Home / Sports / Batum's Hornets Deal: Big Money, Small Returns
Batum's Hornets Deal: Big Money, Small Returns
9 Oct
Summary
- Hornets acquired Nic Batum in 2015 for Vonleh and Henderson.
- Batum's five-year, $120 million extension didn't meet expectations.
- His tenure included the Hornets' last playoff appearance in 2016.
In June 2015, the Charlotte Hornets acquired French swingman Nic Batum from the Portland Trail Blazers, sending Noah Vonleh and Gerald Henderson in return. Batum played one season before signing a significant five-year, $120 million contract extension with the Hornets.
However, the partnership did not yield the desired results. Charlotte eventually waived Batum before the final year of his contract. During his tenure, he averaged 12.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists over 308 games. Notably, he helped the Hornets reach the NBA playoffs in the 2015-16 season, marking the team's last postseason appearance to date.
Batum, who recently retired, spent his final six NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers. He concluded his 18-season career with averages of 9.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and three assists per game.
