We’ve got another “my heart is in XXXX” that’s pointless. At some point, these players need to accept their fate as restricted free agents and move on. This is the CBA, it’s life in the NBA, and if you wanted to accept the qualifying offer you could. But no.
Nicolas Batum has agreed to a four-year, $45 million offer sheet with the Minnesota Timberwolves who have been after him for a week, the AP reports. The deal includes bonuses to push the total to $50 million, putting the average at $12.5 million per year. A hefty price, but in all honesty, well worth it, especially for the Wolves.
The Wolves have been dying for a small forward who is serviceable for years. Martell Webster flamed out, Derrick Williams is a four trying to play the 3, and Wes Johnson isn’t big enough to log minutes there. Batum, though, is perfect. Long and athletic, with superb range from the perimeter and playmaking abilities, he fits perfectly with the Wolves and his agent is making noise about how much he wants to be there (just like Eric Gordon).
And yet, as they say, the Portland Trail Blazers could not give a flip.
Every indication, including a report earlier in the day says that Portland will match the offer, and do so with a song in its heart and a skip in its step. They think this is hilarious and not at all a serious problem. Portland has the cap space, the motivation, and the intention to match Batum’s offer, and they will. Batum will remain a Trail Blazer for the foreseeable future.
It’s yet more proof that forgoing restricted free agency is perhaps the better way to go if you don’t care about the extra year or if you are unlikely to get the extra year from your current club. But instead, Batum will be paid, and handsomely. The Blazers retain a small forward with great upside still and a 17.3 PER.
Nice try, Wolves. Nice try.