Timberwolves Sign Brandon Roy, Agree with Batum to $45 Million Offer Sheet

In what is one of the more remarkable comeback stories in recent memory, Brandon Roy has signed a two-year, $10.4 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according The Oregonian.

Minnesota, who expressed interest dating back to last season, were finally able to come to terms with the 27-year-old shooting guard.

Roy's agent stated to the press that his client had nearly a dozen teams interested in his services, but Minnesota's offer was likely the richest of them all.

While it is viewed by some to be too rich of a deal for Roy, there is serious upside to a deal like this. There's virtually no chance he puts up the numbers he did for Portland, but he will provide a major upgrade over Wes Johnson in the starting lineup.

If the Wolves decide to place Roy on the bench, he will be either the sixth or seventh man. If Minnesota spreads out their minutes like they did last season, there's no reason to believe that Roy couldn't see more than 18-20 minutes.

Roy is very likely to become a beloved figure in Minnesota sports. The Timberwolves originally drafted Roy with the sixth pick in 2006, but swapped him with Portland, who took Randy Foye seventh.

Due to his mature attitude, smooth demeanor and love for the game, he will become a focal part of whatever success the Minnesota Timberwolves have in 2013.

As for Nicolas Batum, he has been signed to a four-year, $45 million contract, which can be matched by the Blazers, as Batum is a restricted free agent.

Batum, for the past several days, has stated that his desire is to play in Minnesota, and has even told the Blazers that he would prefer they not match any contract sheet that he was offered.

Minnesota has stated that they may up the offer to $50 million if they get the indication that the Blazers plan to match their offer sheet.

Portland has been persistent lately that they intend to match any offer that Batum receives. However, if they are able to land Roy Hibbert, they may not be able to go for nearly $13 million on a guy who would be a third option.

With four years of pro experience under his belt—and the fact that he has yet to turn 24—is one of the biggest reasons why Batum is so highly-coveted.

In 30.4 minutes per game in 2011, Batum averaged 13.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, one steal and one block.

While not off-the-wall numbers, Batum posted these numbers as a third or fourth option. On a team like the Wolves, where he would be the second option, he has the ability to post 18-plus points per contest.

Don't guarantee Batum signing with the Wolves, by any stretch, as Adrian Wojnarowski has stated that the Blazers will indeed match whatever offer he receives.

With Brandon Roy now in Minnesota, the Timberwolves have already improved. The addition of Chase Budinger also provides the Wolves with a great three-point shooter.

With money still left to be spent, don't be surprised if the Wolves make an offer for another free agent of Batum's caliber, if they're truly unable to land him.

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