Fansided

5 free agents the Atlanta Hawks should target

By Brad Weiss

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 08: Fans hold up a sign in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 8, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 08: Fans hold up a sign in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 8, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Apr 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards guard Alan Anderson (6) defends in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards guard Alan Anderson (6) defends in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Nicolas Batum, F, Charlotte Hornets

Another Charlotte Hornets player that would be a nice fit for the Atlanta Hawks is Nicolas Batum, who appears to be on the brink of stardom. Batum had a bad season in 2014-15, but rebounded in a big way last season. Playing big minutes for the Hornets, Batum took on a leadership role, and turned himself into one of the better Small Forwards in the league.

Prior to the 2015-16 season, Batum was acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers for power forward Noah Vonleh and shooting guard Gerald Henderson. He was one of four Portland starters who left then via trade or free agency. Batum started 70 games for the Hornets last season, setting career-highs in scoring (14.9) and assists (4.8).

He has expressed that he would like to re-sign with the Hornets, and he will be playing for the French National Team in the Rio Olympics if the deal gets done fast. However, he would be a perfect fit for the Hawks, and is someone they will definitely target if he is made available.

Batum is only 27 years old, and he would slide right into the starting small forward slot for the Hawks if they can make it happen. The team would have to part ways with Bazemore to make it make sense, and Batum would be a definite upgrade at this point in their careers.

Next: 1. Hassan Whiteside

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