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Three reasons the Hornets should trade Nicolas Batum

By Luke Tucker

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 23: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on October 23, 2019 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, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 23: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on October 23, 2019 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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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 23: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on October 23, 2019 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, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 23: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on October 23, 2019 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) /

Prior to the 2015-2016 season the Charlotte Hornets acquired G/F Nic Batum from the Portland Trailblazers.

Four years after Nic Batum was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, the time has come for the Hornets to ship him elsewhere. Batum has had a solid, but not spectacular, career with Charlotte, despite being handed a hefty contract in 2016. In 287 games with the Hornets, he has averaged 12.7 points per game to go along with 5.1 assists and 5.6 rebounds. He has become a leader on a young Charlotte squad, and has been a key part of the Hornets’ success in recent years.

Despite Batum playing a key role in Charlotte over the past several seasons, the start of the new campaign hasn’t involved him nearly as much. This is mostly due to a broken middle finger on his left hand, which has kept him out of every game but one this season. Batum is expected to return soon, and if he comes back healthy and performs well, the Hornets should seriously consider trading him. Charlotte already has a logjam at forward, with PJ Washington, Marvin Williams, Miles Bridges, and others headlining the position.

If the Hornets actively look to move Batum, there are several teams who could use his services. Teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and even the Houston Rockets could be potential fits for the 30-year-old. The 76ers and Bucks could use a player of his caliber off the bench, and the Rockets were rumored to have interest in him at last season’s trade deadline. Regardless of where he could be sent, trading Batum is something the Hornets need to look in to.

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