Blazers Unlikely To Extend Nicolas Batum By Tonight's Deadline

The Portland Trail Blazers will likely not sign Nicolas Batum to a contract extension before tonight's deadline, Joe Freeman of the Oregonian has learned.

Blazers president Larry Miller has been negotiating with Batum and agent Bouna Ndiaye for weeks, and the parties talked throughout the day today, but ultimately, the two sides have not been able to agree on an extension. Batum will likely become a restricted free agent this summer.

"He's still an important part of our future plans, and we hope to get it done," Miller said. "But we couldn't come to an agreement."

Batum is averaging 10.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game for the Blazers this season. He also leads the team in 3-point shooting, at 40.7 percent.