Nicolas Batum has sounded like a guy who wants to remain in Charlotte Hornets teal and purple for a while.
And, as it turns out, the Hornets organization shares that desire:
"Nic is our No. 1 priority this offseason." @hornets Rich Cho.
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) May 4, 2016
Whenever both sides want to get a deal done, it’s typically inevitable that a deal gets done. The Hornets can offer Batum more money and years in his next contract than any other suitor, so his return is probable, if not inevitable.
But, on the flip side, this summer is going to be different. There will be a ton of cap flexibility floating around the NBA and very little available star power. Teams that swing and miss on Kevin Durant and Al Horford will be tempted to spend big on the next tier of stars, which includes Batum.
Though he has never made an All-Star appearance and has battled some injuries over the last two seasons, the rangy forward is going to command max money. That will be the market. He is a multiposition wing who can score, shoot, defend and act as a pseudo point guard for stretches at a time. Perimeter-starved suitors will be foaming at the mouth to pay him.
Thus, the Hornets will have to ante up to retain Batum. So long as they’re willing to foot the bill for a max contract, he is a lock to stay in Charlotte. Should the Hornets balk at paying more than $100 million to a 27-year-old fringe star, well, then it’s possible that 27-year-old fringe star will be suiting up for a different team next season.
