The Portland Trail Blazers’ season is over and Nicolas Batum is trying to figure out where he will play next. He is a restricted free agent this summer and it had been reported San Antonio is interested in his services.
In an interview with French site Basket Session, Batum affirmed his desire to join the Spurs next season but also stated he will look at other teams as well as a possible destination should he not return to the Blazers.
“San Antonio is an option for me. There are 30 teams in the NBA so I’ll all watch and see what can be the best. But San Antonio is clear that it could be something pretty. I do not want to leave Portland, but I’ll watch what is best for me.
If I can not find better elsewhere, I’ll stay in Portland but if I find better elsewhere, I would go. The market will open on July 1, so I really have time to take my time to watch all this. I have ten teams in mind, but I see it”
Should the Spurs add Batum to the roster next season, and resign Boris Diaw, the Spurs could have three of the top French players in the NBA playing alongside Tony Parker. Furthermore, Parker, Diaw and Batum will be joining forces this summer at the London Olympics and who knows if TP will try to convince Batum to join San Antonio.
However, there is the financial side of all this. Diaw, Danny Green, James Anderson and Gary Neal are free agents after the season, and Tim Duncan has yet to be resigned. The Spurs hold the option on DeJuan Blair and Patty Mills hold a player’s option. Also, Batum will be looking for a long-term contract.
What do you have to say Spurs fans? Should the Spurs gamble and try to bring in Batum and sacrifice some players currently on the roster?