Batum: Clifford extension 'could be a big factor' in free-agency decision

The Charlotte Hornets made something of a gamble this summer, trading away their No. 9 pick from a season previous (Noah Vonleh) for what may well turn out to be a single year of service from swingman Nicolas Batum.

That said, it sounds as though Batum - who will be an unrestricted free agent at season's end - is warming to the idea of re-signing with the Hornets, especially now that head coach Steve Clifford has been extended for three years.

"He trusts me," Batum said of Clifford, according to the Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell. "He believes in me. So that could be a big factor."

Whether or not it results in Batum returning to Charlotte after the season, Clifford's faith in him is already being rewarded. The 26-year-old has bounced back in a big way after a down year in which he battled numerous injuries. Through 14 games as a Hornet, he's averaging a career-best 16.9 points to go with 6.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists, and shooting 42.7 percent from 3-point range in a team-high 35.2 minutes.

Batum has more than capably filled the void left by the season-ending injury to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and is perhaps the biggest reason the team that finished 28th in offensive efficiency last season now ranks fourth.

The Hornets will already have a big leg up on other potential Batum suitors, since they own his Bird rights and can offer him more years and more money than any other team. With Clifford's steady hand now certain to be back in the fray, Charlotte's Batum bet may prove to be well worth the risk.