Batum Confirms Desire To Play For T-Wolves
Nicolas Batum admitted his preference is to leave Portland for the Timberwolves.
“I’m a restricted free agent,” Batum said. “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 expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of playing for Rick Adelman and alongside Ricky Rubio.
“To have a great young point guard like Rubio, and a great coach like Adelman, I really liked that project,” Batum said. “And I think they think I’m the missing piece at small forward. That’s what they told me.
“When I talked to Adelman last week, I felt like he wants me, will play me the way I ask to play. Last year was tough for all of us and I think I need a new start. I think I need something else. Again, it’s nothing against the city or the fans (in Portland).”