Report: Batum committed to playing in France

ESPN’s Marc Stein reported Sunday night that Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum has committed to playing in his native country of France if the lockout is not resolved.

Stein cited Batum’s agent, Bouna Ndiaye, who told ESPN that a deal with SLUC Nancy will be finalized this week.

“They are playing the Euroleague and Nicolas, as a young talent, needs to get better,” Ndiaye told Stein.

Batum, 23, averaged 12.5 points and 4.5 rebounds with the Blazers last season — his third year in the league. He was also a constant subject of conversation amid trade rumors, with many teams feeling his potential is stratospheric.