After declining his player option, Nicolas Batum will therefore find himself a free agent in a few hours. Despite the potential interest of a lot of people, the strong trend for several days is in the direction of an extension at the Clippers, who have made Frenchie their priority for this July 1st. The great adventure between Nico and his franchise should therefore continue for yet – at least – one more year.
Sometimes the orientation of a career does not play much. In big trouble in Charlotte when he was over thirty, Nicolas Batum did not go far from seeing his NBA adventure end in 2020. But a buy-out from the Hornets allowed him to break free and join an ambitious Clippers team. In a well-defined role of facilitator, which perfectly showcases his basketball IQ, his 3-point skill and his skills defensive, Batum found the fit perfect with the California franchise. As the guy turns 34, he turned down a $3.3 million player option last week. Enough to allow it to test its value on the market within a few hours. But the suspense should not be huge regarding the team that will hire our national Nico for next season.
???? Nicolas Batum would be the Clippers’ priority at the opening of the Free Agency this Thursday evening.
Expected meeting between the French camp and the main decision-makers of LA, to record a new contract continuing the great adventure.
Wall then, Hartenstein to see. pic.twitter.com/zyBbLcyjtb
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) June 30, 2022
The French winger is THE Clippers’ priority for this season to complete a roster destined to go very far. And on the Batman side, we might also see ourselves staying in the City of Angels. A trend confirmed by US informants: from Shams Charania to Jake Fischer, most insiders the best-informed in the League agree that the Clippers and the French winger should continue their journey together. On the side of the Bleacher Report journalist, we even announce a contract around 30 million dollars spread over 3 years. A great reward for the player, who hopes to have the opportunity to scratch his ring alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George next season. But it will be necessary to be reactive in the first hours of the Free Agency. A lot of teams (Celtics, Bulls, Suns, Jazz…) would be watching the evolution of the Batum file and might jump at the chance if the expected extension were slow to materialize. Other signatures are also expected at Lob City once the case of the Frenchman has been settled, to further strengthen the roster. Among these potential recruits, we think for example of John Wall and Isaiah Hartenstein. Released by the Rockets, the point guard might bring a serious boost to the Clippers bench if he regains form while the extension of the pivot on the cheap would also be a good operation. How to build a team that no one will want to play next season?
The situation seems clear at the Clippers: with a full team, and we are therefore betting on continuity by ensuring the re-signing of Nicolas Batum first. The Frenchman has established himself as a part of this team, and should continue the adventure in Los Angeles, while waiting to see other nice reinforcements land in California in the coming days.
Source : The Athletic, Bleacher Report
