Batum's "Heart Went To Mpls", Wants Blazers To Let Him Go

The agent for Portland restricted free-agent Nicolas Batum tells The Associated Press that his client has reached a verbal agreement with the Timberwolves on a new deal and wants the Blazers to let him go to Minnesota.
    
Bouna Ndiaye says Batum met with Blazers officials including GM Neil Olshey on Thursday. He says Ndiaye has great respect for the Blazers and their fans, but feels the best fit for him is playing in Minnesota under head coach Rick Adelman and alongside point guard Ricky Rubio.

The Associated Press quotes Ndiaye saying Batum's "heart went to Mpls." and Batum hopes the Blazers don't match the Timberwolves offer.
    
Ndiaye declined to give the terms of Minnesota's offer. Batum can sign the offer on July 11 and the Blazers would have three days to match.
    
Olshey said earlier Thursday that the Blazers would match any offer and would not consider trading Batum.

(Material from the Associated Press was used in this report

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