Standoff over Batum gets interesting

July 11, 2012, 5:59 pm

Blazers insider Jason Quick joined the Bald Faced Truth, with John Canzano on Wednesday to talk about Nicholas Batum, and the whirlwind of speculation in regards to a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.    

Quick started off by remarking on what he believes is posturing by both sides, “restricted free agency is pretty clear, the rules and how you follow them are clear. Right now Portland is waiting for that offer sheet to be signed so they know what they’re dealing with. We're waiting for Minnesota to put their money were there mouth is”. Quick continued by asserting the fact that Portland is not interested in a sign and trade with Minnesota, citing a lack of comparable assets on their roster.  

Quick thinks that for a trade to occur a third team would have to be involved (think windy city Blazer fans). Quick spoke about Portland’s desire to work with Batum exclusively, and why that has not happened. “Batum is getting some really bad advice”, Quick said when questioned about the role Batums agent has played. Quick then detailed the specifics concerning the pool of possible head coaches. Breaking them into two categories, head coaches and assistants, Quick offering a long list of active assistants including Mike Malone; the head coaches included Jerry Sloan, Brian Shaw, and the Van Gundy brothers. This free agency period is far from over and Jason quick thinks that Neil Olshay may still make some bold moves.