2012-13 off season talk

[Scott M]

We overpaid to get him to Minnesota. Gotta face that this isn't a very attractive market...poor and short team history, off the coast, weather, etc.

For $5 mill I'm not too worried. The guy didn't seem like he had much left, but maybe he'll get on of those German subterfuge injection treatments and be decent. And year 2 isn't guaranteed so oh well.

I'm not too sure about a sign and trade deal with Batum. I heard it would be Sixers moving Iguadola to the Blazers, we'd move Derrick Williams to Philly, and we'd be Batum.

Derrick Williams has had one year in this league and some bright flashes. Seems a little early to give up on him. I guess they really want to round out the roster to make it work. If the terms of the Batum contract are accurate, the Wolves will need to do some other dealing to fit under the cap.

[Scott M]

Ray Allen is a member of the Heat. The road to ring #2 for LeBron just got easier. I don't see another team that can claim to be on the same plane as the Heat now.

[Scott K]

I would love to keep Williams, but if we can trade Williams, to get Batum, or Iggy, we do it. Batum and Iggy are top wing players now, Batum is only 23, and can still improve, Iggy is very good, and we can only hope Williams would ever be as good as him.

So in theory we trade a potential in Williams, for either a proven Iggy, or a much better refined young project in Batum. I say we do it.

[Scott K]

Quote:

According to his agent, Nicolas Batum personally asked Blazers management on Thursday not to match his four-year, $45 million offer sheet from the Timberwolves.

Batum's much-maligned agent, Bouna Ndiaye, said that Batum's "heart isn't [in Portland]," and that he felt his role last season was too limited -- "He wasn't able to get up and down ... being a Bruce Bowen in-the-corner player frustrated him." Remember that the Wolves have only made a verbal commitment (nothing can be signed until July 11) and many NBA observers feel that Minnesota and Batum are simply trying to create some leverage where none truly exists. It has been previously reported that during Thursday's meeting, the Blazers told Batum they would match the offer regardless of his preference.

[Scott K]

Quote:

Stiemsma, after meeting twice with Minnesota, reportedly was offered a contract for $3 million next season.

[vexilareye]

[Storm]

The Indiana Pacers plan to match the Portland Trail Blazers' offer to restricted free agent Roy Hibbert, the Indianapolis Star reported on Monday.

ESPN has confirmed the Pacers' plans for Hibbert.

Sources told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard that Portland offered the center a four-year, $58 million contract, the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.

The Pacers drafted Hibbert with the 17th overall pick in 2008 and the Georgetown product has seen his scoring and rebounding averages rise every season, reaching a career-high 12.8 points and 8.8 rebounds in the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season.

With Hibbert anchoring their frontcourt, the Pacers were 42-24 this year and lost to the Miami Heat in six games in the second round of the playoffs.

How do you guys think this will effect our chances with batum?

[Scott M]

Gotta pull a sign and trade now for Batum...Too many casual NBA fans will be surprised to learn the difference between an offer sheet on a RFA and a free and clear UFA...The funny thing is, the CBA was supposed to address competitive balance and RFAs are supposed to help small markets, and instead you are watching every team in a major market pursue a "Big 3" of their own.

[Snag]

It would be interesting to see who will be available next year via free agency. I don't think adding one player is going to change this team much. I wouldn't trade Williams for 5-10 more wins.

They might be able to make the playoffs if Rubio comes back healthy and they pick up a decent 2.

Brandon Roy does nothing for me.

[Scott K]

To be honest, if they lose out on Batum, then go straight out and get Iggy. I like Batum, because he is younger, and will mesh with our team better. But Iggy is a much better player all around then Batum.

Although that is me having high hopes, I would settle for Lee, or Mayo as well.

We would have made the playoffs last year if it werent for injuries. So we really arent to far away now, Batum as a starter, B Roy off the bench with something to prove, and Budinger off the bench.

If we can somehow keep Williams and still pick up one of the tops wings, I will be more excited. I think Williams value is as low as it can be, and he does fill in for Love rather well. But I would much rather have Batum, or Iggy instead.

[Scott M]

I love Iggy's game, when he's aggressive on offense he's solid and he's one of the best defenders in the league, but his price is pretty high.

Love's comments sure got blown out of proportion the last couple days...

[Scott K]

I am not worried about what Love said, in fact, I hope it lights a fire under Kahns butt to get something going now.

Iggy is spendy, but this is MN, Iggy is one of the top Wings out there, and by far the top that is available, if we want to be good, we have to pay. Plus, it isnt my money, and I want to see a couple playoff series this season. So might as well get Glens check book out and start writing!

[Scott K]

There is a pretty interesting video out there with the owner of the Trail Blazers and he made a comment about Batum, that is looking good for the Wolves.

Some high lights.

Quote:

"Q: We have heard that no matter what you will match any offer Batum receives, is that accurate?

A: Look, we've all heard things. I've had discussions with his agent, I had a conversation with David Kahn...that will remain private. But like i said, what you will see at the end of this is that I beleive we did what was in the best interest of the organization today and in the future."

[Scott K]

It looks like the Wolves signed Alexey Schved, a Russian guard.

Quote:

The Timberwolves have reportedly reached an agreement with PG Alexey Shved.

He most recently played for CSKA in Russia and was being courted by the Cavaliers and Grizzlies. David Kahn still loves point guards, but it's hard to see Shved getting much run as long as Ricky Rubio is healthy.

[Scott K]

I think this is a sign that

A- Rubio wont be healthy until later in the season

B- That either Luke, or JJ will be part of a sign and trade for Batum, or some other deal.

[Scott K]

Quote:

In a story that won't go away, Nicolas Batum apparently has no interest in returning to the Blazers and has said it's time to "move on."

"I feel like I have to move on," Batum said. "I need a new situation and a new start…I feel like it’s the best situation for me in Minnesota." He also said he has nothing against the city of Portland or its fans, but he simply would rather play in Minnesota. He also said in the interview that he is hopeful the Wolves and Blazers will work out a sign-and-trade, but as of now, all that we've heard out of Portland is that they have every intention of matching any offer he gets and keeping him in Portland. But now that Batum has laid down the gauntlet and said flat-out that he doesn't want that to happen, it will be interesting to see what the Blazers do next.

[Scott K]

Quote:

He was about 3,800 miles away, but Nicolas Batum’s voice was loud and clear. He wants to play with the Minnesota Timberwolves next season.

Batum, the Blazers’ restricted free agent, made his preference clear Tuesday afternoon in a telephone interview from Madrid, where he was with the French National team as it prepared for a friendly match later Tuesday against Spain, one of the top challengers to the defending U.S. men’s Olympic gold medal team at the upcoming Summer Games in London. While Portland has said it will match any offer sheet for Batum, he hopes they will let him go to play for the Wolves, who have a commitment for a four-year deal worth $45 million on the table when the July Moratorium ends Wednesday.

“I’m a restricted free agent,” Batum said. “I know the situation. Anywhere I sign, the Blazers are going to match. But my first choice was, and is, Minnesota. That’s where I want to play and that’s where I want to put my family. I’ve got nothing against the fans (in Portland) and nothing against the city. But this is a basketball decision and basketball wise, I want to be there. Last year, they impressed everybody, and that’s what I respect. To have a great young point guard like (Ricky) Rubio, and a great coach like (Rick) Adelman, I really liked that project. And I think they think I’m the missing piece at small forward. That’s what they told me.”

Batum met last week with Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, team president David Kahn and Adelman, and was impressed by the direction in which the franchise is going. But the 23-year-old Batum has been a priority to retain by the Blazers through several different basketball administrations, intrigued by his ability to score either as a driver or shooter. Portland acquired Batum in a Draft night deal in 2008 from the Rockets. Last season he averaged 13.9 points and 4.6 rebounds for the Blazers, and his Player Efficiency Rating of 17.32 ranked eighth among small forwards in the league, behind only LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Paul Pierce, Danny Granger, Rudy Gay and Andre Iguodala.

A source said that Batum did not want to sign an offer sheet because he was worried the Blazers would match. And, indeed, according to the Oregonian newspaper, that’s exactly what the team’s new general manager, Neil Olshey, told Batum and his representatives in a meeting last week. However, the Timberwolves have enough space to sign him outright to a sheet. They can clear $10.8 million of additional room buying out center Brad Miller (who has already announced his retirement) and guard Martell Webster, and also could create additional room by using the amnesty clause on center Darko Milicic, who is under contract next season at $5.22 million and has two years and $10.8 million left on his contract.

Batum grew frustrated by the slower pace that former Blazers coach Nate McMillan favored, and thinks he has a chance to play at a more up-tempo style in Minnesota.

“When I talked with Adelman last week, I felt like he wants me, will play me the way I ask to play,” Batum said. “Last year was tough for all of us and I think I need a new start. I think I need something else. Again, it’s nothing against the city or the fans (in Portland).”

Batum said that he thinks Portland and Minnesota will ultimately work something out.

“I know that they’re working on a sign and trade, and I’m very hopeful that both of them understand my situation, do the best both for me and for them,” he said.

Olshey, Batum said, told him last week that he could be a big part of Portland’s team going forward.

“But like I said, I feel like I have to move on,” Batum said. “I need a new situation and a new start…I feel like it’s the best situation for me in Minnesota. I think that’s a great group of guys. This team can be interesting next year. It could be fun.”

The Wolves’ need to add Batum is just as strong as his desire to be there. The team’s All-Star forward, Kevin Love, expressed his frustration with the team’s slow pace at adding quality players Monday in an interview with Yahoo! Sports.

The Timberwolves agreed to terms last week with former Blazers standout Brandon Roy, who ended his retirement due to knee problems after getting treatments similar to the platelet rich therapy program many professional athletes with knee issues are using. Roy will get $10.4 million over two years. The Wolves also traded for Rockets forward Chase Budinger before the Draft, giving Houston the 18th pick in the first round.

“My patience is not high,” Love told Yahoo! in Las Vegas, where the U.S. Olympic team is holding training camp. “Would yours be, especially when I’m a big proponent of greatness surrounding itself with greatness? All these (Team USA) guys seem to have great players around them…It’s tough seeing all these guys that are young and older who have all played in the playoffs. When they start talking about that, I have nothing to talk about. If I don’t make the playoffs next year, I don’t know what will happen.”

Love signed a four-year extension with Minnesota that kicks in next season and pays him $62 million. He wanted a five-year deal worth $80 million, the maximum, but the Wolves were not willing to go that far. But Love, who also praised Adelman and the Wolves’ coaching staff, said he wanted management to “make some stuff happen” and add other players.

“It’s no secret I was willing to commit to Minnesota for five years,” Love told Yahoo!. I’m very happy with my contract. I’d love to be in Minnesota. But like anybody else, I want to win.”

For his part, Batum said he has hopes that the French team can get into medal contention. France got a big boost last week when Spurs star guard Tony Parker was cleared to play after suffering a serious eye injury during a brawl at a New York nightclub last month. Parker has since filed a $20 million lawsuit against the club, where he was with friends when a fight broke out between the entourages of the R&B star Chris Brown and the rapper Drake. Batum, Spurs forward Boris Diaw and the Heat’s Ronny Turiaf will play for France, which starts Olympic play July 29.

“We’re missing (Joakim) Noah right now, but we’re a good team,” Batum said. “We know the USA will be a big favorite in this competition, but us, Argentina and Spain, you never know.”

[Scott K]

Quote:

Kyle Korver is "likely headed to Minnesota" via trade, according to Hawks writer Michael Cunningham.

The Hawks were in the mix to get Korver from the Bulls, but it seems they no longer are.

[Scott K]

Quote:

ESPN's Ric Bucher is reporting that the Trail Blazers and Timberwolves are discussing a deal that would send Portland free-agent forward Nicolas Batum to Minnesota for two future first-round draft picks and a veteran small forward acquired from a third team.

It's possible the third team's player is Kyle Korver from the Bulls, but that's just speculation on earlier rumors. The Blazers have been saying all week that they will match any offer Batum receives, but the addition of draft picks and a replacement player has apparently caught Portland's interest. If the deal can't be completed by Wednesday night, the Wolves are set to officially sign Batum to an offer sheet, which the Blazers would have three days to match.

[Scott K]

That would explain the Korver pick up.

[Scott M]

Sounds like Darko is getting amnesty'd...this Batum deal is dead in the water.

[Scott K]

Sounds like Darko is getting amnesty'd...this Batum deal is dead in the water.

[Scott K]

Quote:

Nicolas Batum has signed a four-year, $46.5 million sheet from the Timberwolves.

The Blazers now have 72 hours to match the offer, and all indications are that they will be doing so. This also means the two teams weren't able to work out a trade for Batum that was being discussed.

We made it official, Portland now has 72 hours to match it.

[Scott K]

Looks like they are clearing space.

Quote:

Wolves owner Glen Taylor said Thursday afternoon that the team won't submit Nicolas Batum's signed offer sheet to the league until the end of the day.

That gives David Kahn a few more hours to try to figure out a way to trade for Batum, as he knows the Blazers will match the offer sheet. Kahn will have to come up with a very strong offer to make it happen, but our guess is the offer sheet it submitted, the Blazers match and Batum is back in Portland on opening night, saying all the right things.

Quote:

The Timberwolves are expected to buyout G/F Martell Webster.

He played some key minutes last season and even started in 26 of the 47 games he played in, but averaged less than seven points per game. Maybe the Wolves are planning on starting Brandon Roy at SG, but it doesn't seem possible that he could handle starter's minutes.

Quote:

Brad Miller is likely to be bought out by the Timberwolves.

He's also likely set to retire from the NBA after starting his career in 1998, after being undrafted out of Purdue.

[Scott K]

Quote:

The Timberwolves are expected to turn their attention to free agent SG Courtney Lee, as the Blazers don't appear to be willing to work out a sign-and-trade for Nicolas Batum.

A trade doesn't appear at all likely and the Blazers are expected to match the four-year offer sheet Batum signed. Wolves owner Glen Taylor said earlier the Wolves need to address the need for big men over wings, but the Wolves still need a starting shooting guard, if they're going to buyout Martell Webster as rumored.