2. Nicolas Batum
The Charlotte Hornets are going nowhere and they’ll probably miss the playoffs for the second straight season.
One of the few positives of the Hornets’ abysmal season has been the play of free agent signing Nicolas Batum. Batum is averaging 14.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. Basically, the guy does it all.
At 6-foot-8, Batum is a worthwhile defender capable of guarding up to three positions on the floor. He is also a capable three-point shooter (36.1 percent career three-point shooter).
In order to acquire Batum, the Cavaliers would have to take another player from the Hornets to make the trade work. Spencer Hawes would fill that void.
Not only does Cleveland acquire a versatile swingman such as Batum, they would acquire a player that could somewhat fill Love’s void.
While he’s not an All-Star big man, Hawes can score some points—while playing 27 games for the Cavs during the 2013-14 season, he averaged 13.5 points per game.
With Hawes in the fold, it also gives the Cavaliers the opportunity to explore a separate trade to get rid of Timofey Mozgov.
Next: Rudy Gay and Kosta Koufos