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Report: Why Nicolas Batum could be on the block

The Portland Trail Blazers starting small forward did not play well in 2014-15 and he might be moved in the offseason. From Bryant Knox of Oregon Sports News:

    "The Blazers are set to enter the 2015 NBA offseason with a potential roster overhaul on the horizon. The team only has four players guaranteed to be on the books next year, but as it turns out, one of those surefire returnees is far from a lock to remain in Rip City after all. According to CSNNW.com’s Jabari Young, Neil Olshey may look to package Nicolas Batum and the 23rd pick to move up in this year’s draft. This 2015 class doesn’t offer superstar-caliber talent beyond the projected top prospects (Karl Anthony-Towns, Jahlil Okafor and D’Angelo Russell), but if Portland can retain LaMarcus Aldridge -- or use his salary to sign another cornerstone big to play alongside Damian Lillard -- a young third or fourth option could be the perfect replacement to a player who’s been inconsistent at best since his arrival in 2008. ... When it comes down to it, Batum will be coveted this summer, and the Blazers can’t miss that opportunity. The $12.2 million he’s owed next year is far from ideal, but it’s the flexibility that comes with it that general managers will drool over."