UPDATE: Portland is going hard after Indiana’s Roy Hibbert by offering him a max contract, 4 years, $58 Million. That situation could really complicate Portland’s ability to re-sign Batum. This all hinges on whether Indiana decides to match their offer or let Hibbert walk.
According to sources, the Wolves called Blazers forward Nicolas Batum shorty after free agency began to discuss making an offer to the restricted free agent. The Wolves and Batum are planning to meet on Sunday to discuss it further. The offer would be in the neighborhood of 4 years and $50M. Portland would have the opportunity to match any offer made to Batum and have said they will match any offer made but It is still worth following. Batum is a 23 year old small forward who averaged 13.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season, both career highs. Batum is a long, athletic forward that will fit a big need at the small forward position for the Wolves if they can somehow find a way to get this done without the Blazers matching.
