NBA Free Agency Rumors: Cavs reportedly offered Nicolas Batum $52 million deal

A vicious tug of war between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer for the services of Nicolas Batum ultimately kept the fifth year forward from France in the Rose City. Batum expressed interest in playing for the Timberwolves but the Blazers matched his four year, $48 million dollar offer sheet.

Though Batum got the contract he desired, it may not have been the largest offer. The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly offered Batum $52 million to join their squad. The Timberwovles, Cavaliers, New Orleans Hornets and Toronto Raptors were the most aggressive suitors for Batum during his free agency.

Batum averaged 13.9 points a game last season in addition to grabbing 4.6 rebounds and playing 30.4 minutes a contest. Batum says 16 teams had shown interest in him during the free agent signing period.

The Cavaliers will have a big scoring gap to fill with the departure of Antawn Jameson to the Los Angeles Lakers.