Nicolas Batum Declines Player Option with Clippers
- Nicolas Batum, the 36-year-old forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, has chosen not to exercise his contract option worth $4.9 million for the 2025-2026 campaign, making him a free agent.
- Batum's decision comes after he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers at the start of the 2023-24 season in the deal involving James Harden, and following his return to the Clippers last offseason on a two-year contract.
- Last season, Batum played in 78 games for the Clippers, averaging 17.5 minutes per contest while contributing 4.0 points on 43.7% shooting overall and an impressive 43.3% from beyond the arc, providing valuable defense and spacing on the floor.
- Clippers president Lawrence Frank expressed the organization's strong desire for Batum to remain with the team next season, while coach Tyronn Lue praised Batum as one of his favorite players who consistently adjusts to fulfill the team's needs.
- Batum’s free agency opens opportunities for teams seeking a veteran capable of outside shooting, multi-position defense, and playoff leadership despite reduced athleticism.
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Nicolas Batum Reportedly Declines Clippers Contract Option, Will Be Unrestricted FA
Nicolas Batum declined his $4.9 million player option for the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, per ESPN's Shams Charania, although it appears the door is open for a return.

Nicolas Batum declines player option with Clippers
Nicolas Batum, the widely popular French forward, declined his $4.9 million player option with the Clippers and reportedly will become a free agent. It is believed that the NBA veteran will negotiate a new deal to stay in Los Angeles. Batum, 36, has repeatedly said he wants to stay with the Clippers, where he has made an impact with his versatile defense and floor spacing in a limited role. He averaged 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 17.5 minutes…
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