with an on court value that meets or exceeds their contract price. That is how you'll consistently be a better then average team. If Nic wants to resign now at a price that gives us that benefit then lets do it. Otherwise we wait. If Nic wants the benefit of guaranteed money now he needs to give us some sort of a discount.
I wonder what dollar amount that means. For a 4 year contract some people would say $35 million is low balling him and others would say under $20 million is the cutoff for low balling him.
Batum's biggest concern shouldn't be playing time, it should be his teammates passing him the ball! No plays run for him, almost always has a match-up advantage, backs down his opponent and his teammates ignore him! very frustrating team to watch when they don't move the ball
Age should be a huge factor in the Wallace/Batum debate. I think it's clear as to whom they view as a long-term piece; if it weren't for the Magic pulling out of the three-way deal with New Jersey Gerald would be an Orlando Magic right now.
