Small Forward Nicolas Batum ranks as one of the best two-way players in the league.
The Charlotte Hornets and forward Nicolas Batum have agreed to a deal to keep Batum in Charlotte.
His new deal will pay the small forward $120 million over five years.
The Hornets were always considered the favorites to retain the services of the defensive-minded forward. Batum did have a meeting scheduled with the Dallas Mavericks on Friday in case he was unable to strike a new pact with the Hornets.
The 27-year-old wing averaged 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists for the team last season re-establishing himself as one of the top two-way small forwards in the game.
The team exceeded expectations last season, winning 48 games under head coach Steve Clifford before eventually losing to the Miami Heat in seven games in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Batum made it clear from the start that his first option was to stay with the Hornets and GM Rich Cho stated that that the feeling was mutual.
Now that Batum has signed, the team can turn its attention to its other remaining free agents, Al Jefferson, Marvin Williams and Courtney Lee.
- TAGS
- 2016 Free Agency
- Charlotte Hornets
- Nicolas Batum
- Rich Cho
- Steve Clifford
