Veteran Clippers forward Nicolas Batum has agreed to return to Los Angeles on a two-year, $22M contract, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
After being selected with the No. 25 pick in 2008, Batum first established himself as a switchable, reliable three-and-D wing with the Trail Blazers. After becoming a full-time starter on multiple Portland playoff teams, Batum was eventually traded to the Hornets in 2015.
Following a lackluster run with the Hornets on a lucrative five-year, $120M deal, Batum was waived by Charlotte ahead of the 2020-21 season, which would have been the final year on his deal. Batum joined the Clippers on a minimum contract in 2020, and promptly rebuilt his NBA value as a solid forward on both ends of the floor, capable of playing either small or power forward.
During the 2021-22 season, Batum averaged 8.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.0 SPG and 0.7 BPG for the Clippers across 59 games, including 54 starts. He posted a shooting line of .463/.400/.658. Batum declined a $3.3M player option with L.A. ahead of the start of free agency.
Los Angeles is gearing up for an anticipated deep playoff run, with All-Star wings Kawhi Leonard and Paul George both projected to be healthy during the 2022-23 season. The Clippers also are set to add former five-time All-Star John Wall to a team-friendly contract as they shore up veteran depth.
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