Wizards Rumors: 3 Players Being Targeted In Free Agency

Nicolas Batum

The Wizards have just not been the same team without Paul Pierce playing small forward for them. Pierce gave the Wizards that experience they were missing, providing leadership and timely basket making.

While Nicolas Batum does not have the pedigree that Pierce does, he would present an upgrade for the Wizards on the wing.

The Wizards have invested draft picks into the small forward spot in Otto Porter Jr. and Kelly Oubre, but they have yet to show they can help elevate the team to the next level.

Putting them into a reserve role to lengthen the bench would be a good idea, and the way to get that done would be to sign Batum to be the small forward.

Batum had an excellent bounce back season for the Charlotte Hornets after a rough 2014-15 with the Portland Trail Blazers led to him being traded away last offseason. The move looked to rejuvenate Batum, who put together a career season with the Hornets.

He put up career highs in points and assists with 14.9 and 5.8 to go along with 6.1 rebounds.

Batum will be sought after once free agency begins, as his skill set would fit perfectly into basically any scheme. With the ability to play either shooting guard or small forward, and run the offense from either spot, Batum offers a lot of versatility.

That versatility also translate to the defensive end of the ball, where his length can be bothersome for opponents.

It will be pricey to acquire Batum, as many teams will throw their hats into the ring for his services. At least one team will probably throw the max deal starting out at about $26.4 million at him, so the Wizards will have to decide if he is worth that kind of money.

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