LAC’s Nicolas Batum becomes free agent, but new deal may come

A 17-year veteran has made a decision on his second stint with a Western Conference NBA team.

Nicolas Batum, 36, is coming off his first season of his second stint with the Los Angeles Clippers. The talented french star became an NBA player in 2008 as he was selected No. 28 overall to the Houston Rockets. He never played in Houston, but Batum has spent time with the Portland Trailblazers, Charolette Hornets, Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Clippers again.

Batum was a role player this season, averaging four points per game in 78 matchups.

He made the playoffs for the 10th time in his career, totaling 5.6 points and a career-high 1.7 blocks per game.

Batum declined his $4.9 million player option for next season to become a free agent. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the information on Saturday as a new deal could be in the works between Batum and the Clippers.