Reports of Batum meeting with big market teams Dallas and Los Angeles swirled. One had to wonder whether the Hornets had the resources and/or desire to keep the productive scorer around in this atypical free agency time.
But the Charlotte Hornets ponied up the cash in the way of a 5 year, $120 million deal to keep the veteran in Charlotte. And this move gives the team instant credibility heading into next season.
The Hornets had several free agents this summer, and may not re-sign most of them. Jeremy Lin has already left town for the Nets.