Nicolas Batum has interest in playing for the Toronto Raptors when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2016.

Toronto is an international city that appeals to Batum.

The Charlotte Hornets acquired Batum this offseason from the Portland Trail Blazers despite him entering his contract year.

General manager Rich Cho and assistant general manager Chad Buchanan are familiar with Batum from their time with the Blazers.

“We are very comfortable given that Chad and Rich know Nic well,” said Hornets' vice-chairman Curtis Polk.

“We’ve seen over the last few years that players want to be here,” Cho says. “Free agents want to come here.”