Chicago Bulls Value Free Agent Target from the Los Angeles Clippers: Nicolas Batum
The Los Angeles Clippers signed one of the biggest bargains of 2020 NBA free agency when they inked Nicolas Batum to a one-year contract worth $2,564,753. Part of the reason Batum signed for such a cheap number is because the Charlotte Hornets were still paying him $9,043,478 for the 2020-21 NBA season.
The Hornets stretched his deal, meaning they had to pay him $9,043,478 last season and still owe him the same amount for each of the next two seasons. Inevitably, Batum is going to be available for a bargain price yet again this offseason.
Many people dismissed him at the end of his Hornets run simply because he could never live up to the massive contract he received. After joining the Clippers, he proved what an incredible asset he could still be when used properly and not asked to lead the team by any means.
Batum would provide the Bulls with versatility at the forward spots and quality defense on a nightly basis. The defense is the biggest plus for the Bulls, as they would suddenly have a strong and versatile group of wing defenders in Batum, Patrick Williams and Thaddeus Young (Assuming Thaddeus Young is not moved this offseason).
In addition to the strong defense he provides, Batum is a very solid complementary player on the offensive end. In fact, it could be argued a big reason he could never live up to the massive contract he got in Charlotte is due to the fact that he is naturally a complementary player, not someone to feature.
At the inexpensive price tag it will take to sign him to a contract, Batum would be a great value addition to the Bulls roster.