The Minnesota Timberwolves’ attempt to acquire restricted free agent Nicolas Batum from the Portland Trail Blazers apparently has devolved into a grudge match — at least for the Blazers — that involves far more than the talented young small forward.

The Timberwolves, league sources say, are prepared to sign Batum to a four-year, $46.4 million offer sheet Sunday after repeatedly trying to trade for him. They have offered as many as three future first-round draft picks and even have dangled small forward Derrick Williams, the No. 2 pick in the 2011 draft.

The Blazers have resisted every overture even though multiple sources say Portland management believes $46.4 million is vastly more than Batum is worth.

via Ric Bucher of ESPN The Magazine