Clippers a 'strong contender' to sign Nicolas Batum
The Charlotte Hornets waived Nicolas Batum on Sunday in order to create room for Gordon Hayward's four-year, $120 million contract. However, he's not expected to be a free agent for long.
According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, the Los Angeles Clippers are a "strong contender" to sign Batum after he clears waivers next week.
Batum had been one of the most overpaid players in the league after signing a five-year, $120 million deal in 2016. The Hornets still owe him $27.1 million after waiving him, but they'll use the league's stretch provision so they don't have to pay it all at once.
The 31-year-old struggled last season with the Hornets, averaging 3.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 34.6% from the field and 28.6% from deep in 22 games. It was the worst season of his career.
If the Clippers sign Batum, he'll join Lou Williams, Luke Kennard, Serge Ibaka and Patrick Patterson on the bench.
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