I don't think he is worth building around...
POR is going to pay a ton of money to a guy who hasn't shown on the court that he is worth that kind of money...I mean if this were James Harden, I'd say hell yeah pay the guy. he has shown through his play that he is worth that kind of money (or more)...But Batum has not, he has been the same inconsistent player for the last 4 years, and suddenly with a new monster contract people expect him to be different...After 4 years in the NBA I don't see him improving significantly WITH POR, if he does at all...I am not sure how many players have imporved significantly after 4 years, particularly if they stay with the same team...
MIN obviously wants a S&T, and they really want Batum....I see that as an opportunity for POR to extract a LOT out of them as a result....Get Williams, get 2 1st round picks or 1 first round pick and maybe Ridnour...
I think the reason why there is only a verbal agreement is that Batum doesn't want to be here for 4 more years if POR matches, I think his agent just hinted at that fact recently...If they can't work out a S&T, it sure looks like he will sign the 1 year QFO and walk as an UFA next year and POR gets nothing or at best they will come to thier senses midseason and deal him but for a return much smaller than they could get now...He will only be 24 next year, and he will get a big contract offer then more than likely as well (probably from MIN)....It has worked for Lebron and a lot of other NBA players...I think it is ridiculous, but that is the way of the new NBA, players have the power...I mean look at Dwight Howard, he has basically forced his way to NJ...
I just don't see what POR ultimately has to gain from this other than satisfying thier anger....More than likely the team will not be good next year...and even if IND does not match Hibbert and Batum does sign the 4 year offer and POR matches...I just do not see a team with LA, Hibbert and Batum as thier main 3 guys, taking up a majority (around 2/3?) of thier cap space as a team that is a title contender....IF they can extract enough assets out of MIN, then they should just deal him, his production is not irreplaceable...