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Charlotte Hornets Rumors: Could Nicolas Batum be on the move?

By Brandon Croce

CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 11: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts against the Toronto Raptors during their game at Spectrum Center on February 11, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 11: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts against the Toronto Raptors during their game at Spectrum Center on February 11, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Is it possible that the Charlotte Hornets may have a trade partner for shooting guard Nicolas Batum?

After the season Nicolas Batum had with the Charlotte Hornets, it seemed like a trade of the starting shooting guard would be almost impossible. This is due mainly because of his contract and the fact that he is entering only the third year of a 5-year deal worth $120 million.

Well, the Hornets may have one suitor that would be willing to trade for Batum, and his contract, and that is the Houston Rockets, according to Bryan Kalbrosky of Hoops Hype.

The idea began to build some steam last week when ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said the Rockets were willing to make some moves in addition to the expected Carmelo Anthony signing, per Ben DuBose tweet.

According to Windhorst, the Rockets are offering Ryan Anderson, who will make $20.4 million next year. The reason Batum’s name was mentioned is because Windhorst said the Rockets are willing to take on long-term money.

A trade of Anderson for Batum works, per ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine, and is a deal that makes sense for both sides.

For the Rockets, they get a defensive player that could fill the role left by Trevor Ariza, who signed with the Phoenix Suns this offseason. The Rockets are an aging team, and with the signing of Antony, know that their window won’t be open very long with an aging Big 3 of Anthony, Chris Paul and James Harden. A player like Batum could be a great complimentary piece to these superstars as a player who comes off the bench.

For the Hornets, the biggest reason they would be interested is that they will be able to move Batum’s contract. According to Spotrac, Batum still has $76,695,652 remaining over the next three years, although the third year is a player option.

The Hornets could also be in the market for a player with Anderson’s skill set. In a recent Sporting News article by Sean Deveney, the Hornets were one of three teams that tried to trade for Kevin Love last year. While Anderson is not the same talent as Kevin Love, he could play a similar role for this team.

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It is a deal that seems to make sense for both sides and will be worth watching over the next few days and weeks to see if a move is able to be made.

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