REPORT: Blazers Match Offer Sheet for Nicolas Batum
KGW.COM is reporting that Batum is on his way to Portland to complete a requisite physical and that the Portland Trail Blazers will match Minnesota’s offer for Batum, rejecting sign and trade offers from the Timberwolves.
It has been the penultimate issue this summer to sign Nicolas Batum, and the Blazers have followed through. The 23 year old small forward will make 46.5 million over the next four years and will suit up for the Blazers come fall.
After an up and down restricted free agency period that included harsh words from Batum’s agent and some weird anecdotal comments from Blazers’ GM Neil Olshly, Batum can finally focus on summer work outs and even a bit of rest before the season begins.
At 11.5 million per year, Batum is set to become the 10th highest paid small forward in the NBA. Last season, Batum ended 8th overall amongst the league’s small forwards and shot .575% from the field (TS%). In 59 games played last season, Batum averaged 13.9 points and 1.4 assists per game.
In my mind, matching on Batum was a no brainer. But what do you think? Weigh in below.
I do believe you misused the word "penultimate" (which people often do).
penultimate
|peˈnəltəmit|adjective
[ attrib. ]
last but one in a series of things; second to the last : the penultimate chapter of the book.
It was a no brainer and I have no ill will towards him getting his big pay check. Any of us would have done the same. It's the business side of the game - get as much now as you can because an injury could end your career in a heartbeat, and there is no second chance then.
Heck, I even forgave LeBron for his decision antics a couple of years ago. This Batum drama was nothing in comparison.
No harm no foul.
@johnv59 I never considered it "drama," considering how disorganized the Portland Trail Blazers are, I can hardly blame a player for looking elsewhere.