The Charlotte Hornets have made a breakthrough in the 2015-16 season but they are quickly thrust into the crossroads as soon as the season ended.
Just when they assembled a playoff quality team, they had to face the departure of several players to free agency. The sad part is not all of them could be retained even if they wanted to, but it has been clear from the start that the Hornets' top priority is to keep Nicolas Batum.
It doesn't seem to be much of an issue between Batum and the Hornets as the Frenchman claimed that he is happy with his current team. But with rumors about the other teams like the LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors among other teams showing interest and possibly offering max offers, Batum could pounce at a chance to win a title.
Batum was identified as the Warriors "Plan B" if they fail to sign Kevin Durant. Hoops Habit noted that "Batum would be an excellent fit for the Warriors, as he plays on both ends of the court and possesses versatility many players do not have." He could play the role of a better version of Harrison Barnes in their "death lineup" and can his shooting and passing skills could allow more space for the Splash Brothers to operate.
However, the Warriors could probably make space for only one player if they demand the max (and it won't be easy for them). The Hornets can make other moves that could help lock in Batum-like signing fellow Frenchman Joakim Noah.
Noah is highly unlikely to return to the Chicago Bulls given the new direction they want to take and the rumored bad blood between him and the team ownership. He also fits a need in Charlotte, as team site Swarm and Sting stated.
"The Hornets lacked interior defense and rebounding this past season and that is what could have ultimately led to their downfall to the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs," Jerry Stephens of SaS noted. "Noah brings that and so much more. His passing ability will help the team move the ball faster on the offensive end."
Noah and Batum are smart veterans who can facilitate the offense giving point guards Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lin (if they retain him) free lanes to find their own points. Coach Steve Clifford can definitely craft more dynamic offensive sets with Noah and Batum together.