After days upon days of conjecture the Portland Trail Blazers have matched the Minnesota Timberwolves $45 Million over 4 years offer sheet for 23 year old forward/guard Nicolas Batum. Minnesota had expressed their interest in Batum for a number of weeks and offered him a contract that would have seen the Portland swingman headed to the Wolves alongside Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love. However Portland, after a tumultuous off season, have decided it is within their best interests to retain him. Minnesota had hoped to still gain his services but Portland have vowed that they would do whatever it takes to keep him.

Batum flew back from French Olympic team training Wednesday to complete the deal which will see him represent Rip City once again in 2012/13