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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.

Photographs by Micah Taylor, clairity, and Fibonacci Blue used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.