Timberwolves Still Working On Acquiring Batum

The Timberwolves continued their pursuit of restricted free agent small forward Nicolas Batum from Portland.  The Wolves spent much of Wednesday trying to work out a sign and trade deal with Portland.  Portland General Manager Neil Olshey says the Wolves don't have the value they are looking for in trade and would match any offer the Wolves put together in a offer sheet.

The Wolves reportedly last week agree to a 4-year $45 Million offer sheet with Batum but it hasn't formally been submitted so they can work out a sign and trade deal.  The Wolves are trying to get a 3rd team involved in the trade.  Chicago reportedly could sent forward Kyle Korver to Portland, the Wolves would give the Blazers two future first round picks and Minnesota would acquire Batum.

Batum is a 23-years old, 6'8 and can play both shooting guard and small forward.  He averaged 13.9 points a game with Portland in 2011-2012.

The Wolves cannot move ahead with officially signing guards Brandon Roy and Alexey Shved until the Batum situation is resolved.