The San Antonio Spurs may be gearing for the NBA playoffs but that doesn’t mean they have the 
future of the team in mind.
According csnnw.com, the Spurs are targeting soon-to-be restricted free agent Portland Trail Blazers’ Nicolas Batum.
If that ever came into fruition, Batum, 23, would love to play for coach Gregg Popovich and his structured system.
“The Spurs play well together. They share the ball and do everything the right way,” Batum said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with my situation and I’m not worried about it right now. Everything will play itself out.”
Batum, a small forward, is a close friend of Spurs’ Tony Parker so that might play a factor into any negotiations the two parties have in the off-season. Add the fact Batum’s agent has said he and Batum will want to look to other NBA teams before talking to Portland also helps the Spurs. Furthermore, Batum expected to be drafted by the Spurs in 2008 but instead, he was picked by Houston and then traded to the Blazers.
Moreover, Parker and Batum will be playing with one another this summer at the 2012 Olympics for the French national team and it’s possible that experience will help sway Batum into playing with Parker and San Antonio next season.
However, the Spurs are stacked at small forwards next season with Stephen Jackson, Kawhi Leonard, and Boris Diaw (should he exercise his player option for next season which he more than likely will).
Also, the report does state Batum will command between $10-11 million per year and do not forget, the Spurs will more than likely resign Tim Duncan in the offseason who is also a free agent once the season ends. So money might be tight.
Regardless, adding Batum will be a huge addition should it happen. Batum has career averages of 10.2 points, 1.3 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 46% shooting, 37% shooting from the three-point line in 26.2 minutes.
What do you have to say Spurs fans? Should the Spurs go after Batum next season?
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
