Con: Price Tag
Nicolas Batum is one heck of a player. He does everything there is to do, and that comes without hyperbole—something evidenced by both his season averages and long-heralded defensive versatility.
For as well-rounded as he may be, it’s rational to question whether or not Batum is the right player to hand a max contract to.
Batum is a very strong and well-rounded player, but one can debate his status as a max contract player. He’s incredibly valuable and can help a team make the playoffs, but isn’t necessarily an NBA superstar.
Generally speaking, max contracts are handed to players who are, at least, perennial All-Stars.
Many made the case that Batum was an All-Star snub in 2016, and he is both durable and in the prime of his career at 27 years old. Thus, it wouldn’t be as tough to stomach as some contracts of the past.
If New York does have limited cap space, however, handing a max contract to a player who isn’t yet an All-NBA player is still a bit of an issue.
Next: Pro