Fansided

NBA Free Agency: One move every team needs to make

By Tom West

Mar 29, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) watches from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) watches from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) drives on Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) drives on Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Wizards: Sign Nicolas Batum

Washington, it’s over. #KDtoDC isn’t happening and it didn’t take long for that to be the case. Not even having a meeting with Kevin Durant to hang a shred of hope on, the Wizards and their fans will need to shift their focus elsewhere in free agency.

With the Durant dream over, it’s easy to name another small forward candidate like Harrison Barnes. Yet, I just can’t recommend him easily in this piece as he’ll be one of the biggest benefactors when it comes to being overpaid this summer.

Yes, he has obvious talent, versatility to play and defend both forward positions, and the Warriors may have won the Finals if he played at his best instead of shooting 15 percent over the last three games. In a bigger role, he could start to thrive more. But he shouldn’t be the first target for a team trying to enter the playoffs again like the Wizards.

Which is why Nicolas Batum is far easier to suggest as someone the Wizards can target at small forward after missing out on Durant.

Otto Porter is improving, but his limitations are clear and Batum essentially offers Porter’s highest ceiling right now with stellar playmaking for a small forward, too. Batum’s 5.8 assists per game are impressive for a three and they emphasize his play as one of the most versatile wings in the NBA.

He can find his own shot off the dribble at times, spot up from three, and facilitate to others, which can immediately take some pressure off John Wall as the man so responsible for making the Wizards’ offense go.

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