Nicolas Batum's agent is optimistic of being able to quickly agree upon a new contract in free agency with the Charlotte Hornets, according to a report.
Batum would like to participate in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament with France, which would require him to agree upon a new deal and for insurance to be obtained.
The tournament begins during the first part of France.
The Hornets acquired Batum from the Portland Trail Blazers last offseason.
The Portland Trail Blazers have requested permission of the Charlotte Hornets to interview Stephen Silas.
Silas is a candidate for the head coaching job of the Houston Rockets as well as the top assistant job of the Golden State Warriors.
The Blazers could lose assistant coach Nate Tibbetts to the Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors have interest in pursuing Stephen Silas as their top assistant coach.
Golden State has requested permission from the Charlotte Hornets to interview Silas.
Golden State could no longer wait until the end of the playoffs to secure Luke Walton’s replacement because of Silas’ growing candidacy with the Houston Rockets.
Silas previously worked as an assistant coach with the Warriors from 2006 until 2010 under Don Nelson and Keith Smart. Silas built a strong working relationship with Stephen Curry.
Stephen Silas has received a second interview with the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets have been moving closer in the process to hire Mike D'Antoni but Silas made a strong impression in his first interview.
Silas isn’t the top assistant in Charlotte, and the Rockets could make a play to hire Silas to join D’Antoni as his top assistant.
Patrick Ewing interviewed on Thursday for the Memphis Grizzlies' head coaching job.
The Grizzlies are searching for a new head coach after firing Dave Joerger.
Ewing has been an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets.
Nicolas Batum is the most attractive free agent amongst many for the Charlotte Hornets.
"We should be playing tomorrow (in the Eastern Conference semifinals) and we’re pretty mad about that," Batum said of Sunday’s Game 7 loss to the Miami Heat.
"So this is unfinished business."
Batum was acquired by the Hornets last June from the Portland Trail Blazers.
"When I came here they let me know they wanted me to be one of the (top) two options with Kemba (Walker)," Batum said. "I liked that. I like that they trusted me.
"It was a pretty cool year. First time I got to play like I want to in eight years in the NBA."
"I think it’s a little bit of everything – the coaching staff, the organization, the city and the players, too," Batum said.
"We understand what we have to do to be successful and win games. We need to stay together no matter what. On some teams, guys just don’t get along together, particularly when a lot of guys are in their contract year. That can be difficult with guys worrying about their numbers.
"I don’t think we were like that and we had five or six (upcoming free agents). We were great in not thinking like that."
Al Jefferson is one of the many free agents of the Charlotte Hornets this offseason.
Jefferson's status with the team is uncertain but he'd like to re-sign.
"There's no place I'd rather be," said Jefferson.
Jefferson also said he'd like to end his career with the Hornets and that money won't be an issue.
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