If a CLONE WARS edit is in order, and a replacement for the Hutt plot is the concept, I agree that the best way to go is with the Malevolence triliogy and the fan-favorite "Layer of General Grievous" episode.
I see the Malevolence as a starship version of the Death Star, which in turn harkens back to classic Star Wars. And what's best about the new Star Wars is the connections to the old Star Wars.