There's mutual interest between Nicolas Batum and the Clippers in a new deal together after the veteran forward opted out, sources told ESPN.

Published a month ago on Jul 5th 2025, 6:00 am
By Web Desk

LA Clippers forward Nicolas Batum is declining his $4.9 million player option for the 2025-26 season to become a free agent, sources told ESPN on Saturday.
There is mutual interest between the NBA veteran and the Clippers in a new deal together, sources said. The Clippers are allowed to start Batum's next contract at $5.6 million (120% of his 2024-25 salary) or use some of their $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
Now heading into his 18th year in the NBA, Batum has said there is a "very, very good chance" that this upcoming season will be his last.
The 36-year-old French forward played less than 18 minutes per game for the Clippers last season but made 78 appearances with eight starts. He remains a good defender at 6-foot-10 and spaces the court with a quick-trigger 3-point shot.
Batum's versatility shined in the Clippers' first-round series loss to the Denver Nuggets. He shot nearly 40% on 4.7 3s per game in the postseason to go along with 1.7 blocks and 0.9 steals.
Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said ahead of the offseason that the team "1,000%" hopes Batum returns in 2025-26.
Batum has spent most of the past five seasons with the Clippers after long stints with the Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets. He is a two-time Olympic silver medalist as part of the French national team.
There is mutual interest between the NBA veteran and the Clippers in a new deal together, sources said. The Clippers are allowed to start Batum's next contract at $5.6 million (120% of his 2024-25 salary) or use some of their $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
Now heading into his 18th year in the NBA, Batum has said there is a "very, very good chance" that this upcoming season will be his last.
The 36-year-old French forward played less than 18 minutes per game for the Clippers last season but made 78 appearances with eight starts. He remains a good defender at 6-foot-10 and spaces the court with a quick-trigger 3-point shot.
Batum's versatility shined in the Clippers' first-round series loss to the Denver Nuggets. He shot nearly 40% on 4.7 3s per game in the postseason to go along with 1.7 blocks and 0.9 steals.
Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said ahead of the offseason that the team "1,000%" hopes Batum returns in 2025-26.
Batum has spent most of the past five seasons with the Clippers after long stints with the Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets. He is a two-time Olympic silver medalist as part of the French national team.
TikTok introduces new features to enhance child safety and creator experience
- an hour ago

Nida Saleh becomes first female driver of Lahore's Orange Line Train
- 4 hours ago

The Drifter is a good old-fashioned thriller
- 5 hours ago

FO rejects Indian claims on so-called 'Operation Sindoor’
- an hour ago

Bushra Ansari reveals why her first marriage ended
- 4 hours ago

SBP keeps policy rate unchanged at 11pc
- 3 hours ago

‘Respite’ as Sindh hikes minimum wage for workers
- an hour ago
Another honour killing as married couple killed in Balochistan's Mastung
- 5 hours ago

Which teams take the next step in 2025? We have 11 candidates
- 2 hours ago
GC University Fine Arts students shine bright at Ustad ALLAH Bux Gallery Alhamra
- 5 hours ago

ChatGPT can be a disaster for lawyers — Robin AI says it can fix that
- 5 hours ago
Attock tragedy: 2 dead, 3 missing as flood engulfs vehicle
- 3 hours ago
You May Like
Trending