The Blazers have taken the first step toward signing forward Nicolas Batum to a long-term contract extension, sending his representatives a formal letter of intention to discuss an extension.

In the letter, the Blazers said they plan on beginning discussions for a new deal after the first of the year, according to Batum’s agent, Bouna Ndiyae, so the sides expect formal dialogue to begin around Jan. 1.

The Blazers have until Jan. 25 to sign Batum to an extension or they will have to wait until June 30, when Batum would become a restricted free agent.