Minnesota wants Batum @ 11.25M a year

Ndiaye: "We hope Paul Allen doesn't step in the way of Nicolas' dream to play for the Wolves"

This fucking guy!

 

Meanwhile, LMA stays classy. Old tweets so won't repost them all but love when the best player on the team says

@shighkinNBA
“I don't think I've reached my prime yet,” LaMarcus Aldridge said. “So, if we get a good group of rookies in this draft...”

Sean Highkin ‏@shighkinNBA
“You don't reach your prime until you're 28 or 29. I'm 26 so I got a few more years. If we bring in the right guys, we'll be very good.”

 

Yes because the agent has been so gracious to the Blazer organization, why shouldn't the Blazers try to help Batum instead of themselves.

Love the way the agent compares Nash's situation to the Blazers. Like Nic has done as much for the Blazer organization as Nash has done for the Suns

 

I never would have thought that Nic would suddenly morph into this egomaniac.

 

Chances are, if POR does not facilitate a S&T, he will take the QFO and play the year out and then probably be dealt midseason for probably little in return...

If he wants to go, let him go...He hasn't shown himself to be worth $11+ mil a year...POR or MIN would be paying him that soley on potential...Good teams pay that kind of money for players who have SHOWN they are worthy of it, not players whom they HOPE can become worthy of it, bad organizations do that.

I think POR could extract a fair amount of MIN in a S&T....Williams, 1-2 1st round picks and\or Ridnour...

 

He's one of the guys the management want to build around. He's trying to create a toxic environment to force a S&T. He's a restricted FA and if he wants out that bad let him risk $40m with the QO, but giving in to his agent and we'll have to deal with this again in the future because - 'hey, it worked for Nic...." I hope Neil stands firm on this: A S&T should not be an option.

 

I doubt Batum will take the QO if the Timberwolves offer a 4 year, $45 million deal. I'll be shocked if he doesn't take it, whether or not the Blazers match.

Sure, there's been a lot of posturing by his agent, but Batum really has never suggested he never wants to see Portland again. I think Batum wants his agent to get him the best deal possible and he'll play wherever for it.

 

There is no way in hell he takes the QO. That is basically the option for players who HATE their team and sees no other option to get out or think they can go from a 20m contract to a 40m by playing the year out. All that Batum has said is he would rather play for minny and didn't like how he was used. Doesn't sound like he wants out of here at all costs. If his agent is any good at all he won't let Batum walk away from a huge guaranteed contract. You sign that contract then you try and force your way out after the guaranteed money.

 

I don't think he is worth building around...

POR is going to pay a ton of money to a guy who hasn't shown on the court that he is worth that kind of money...I mean if this were James Harden, I'd say hell yeah pay the guy. he has shown through his play that he is worth that kind of money (or more)...But Batum has not, he has been the same inconsistent player for the last 4 years, and suddenly with a new monster contract people expect him to be different...After 4 years in the NBA I don't see him improving significantly WITH POR, if he does at all...I am not sure how many players have imporved significantly after 4 years, particularly if they stay with the same team...

MIN obviously wants a S&T, and they really want Batum....I see that as an opportunity for POR to extract a LOT out of them as a result....Get Williams, get 2 1st round picks or 1 first round pick and maybe Ridnour...

I think the reason why there is only a verbal agreement is that Batum doesn't want to be here for 4 more years if POR matches, I think his agent just hinted at that fact recently...If they can't work out a S&T, it sure looks like he will sign the 1 year QFO and walk as an UFA next year and POR gets nothing or at best they will come to thier senses midseason and deal him but for a return much smaller than they could get now...He will only be 24 next year, and he will get a big contract offer then more than likely as well (probably from MIN)....It has worked for Lebron and a lot of other NBA players...I think it is ridiculous, but that is the way of the new NBA, players have the power...I mean look at Dwight Howard, he has basically forced his way to NJ...

I just don't see what POR ultimately has to gain from this other than satisfying thier anger....More than likely the team will not be good next year...and even if IND does not match Hibbert and Batum does sign the 4 year offer and POR matches...I just do not see a team with LA, Hibbert and Batum as thier main 3 guys, taking up a majority (around 2/3?) of thier cap space as a team that is a title contender....IF they can extract enough assets out of MIN, then they should just deal him, his production is not irreplaceable...

 

This seems to be how everyone not chasing a ring operates.

 

There has been no real mention of him signing the QO to get out of portland, and if its even brought up its by the agent trying to work out a sign and trade. The point is that there is no way in hell he signs the QO, he would be beyond stupid to.
I don't like the overpaying him that much but I would rather overpay him then let him walk. What I hope is happening is were playing hardball with Minn trying to get Derrick Williams/Ridnour and a first from them.

 

We will see what happens in a few days I guess...I just don't see the reason why all this stuff would come out just to negotiate a better deal from POR? Come on now, he wants to go to MIN...If he signs that 4\45 deal then he is basically locking himself into POR for financial security reasons...I don't think the risk is nearly as much to players as it used to be, several players have already set the precedent....he will still be young next year, and the team that really wants him will likely have a lot of cap space next year to sign him outright...and POR will likely not be very good next year either...

I think a lot of people are angry and it is understandable...but IMO he isn't that great of a player to pay whatever the price to keep...his production can be replaced and his upside\potential after 4 years is still questionable and dwindling as each year passes....

 

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/or...f/2012/07/canzano_nicolas_batum_is_doing.html

I'll be curious to see what he does...

 

Let him sign the QO.

They aren't going to 'win' this.

 

That's why he would not take a chance on signing a QO. His big pay day starts this week. That has to be exciting for him. He won't delay it. Too risky. And too risky for his agent who gets a big pay day too.

 

Anyone else notice that MB has been mum on this whole topic?

 

Batum will win a fat contract with the Blazers. Then it's put up or shut up time. And we'll find out what Nic really has in him. Excited to see.

MB will have his say, once the deal is done. No point in talking about rumors/drama/bs now.

 

Not at all, but now that you mention it, it definitely is wierd.

 

Highly doubt Batum risks his future this on the QO. He has seen way too many injuries occur around him lately; highly doubtful he takes the QO. I'd be glad if he did, though.

If we get Batum with the Q/O. Hibbert @ Max. We could throw out a pretty damn good team as it would save us ~6 million in cap room, which could be allocated elsewhere.