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GM Neil Olshey: Blazers Still Plan To Keep RFA F Nicolas Batum

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Portland Trail Blazers GM Neil Olshey told reporters in Portland on Wednesday that the team plans to retain restricted free agent forward Nicolas Batum, despite overtures from the Minnesota TImberwolves and Batum's on-the-record comments saying he would prefer to play in Minnesota. Here are a few of the key quotes. Joe Freeman of The Oregonian reports on Twitter... ------------------------------------ Blazers GM Neil Olshey on Nicolas Batum's desire to play in Minny: "I guess he's into mosquito bites and frost bite." Blazers Olshey says he will match any offer sheet given to Nicolas Batum. ------------------------------------ The Portland Trail Blazers report on Twitter... ------------------------------------ "I think Nicolas would have more value than what Minnesota is willing to offer in a sign-and-trade." - Olshey "I don't believe in letting talent walk out the door." Olshey on Batum ------------------------------------ As of Wednesday afternoon, there have been no reports of an offer sheet being officially extended to Batum. -- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter