News broke on Tuesday that Nicolas Batum is declining his $3.3 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers. Now a free agent, Batum garnered the attention of multiple different teams around the league.
According to Yahoo! Sports, the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz are interested in the veteran forward. However, the news outlet reports that Batum is more than likely returning to the Clippers before the start of the 2022-2023 season.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4bZVYxusLFA542EmWlcgOm?si=d1ac0563a8894cc6
The league hasn't announced the official start of the free agency period, but it's expected to begin on June 30. In other words, that's when teams can begin contract negotiations with free agents. Since Batum declined his player option, the Clippers must wait with the rest of the teams to discuss a new deal with him.
Batum solidified his role on the veteran roster during his second year with the team. He averaged 8.3 points, 1.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds, starting in 57 of the 59 games he played.
While Batum is figuring out his place of employment for the upcoming season, his teammates are trying their hand at recruiting. Paul George and Terrance Mann invited Patrick Beverley to rejoin the squad. The Clippers traded Beverley to the Minnesota Timberwolves in August of last year after a four-year career in Los Angeles.
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