Nicolas Batum will be a highly sought after free agent this summer. The Hornets’ small forward had a resurgence in his first season in Charlotte and will likely command a max contract from numerous teams in the league.
Batum has a bit of a quirk in his negotiations, however, in the form of the Olympics. The French international will want to help his team qualify for Rio. Unfortunately, the tournament begins on July 5 while free agency begins on the first of July and deals cannot be signed until July 10th.
According to FIBA’s website, Batum is doing everything he can to join France for the qualifiers:
However, it is understood that the French player and the Hornets will quickly agree terms on a new deal and that could could give France enough time to obtain insurance for Batum and allow him to take part in some of the OQT games.
Although the situation has been complicated, Batum is such a talent that France are doing everything they can to have him at the OQT
Batum will certainly miss at least part of the tournament as he would be foolish to play before signing a deal.
However, this does make one believe that Batum has his mind set on staying in Charlotte. If the Hornets are willing to pay him market value, and they almost certainly are, then the small forward seems to be willing to stay in Charlotte and help lead what was a surprising playoff team.
