Taking Their Talents to the Twin Cities?

July 6, 2012, 9:52 am

It’s been a busy couple of days for the Portland Trail Blazers and our Blazers insider Jason Quick joined The Morning Sports Page Friday to talk about the latest news in Rip City.

With news coming last night that the Minnesota Timberwolves have (reportedly) offered Nicolas Batum a four-year deal worth $45 million, we’re all curious as to whether the Blazers will match the offer or not.  Quick asserts that the Blazers have been very adamant that they intend to keep Nicolas as part of their long-term plans and they have said they will match any offer made for Batum.  However, he insists that neither he nor the Blazers believe Batum has actually been offered a $45 million deal.  If in fact he has, he suggests it’s possible the Blazers either let Batum walk or they execute some sort of sign and trade agreement for the Frenchman.

Nicolas Batum is not the only member of the Blazer family who may head to Minnesota.  Last night former Blazer Brandon Roy agreed to a two-year deal with the team.  Quick maintains that he has no idea what sort of production to expect from Roy given his six different knee surgeries and debilitating knees, but he insists that Brandon knows his body as well as any athlete in sports.  And if Brandon believes he can be a productive member of the team, he has no reason to doubt him.

Quick also admitted that he does not know what Neil Olshey’s next move will be if the Pacers do decide to match Portland’s offer for big man Roy Hibbert.  But he insists that Olshey does have a plan B.  If the Roy Hibbert deal falls through, Quick says that Olshey will not foolishly spend money this off season.  Every move he makes is made with a purpose to improve the team and he will only make moves that put the team in a better position.  Take a listen as Quick breaks down the latest Blazers rumors and be sure to check out his great columns in The Oregonian.

Boston Marathon

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