Minnesota Timberwolves Projected By ESPN To Go 41-41 In 2012-2013

The Minnesota Timberwolves were fighting for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference in 2012 until star point guard Ricky Rubio tore his ACL, and ESPN projects that the Wolves will be in the same position this coming season.

Unfortunately for Wolves fans, ESPN still sees Minnesota as being on the outside looking in come playoff time. In their preseason projection of the Western Conference, 100 of ESPN's basketball contributors see the Wolves going 41-and-41 and missing out on the playoffs in a tiebreaker to the Utah Jazz.

That 41-and-41 record would represent Minnesota's best record since the Kevin Garnett era; just approaching a winning record is a good sign for the franchise. But the team -- and star power forward Kevin Love -- are ready to compete in the playoffs now, and ninth place won't cut it.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

Timberwolves Complete 3-Way Trade, Sign Andrei Kirilenko

On Friday afternoon, the Minnesota Timberwolves officially completed the proposed three-team deal with the New Orleans Hornets and Phoenix Suns that had been reported on July 25.

The deal will see the Twolves sending Wesley Johnson and a first-round pick to the Suns, so that the Hornets can send guard Jerome Dyson and the contract of retiring center Brad Miller to Minnesota.

This will then free up Minnesota's salary cap situation so that the team can complete the signing of free agent forward Andrei Kirilenko to a reported two-year, $20 million contract.

Three-way Hornets, Suns and Wolves deal finally completed, clearing way for Minny to sign Andrei Kirilenko to 2-year, $20M deal.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 27, 2012

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page, or watch SB Nation's YouTube channel:

Wesley Johnson Trade Not A Done Deal Yet, According To Report

"Significant issues" stand in the way of a three-way trade that would send Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Wesley Johnson to the Phoenix Suns, according to The Arizona Republic.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Wednesday that the Timberwolves, Suns and New Orleans Hornet had agreed to a deal that would send Johnson and a first-round pick from Minnesota to Phoenix. The deal also reportedly included Phoenix's Robin Lopez and Hakim Warrick going to New Orleans.

The Republic also says that the teams "agreed to the structure" of the deal, but adds:

The largest remaining issue is making the trade oblige with rules to get league approval. If the league rejects the trade parameters, Warrick would remain with the Suns and Lopez likely would remain with the Suns for his $4 million qualifying offer. In that case, Lopez would become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

New Orleans agreed to give Lopez, 24, a three-year, $15.3 million contract, according to Yahoo!.

After averaging 9.0 points and 3.0 rebounds as a rookie, Johnson, the No. 4 overall pick in 2010, averaged 6.0 and 2.7 last year.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page, or watch SB Nation's YouTube channel:

Timberwolves Trade Wes Johnson, First-Round Pick To Suns In 3-Way Deal, According To Report

On Wednesday afternoon, the Star Tribune reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves have completed the framework of a three-way trade with the New Orleans Hornets and Phoenix Suns.

The Timberwolves will be sending forward Wesley Johnson and a first round pick to Phoenix, while the Suns will be sending center Robin Lopez and forward Hakim Warrick to New Orleans, with the Hornets sending guard Jerome Dyson and the $5.1 million contract of retiring center Brad Miller to Minnesota.

In addition, the Twolves will receive two second round draft picks from the Hornets in exchange for cash.

As of this time, the deal has not yet become official but the Tribune cites a source close to the situation as saying that the deal merely needs to complete minor routine logistical matters prior to being consummated.

The goal of this move from the Minnesota perspective is to clear salary cap space in order to pursue free agents.

For more T-Wolves trade news, stay with this StoryStream. For more Timberwolves coverage, head over to Canis Hoopus. And for more NBA news and analysis, be sure to visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

NBA Trade Rumors: Timberwolves Targeting Andrei Kirilenko, According To Reports

The Minnesota Timberwolves are making things quite interesting in the post-summer league NBA offseason. Building on earlier reports that Minnesota plans to trade former first-round pick Wesley Johnson the Star Tribune's Jerry Zgoda confirms what the T'Wolves might be up to following the trade.

Per @WojYahooNBA earlier tweets, league sources confirm Wolves are targeting Kirilenko, perhaps at $9M a season for at least 2 years

— Jerry Zgoda(@JerryZgoda) July 25, 2012

Reports earlier in the day had Andrei Kirilenko in the cross-hairs of the Brooklyn Nets and Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov. Kirilenko was quoted in the article mentioning he had options and it appears Minnesota may be a favorable one for the Russian forward. Kirilenko played ten seasons with the Utah Jazz before playing last year for CSKA Moscow and has made it known he plans to return to the NBA this season.

For more T-Wolves trade news, stay with this StoryStream. For more Timberwolves coverage, head over to Canis Hoopus. And for more NBA news and analysis, be sure to visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

NBA Trade Rumors: Wes Johnson To Suns As Part Of Robin Lopez Deal?

The Minnesota Timberwolves have already made small deals this summer to ship out Wayne Ellington and Brad Miller, but the newest NBA trade rumor carries quite a bit more weight as the team is apparently shopping former fourth overall pick Wesley Johnson.

Johnson struggled mightily last season and, after showcasing him a bit in the NBA Summer League, the team has apparently found a way to get good value for him as a part of a three-way deal apparently centered around the Phoenix Suns shipping Robin Lopez to the New Orleans Hornets.

Along with Lopez, Suns would send Hakim Warrick to Hornets. Minny would send Wesley Johnson and a 1st round pick to the Suns, sources say.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 24, 2012

Wojnarowski has yet to report what the team would get in return (aside from the minor pieces of Jerome Dyson and a return of Brad Miller), but the Star Tribune's Jerry Zgoda is guessing that they'd receive Carl Landry and possibly another piece.

For more T-Wolves trade news, stay with this StoryStream. For more Timberwolves coverage, head over to Canis Hoopus. And for more NBA news and analysis, be sure to visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

Timberwolves' Trade Of Wayne Ellington For Dante Cunningham Reportedly Official

It was reported last week that the Minnesota Timberwolves were on the verge of acquiring forward Dante Cunningham of the Memphis Grizzlies for guard Wayne Ellington, and now the deal is official according to The Memphis Commercial Appeal:

Cunningham averaged 5.2 points per game last year for the Grizzlies, but was held to just 17.6 minutes per night and rarely was given a chance to see significant court time. The 6-foot-8, 230-pound forward projects as a guy who can average somewhere near one steal and one block per game as a key contributor off the bench for the Timberwolves going forward.

Ellington, on the other hand, never quite lived up to his immense hype as a shooter coming out of North Carolina in 2009. Considering he rarely produced much aside from scoring as a one-dimensional shooter, Ellington's woeful shooting percentages this past year (40.4% FGs, 32.4% 3Ps) were clearly the last straw for Minnesota brass.

For more T-Wolves trade news, stay with this StoryStream. For more Timberwolves coverage, head over to Canis Hoopus. And for more NBA news and analysis, be sure to visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

Minnesota Timberwolves Release Statement Regarding Nicolas Batum

On Wednesday afternoon, the Portland Trail Blazers matched the offersheet submitted by the Minnesota Timberwolves for restricted free agent Nicolas Batum.

After a sordid back-and-forth affair, Batum will remain in Portland and the Timberwolves are dissapointed that they were unable to find a way to retain his services.

Here is the team's official statement via the club's official public relations twitter account:

‪David Kahn statement: "We are disappointed that Nicolas Batum will not be on our team and wish him the best in the future, however, we were prepared for the possibility of this outcome and will move forward with our other plans. We are positioned well from a salary cap standpoint and will continue to explore additional roster moves. We are confident that we will make the necessary transactions to improve our team for the coming season and beyond."

For more free agency coverage, stay right here with this StoryStream. For more T-Wolves analysis, head on over to Canis Hoopus. And for more NBA coverage, be sure to check out SB Nation's NBA hub.

Nicolas Batum To Remain With Portland Trail Blazers, According To Report

On Wednesday afternoon, Jason Quick, the Senior reporter for the The Oregonian, tweeted that the Portland Trail Blazers will be matching the offersheet submitted by the Minnesota Timberwolves for guard Nicolas Batum.

It was largely expected that the Blazers would plan to match, but at a time it appeared as though the two teams may be able to work out a deal. However, with indecision from Portland in trade talks and the inability to find a third team to complete a group trade, Minnesota's last hope was that the Blazers wouldn't match the offersheet.

Now, with Blazers general manager Neil Olshey scheduled to meet with the assembled media, it appears as though Batum will be remaining in Portland.

So it's all but official: Nicolas Batum is staying with Blazers, who will match Minnesota offer. Olshey to address media in Vegas at 2:15

— Jason Quick (@jwquick) July 18, 2012

For more free agency coverage, stay right here with this StoryStream. For more T-Wolves analysis, head on over to Canis Hoopus. And for more NBA coverage, be sure to check out SB Nation's NBA hub.

Minnesota Timberwolves To Trade Wayne Ellington For Dante Cunningham, According To Report

The Minnesota Timberwolves are close to finalizing a trade with the Memphis Grizzles for Dante Cunningham.

NBA Free Agency: Timberwolves Sign Nicolas Batum To Offer Sheet, Blazers Have Until Wednesday

The countdown officially began on Sunday night in Minnesota, as the Timberwolves signed restricted Nicolas Batum to an offer sheet and will now wait three full days for the Portland Trailblazers to match.

Though he has repeatedly made it public that he only wants to play in Minnesota next season, Portland's ownership of Batum's contract ultimately dictates his next move. With that said, it's entirely possible that the Blazers decide the headache associated with keeping a disgruntled Batum around might not be worth matching the offer sheet in the end.

With plenty of other free agent targets continuing to narrow down their choices during the three-day window, Minnesota will need to hope that viable backup plans like Courtney Lee and O.J. Mayo are still on the market if the Blazers decide to match the offer.

For more free agency coverage, stay right here with this StoryStream. For more T-Wolves analysis, head on over to Canis Hoopus. And for more NBA coverage, be sure to check out SB Nation's NBA hub.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Blazers, Timberwolves In 'Grudge Match' Over Nicolas Batum

Despite repeated trade offers from Minnesota that included up to three future first-round picks and even 2011 No. 2 overall pick Derrick Williams, the Portland Trail Blazers still do not want to see forward Nicolas Batum leave, says ESPN's Ric Bucher.

The Blazers offered Batum an extension last offseason that averaged around $5 million per season, but the Timberwolves are prepared to sign Batum to a four-year, $46.4 million offer sheet, according to Bucher.

Portland's front office does not believe Batum is worth upwards of $11 million per season, Bucher says, so it will seem odd if the Blazers refuse a sign-and-trade deal and allow Batum to sign a lucrative offer sheet they do not want to match.

For this reason, Bucher thinks the negotiations have turned into a political battle thanks to a lingering dispute over last year's Martell Webster trade, where Portland sent Webster to Minnesota for Ryan Gomes and the rights to Luke Babbitt, the No. 16 overall pick in 2011, despite knowing of Webster's existing back injury.

The Timberwolves' signing of former Blazers guard Brandon Roy, which would cancel Portland's insurance policy on the guard and put the Blazers back on the hook for up to $17 million, only served to anger Portland owner Paul Allen even more, according to Bucher.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, head over to Canis Hoopus. Check out SBNation's dedicated NBA sitefor all news and analysis.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Minnesota Will Submit Nicolas Batum Offer Sheet On Sunday

Nicolas Batum is not a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves yet. Minnesota general manager David Kahn revealed on Friday that the team cannot submit an offer sheet to the Portland Trail Blazers forward until Sunday evening at 5 p.m.Kahn also said that the would indeed submit the offer sheer at that time, wrapping up their pursuit of Batum.

The Timberwolves must wait until Martell Webster clears waivers at that time on Sunday afternoon. Minnesota released Webster on Friday in order to free up the cap space needed to sign Batum, who cannot sign his offer sheet because it would put Minnesota over the cap.

Kahn spoke to the team's pursuit of Batum in a conference call:

"I know Nicolas and the Timberwolves prefer this culminating in a sign and trade, but restricted free agency is what it is, and it's certainly the Portland Trailblazers prerogative to match what ever offer sheet we tender or for that matter not engage in a trade."

Batum averaged 13.9 points per game for the Blazer last season, playing an average of more than 17 minutes per game.

For more 2012 free agency coverage, stay with this StoryStream. For more on the T-Wolves, head over to Canis Hoopus. And for more NBA news and analysis this offseason, be sure to visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Batum Status In Holding Pattern For Timberwolves

There have been several reports about Portland Trail Blazers' restricted free agent Nicolas Batum signing an offer sheet from the Minnesota Timberwolves. But what is not clear now, is whether or not the offer sheet was actually signed. If not, the two teams may be engaged in sign-and-trade talks that would eventually allow Batum to join the Timberwolves.

At this moment, the #Blazers have not received an offer sheet from Minnesota revealing a deal to sign RFA Nicolas Batum.

— Joe Freeman (@BlazerFreeman) July 13, 2012

Have to think either Blazers mulling a S&T offer or MIN is getting cold feet about waiving players to making offer they know will be matched

— Jason Quick (@jwquick) July 13, 2012

As Ric Bucher reported earlier, Minnesota waived center Darko Milicic via the amnesty rule to remove some of the $7 million guaranteed money from the Timberwolves' salary cap. The Blazers indicated they were going to match any offer for Batum but instead they may just want something in return.

For more 2012 free agency coverage, stay with this StoryStream. For more on the T-Wolves, head over to Canis Hoopus. And for more NBA news and analysis this offseason, be sure to visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Nicolas Batum Signs Offer Sheet From Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been trying to get their hands on Nicolas Batum, a restricted free agent from the Portland Trail Blazers. Initially, Minnesota was hoping that the Trail Blazers would be content letting him go, but it quickly became apparent that Portland planned to match "any" offer from another team on Batum. So instead, they turned to the trade market.

As it happens, the Trail Blazers don't believe that the Timberwolves have anything they could trade that would make the trade worth it on their end. Preliminary speculation had the Timberwolves sending multiple first-round picks and also getting a third team involved, but all of that may now be off the table.

That's because Batum has signed an offer sheet from Minnesota for 4 years, $46.5 million, according to Comcast SportsNet Northwest writer Chris Haynes:

A source close to the situation has indicated Nic Batum has just signed a Minnesota offer sheet. The contract is for 4 years, $46.5 million. The Blazers now have 72 hours to match the offer.

It's already been noted that Batum wants to play in Minnesota. He'd be much happier in Minnesota, stating that it is where he wants him and his family to be. That being said, the Trail Blazers seem to have the space to match this offer and have three days to do so.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

NBA Trade Rumors: Timberwolves And Trail Blazers Discussing Move For Nicolas Batum

The NBA trade rumor mill has elected involve the Minnesota Timberwolves again this week as the team tries to acquire restricted free agent Nicolas Batum from the Portland Trail Blazers. It doesn't sound like it's going to be easy, but at least there's apparently a deal being discussed.

The Blazers and Timberwolves are discussing a deal that would seemingly cripple the Wolves' chances at continuing to rebuild in the future in exchange for the immediate impact Batum could have, according to a report from ESPN's Ric Bucher.

The Trail Blazers and Timberwolves are discussing a deal that would bring Portland free-agent forward Nicolas Batum to Minnesota in exchange for two future first-round draft picks and a veteran small forward acquired from a third team, a league source told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.

If the Blazers continue to balk, Bucher says, the Wolves will simply sign Batum to an offer sheet Wednesday night -- which Portland has said it'll match, keeping Batum in a Portland uniform.

That's quite a nice haul for the Blazers considering one of their alternatives is to let Batum play out this season and then walk for nothing next year, but maybe they believe another team will chip in with something else before that happens.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

Timberwolves Have Nothing To Offer For Nicolas Batum, Says Trail Blazers GM

On Wednesday afternoon, Portland Trail Blazers general manager Neil Olshey officially put the final nail in the Nicolas Batum-to-Minnesota Timberwolves speculation when he stated that the Twolves had nothing of interest to offer the Trail Blazers in a potential sign-and-trade.

In addition, Olshey made it clear that if Minnesota submits an offer sheet to the restricted free agent guard, the team will match any proposal.

Olshey says he doesn't see anything Minnesota can offer in S&T that is appealing to POR. Says he will match if Minny presents offer sheet

— Jason Quick (@jwquick) July 11, 2012

The GM went on to say that he doesn't believe that any thing that the Twolves could offer would have more value than Batum and that he doesn't believe in allowing talent to walk out the door.

As of this time, Minnesota has not extended an offersheet.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Nicolas Batum Remains Hopeful He'll End Up In Minnesota

Although he remains a restricted free agent as the Portland Trailblazers own the final say on his destination, small forward Nicolas Batum continues to express his strong desire to play in a Minnesota Timberwolves uniform next season. The 23-year-old Batum made things as clear as possible to NBA.com's David Aldridge on Tuesday:

"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."

Batum is currently in Madrid with the French National team in preparation for an exhibition game on Tuesday against Spain, and fully believes that he is the small forward of the future for the T-Wolves. Considering the organization obviously feels the exact same way, Batum is anticipating that the two teams can work something out soon. "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," Batum said.

For more 2012 free agency coverage, stay with this StoryStream. For more on the T-Wolves, head over to Canis Hoopus. And for more NBA news and analysis this offseason, be sure to visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

Timberwolves Free Agency 2012: Kevin Love Says 'Front Office Needs To Step Up,' Make Moves

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love offered up some blunt quotes in an interview with Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears.

Love, who agreed to a four-year, $62 million contract extension in January, gave the interview while training with Team USA in advance of the Summer Olympics in London.

According to Spears, Love said:

"My patience is not high," Love said. "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....

"If we don't make the playoffs, I don't know it's going to be me or something, but our management needs to step up and make some moves....

"But I think our front office and ownership needs to step up and get us some pieces. We need to make some moves. We can't just stand still. We have to make this happen."

In addition to trading for Houston Rockets forward Chase Budinger, the Timberwolves signed former Portland Trail Blazer Brandon Roy.

Outside of that, the team has reportedly been in talks with Boston Celtics restricted free agent center Greg Stiemsma, and is also interested in sharp-shooting guard Brandon Rush

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page, or watch SB Nation's YouTube channel:

NBA Free Agency: Olshey On Batum: "Why Wouldn't Nic Want To Come Back Here?"

The future of Nicolas Batum remains uncertain, with the NBA's moratorium on free agent signings set to be lifted at 12:01 a.m. ET on Wednesday, July 11.

What we know is that the Minnesota Timberwolves want him, as they plan to offer the small forward a four year, $45 million deal as soon as they officially can. Batum, a restricted free agent, is set to accept it, giving the Blazers a chance to match. Portland has long considered him an important part of their core and has publicly stated its intention to match, but reports have indicated that Batum would prefer to join the Timberwolves.

Asked about the situation on Monday, new Blazers general manager Neil Olshey danced around Batum's intentions, via Jason Quick of The Oregonian:

Olshey asked: "Has Nic expressed to you that he doesn’t want to come back here?" Olshey answer: "Why wouldn't Nic want to come back here?''

— Jason Quick (@jwquick) July 9, 2012

This isn't exactly a denial of Batum's wish to be elsewhere, but Olshey doesn't seem too bothered by it. This makes sense, as the right to match the deal gives Portland all the power here.

For more on the Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus, and for all NBA news and updates, head over to SBNation's NBA Page.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Nicolas Batum Wants To Join Timberwolves

Nicolas Batum's time with the Trail Blazers may be coming to an end after the French small forward and his agent traveled to Portland Thursday to ask the Blazers not to match the Minnesota Timberwolves' offer sheet, according to CSNNW.com's Chris Haynes.

Minnesota's verbal offer reportedly stands at four years and $45 million, an offer which Portland will have the chance to match after July 11. If the Blazers do match despite Batum's wishes, a sign-and-trade would still be a possibility.

Batum grew frustrated with his role in Portland, which he felt limited him to being a spot-up shooter and wing defender instead of allowing him to get out and run the floor in transition, Bounda Ndiaye, Batum's agent, told Haynes.

The 6-foot-8 forward's visit with the Timberwolves and head coach Rick Adelman sealed the deal.

"Ndiaye says Batum is enamored with the opportunity of possibly playing with a true point guard in Ricky Rubio and a All-Star player in Kevin Love. They had dinner with Rick Adelman in which he went over his coaching philosophy and style. At that point, Batum was hooked, according to Ndiaye."

For more on the Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus, and for all NBA news and updates, head over to SBNation's NBA Page.

NBA Trade Rumors: Philadelphia, Blazers And Timberwolves Could Strike A Deal

The Minnesota Timberwolves are putting their best effort toward acquiring Nicolas Batum, but after the Portland Trail Blazers said they'd match whatever offer David Kahn and Co. put forth, that task is proving to be a bit difficult.

There are other ways the Wolves could acquire Batum, though, and 1500 ESPN's Darren Wolfson reports that a three-way trade with the Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers is one way things could get done.

According to the source, the way to get Batum here is still via a sign-and-trade. David Kahn, the Wolves' president of basketball operations, will continue to talk with the Portland Trail Blazers throughout the weekend.

One scenario involves a three-way trade with Philadelphia. Andre Iguodala would go to Portland, Derrick Williams would go as part of a package to the Sixers and Batum would come to Minnesota. So far, Portland is balking.

It's unclear what else the Wolves would have to send to the Sixers in that deal, but it's certainly intriguing. The problem is Portland, though, so Wolfson reports that the Wolves might just look at acquiring Andre Iguodala instead of Batum -- thereby cutting out the middleman.

If Portland doesn't change its mind, the Wolves could revisit talks solely with Philadelphia about Iguodala. But as has been the case since the teams first started talking two years ago, the Wolves aren't big fans of his contract. It has two years left -- the second is a player option -- at approximately $30 million total.

The Wolves are obviously looking at making moves ... hopefully they're the right ones.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page

NBA Rumors: Nicolas Batum Will Stay A Blazer, Not Become A Timberwolf

The Minnesota Timberwolves had been angling at acquiring Nicolas Batum, a restricted free agent, from the Portland Trail Blazers. Unfortunately that won't be happening, however, as the Blazers have apparently deemed Batum to be too important to their team.

The Timberwolves reportedly offered Batum $11 million per season and, while that sounds like a lot, no amount will be enough to lure Batum to the Twin Cities. Not necessarily because he's not interested, but rather because the Blazers have decided they'll do whatever it takes to keep him.

Blazers just complete meeting w/Batum and agent in downtown Portland and say they will match any offer and will not engage in sign-and-trade.

— Jason Quick (@jwquick) July 5, 2012

With those options off the table, Batum will now have the option of either playing out the final year of his rookie deal -- worth just over $4 million, according to ShamSports' salary database -- or signing a long-term deal with the Blazers. The latter option happens more often than the former and, if the Wolves decide to submit their offer anyway when the moratorium on free agents ends July 11, they'll have to match whatever long-term deal Minnesota puts down on paper.

For more on the T-Wolves in free agency, stay with this StoryStream. For full Timberwolves coverage, head over to Canis Hoopus. And for more news and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

Nicolas Batum Offered $11 Million By Minnesota Timberwolves, According To Report

On Thursday afternoon, it was reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves had submitted an offer to restricted free agent Nicolas Batum in the range of $11 million per season. Bartum was given a qualifying offer by the Portland Trail Blazers on June 25, which means that if Batum accepts the Timberwolves offer, Portland will have three days after July 11 to match the offer.

If they do, Batum will have to play out the proposed deal with the Trail Blazers.

Minnesota's offer to Nic Batum in now in excess of $11M annually, per NBA source. How high would you go to get him?

— John Canzano (@JohnCanzanoBFT) July 5, 2012

Batum has spent the last four seasons in Portland averaging 10.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 26.2 minutes per game over that span.

For more on the T-Wolves in free agency, stay with this StoryStream. For full Timberwolves coverage, head over to Canis Hoopus. And for more news and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

NBA Free Agency: Wolves Plan B's Include Andre Iguodala, O.J. Mayo, Louis Williams

It's no secret that the Minnesota Timberwolves have made Portland Trail Blazers small forward Nicolas Batum their No. 1 target this offseason. Batum's a restricted free agent, though -- what will Minnesota do if Portland matches the offer sheet?

According to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN, there are multiple backup plans:

The Wolves, like every team, have Plans B and C. It involves possibly trading for Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala, although the source said that contract is troublesome.

They also have reached out to representatives for free-agent shooting guards O.J. Mayo and Louis Williams. Neither is scheduled to visit for now, but that could change based on Batum.

It is unknown what the Timberwolves would be willing to send the Sixers' way for Iguodala and there's no word on how serious they are about Mayo and Williams at this point.

Minnesota has also been linked to Russian guard Alexey Shved and, while Wolfson maintains Shved remains a Plan B or C, his agent says that the Wolves are one of three teams that have extended him an offer.

No contracts can be signed until July 11, when the NBA moratorium period is over.

For more on the Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus, and for all NBA news and analysis, head over to SBNation's NBA page.

NBA Free Agency: Nicolas Batum Will Be Either A Timberwolf Or Trail Blazer

Free agent small forward Nicolas Batum will reportedly be a member of one of two teams next season: the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Portland Trail Blazers.

After reportedly receiving a four-year, $45-50 million offer from the Timberwolves, he will meet with the Blazers later this week, via Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com.

Restricted free agent forward, Nicolas Batum, will meet with the Portland Trail Blazers this Thursday or Friday in Portland, a league source says.

As a courtesy, Batum wants to hear the Trail Blazers' pitch before he proceeds to gauge the interest level of other teams, the same source says.

Haynes reports that, although Batum was previously thought to be meeting with New Orleans and Toronto, he has postponed all other visits.

Batum is a restricted free agent, so Portland has the right to match any contract offered by Minnesota or another team.

For more on the Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus, and for all NBA news and analysis, head over to SBNation's NBA page.

2012 NBA Free Agency: Timberwolves Reportedly Make Offer To Nicolas Batum

The Minnesota Timberwolves made a four-year offer in the $45 to $50 million range to Portland Trail Blazers restricted free agent Nicolas Batum, according to Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com

The Raptors and Hornets also have shown interest and will meet with Batum, Haynes says.

Batum, a 23-year-old forward from France, is a rangy and athletic forward known more for his defensive abilities than for his scoring, but he did post 13.9 points per game last year (mostly in transition and on second-chance opportunities).

He would be an interesting fit with the Timberwolves after the team did not extend a qualifying offer to forward Michael Beasley. Should Batum head to Minnesota, the Timberwolves will have nice length on the wing.

However, the Blazers still have the ability to match any offer sheet the Wolves could sign Batum to. A four-year offer worth north of $10 million per season may seem steep for a relatively unproven player like Batum, but if Portland feels strongly enough about the young Frenchman, it's likely they'll match it.

For more on the Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus, and for all NBA news and analysis, head over to SBNation's NBA page.