Kofi Inkoom
11:40 AM : Free agent forward Nic Batum has agreed on a two-year, $9.6 million deal to join the Los Angeles Clippers, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
11:23AM : Paul George’s move to the Philadelphia 76ers has sparked rumors that the Los Angeles Clippers are eyeing veteran forward Nicolas Batum of the 76ers in free agency, as he is expected not to return to the Sixers next season, according to Marc Stein of SteinLine
Initially considered one of the most likely unrestricted free agents to return to the 76ers, Batum had performed admirably during the regular season and playoffs.
However, recent news indicates he will be departing. Known for his intelligent playmaking and robust defense, the 35-year-old also boasted a 39.9% success rate from three-point range in 57 regular-season games, where he averaged 25.9 minutes per game.
Last season, Batum earned $11.7 million and has a $17.5 million cap hold. Prior to joining the 76ers, he played a more limited role with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2023-2024 season, appearing in just three games and averaging 2.7 points, 1.7 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 18 minutes per game.
His shooting percentages during this period were 37.5% from the field and 28.6% from three-point range. Overall, in his time with the Clippers, Batum played 186 games, averaging 7.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, with shooting splits of 43.3% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc.
With the rumors on his return to the Clippers, Batum is expected to bring valuable experience and leadership, helping to stabilize the team’s defense with his presence on the court.