Three reasons the Hornets should trade Nicolas Batum

4 of 4

DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 5: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets puts up a shot against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center on January 5, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Batum could help a contender and harvest the Hornets draft picks in return

If Charlotte does end up trading Batum, it could be beneficial for not only the Hornets, but also for Batum. It’s clear that while the Hornets have outperformed expectations thus far, they’re at least a few years away from being a serious contender of any kind. That being said, a trade could be a good thing for his own personal success. If he were traded to any of the teams discussed earlier (76ers, Bucks, or Rockets), he would immediately go from bottom-feeder to NBA Finals contender.

Now in his 12th NBA season, Batum has been on a playoff team just six times, won a playoff series just once, and has never played in a conference finals game. Likely any team that trades for him would be one that has a legitimate chance at making not only the conference finals, but also the NBA Finals–something he has never done. Obviously, that would put Batum in a positive situation. As for the Hornets, it would benefit them as well. Any trade they make in the near future will likely bring in extra draft picks as they continue to rebuild. Regardless of where Batum could be traded, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see a team with title hopes take on his salary in hopes that he can produce off the bench.

Home/Charlotte Hornets