Nicolas Batum declines option with the Clippers and becomes a free agent
Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum has decided to decline his $4.9 million player option for the 2025-26 season, according to sources close to the situation. This makes him a free agent. Despite this decision, there is mutual interest between the NBA veteran and the Clippers to reach a new agreement. Batum, who is preparing for his 18th season in the NBA, has stated that there is “a very, very good chance” that next season will be the last of his career. The 36-year-old French player averaged less than 18 minutes per game with the Clippers last season, participating in 78 games and starting in eight. Despite his age, Batum remains an effective defender, thanks to his 6’10” height and his ability to spread the floor with his accurate three-point shot. His versatility was demonstrated in the Clippers’ first-round series against the Denver Nuggets. In the playoffs, Batum made nearly 40% of his 4.7 three-pointers per game, in addition to averaging 1.7 blocks and 0.9 steals.Batum has spent most of the last five seasons with the Clippers, after long periods with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Charlotte Hornets. In addition, he is a two-time Olympic silver medalist with the French national team.Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank stated before the offseason that the team expects “1,000 percent” that Batum will return next year.
Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations
