FanShot

Freeman: Blazers F Nicolas Batum "Good" With No Extension

52
Joe Freeman of The Oregonian reports that Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum has come to terms with not receiving a contract extension... ------------------------- "I’m good with everything," Batum said, expressing relief that the extension deadline had passed. "The toughest part was that I don’t know what was going to happen. But now I know. And, OK, it’s bad because we didn’t reach a deal. But I’m good because I’m finally done with it. I don’t care about it now. Free agency is in July. We’re in January, so I don’t think about it right now." "I know I can do much more," Batum said. "I’m not really satisfied by myself right now." ------------------------- A recent national report indicated that Batum was "not happy" with the failure to reach a contract extension agreement with the Blazers before last Wednesday's deadline. Batum's agent, Bouna Ndiaye, also said that Portland's offer to Batum wasn't "fair." Here's what Blazers Acting GM Chad Buchanan had to say on the failed extension talks on Wednesday night. Batum had 14 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in 27 minutes during Friday night's blowout win over the Phoenix Suns, a game in which he played some first quarter minutes at the two guard position. -- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter