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2019 NBA Trade Deadline: 5 players to avoid trading for

By Daniel Lubofsky

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 28: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 28, 2019 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 28: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 28, 2019 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Nicolas Batum

There was a time this decade where Nicolas Batum was one of the best high-level role players in the NBA, capable of running the show offensively while stifling the opposition at the other end of the court.

That time seems so long ago, because now in his 11th season in the league, Batum’s impact continues to dissipate. The Charlotte Hornets are just 0.9 points per 100 possessions better on offense with the Frenchman on the court and actually 0.6 points worse defensively as well.

Plenty of players across all 30 teams fail to make much of an impact at both ends, but it’s likely none of them is set to make a combined $52 million over the next two seasons, which just so happens to be the amount remaining on Batum’s contract.

At 46.4 percent shooting from the field and 40.6 percent from distance, efficiency has actually been one of the few bright spots for Batum this season, but no matter what type of deal is made for his services, there will be little justification in taking on that much money for a guy who doesn’t come close to earning it on the court.