Clippers forward to decline his player option

L.A. holds non-Bird rights on Batum, so his next contract can start at $5.6M, which is 120% of his $4.7M salary for this season, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN. If they want to offer more, the Clippers can use a portion of their $14.1M non-taxpayer midlevel exception.

A report in May suggested that Batum plans to retire after one more season, but it’s possible the Clippers could change his mind with a multiyear offer.

Batum was a reliable presence off the bench this season and is still an effective three-and-D player at age 36. He appeared in 78 games, averaging 4.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 17.5 minutes per night with .437/.433/.810 shooting splits. His usage expanded in the playoffs, as he logged 24.6 minutes per game during the first-round series against Denver.

Batum returned to the Clippers as a free agent last summer after being sent to Philadelphia in November 2023 as part of the James Harden trade. He has also played for Portland and Charlotte during his 17-year NBA career.

L.A. is also awaiting a decision from James Harden, who will become a free agent if he turns down his $36.3M player option by Sunday. In addition, Amir Coffey, Patty Mills and Ben Simmons will all be unrestricted when free agency begins Monday afternoon.