NBA Free Agency 2016: Power Ranking Day 1 signings

It feels like Nicolas Batum has been around forever, but the two-way player is only 27, which is why Michael Jordan and company felt he was worth the long-term investment.

The 6-foot-7 Batum agreed to a five-year deal worth $120 million.

This contract will ensure Charlotte has Batum through his prime years. During his tenure in Portland, Batum proved to be one of the best two-way players our game has to offer. However, his seventh season witnessed a major drop-off in production, which led to Portland packaging him in a deal for Noah Vonleh and Gerald Henderson.

The relocation ended up being a blessing disguise for Batum.

Under head coach Steve Clifford, Batum experienced career-highs in points (14.9) and assists (5.8).

Batum’s production helped Charlotte garner a surprising 48 wins, while pushing the Miami Heat to seven games in the first round of the playoffs.

While it’s unclear if we’ve seen the best of Batum, this is a gamble Charlotte felt was necessary for them to improve going forward.

I’m not particular in love with the $120 million, but as we’ve seen, it would’ve been a lot worse.

Next: 8. Wizards gamble on Beal