In the whirlwind of free agency moves, the Los Angeles Clippers have made another splash by signing Nicolas Batum. The 6’8″ combo forward inked a two-year, $9.6 million deal to return to the Clippers, where he previously played three games at the start of the 2023-24 season before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite his brief stint away from the team, both Batum and the Clippers were eager to reunite, recognizing his value as a contributor and familiarity with the system.
Batum’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting prowess, evident by his 40% three-point shooting clip during the 2023-24 season, adds another dimension to the Clippers’ roster. His return is just one move in a busy offseason for the team, which saw them sign Mason Plumlee, lose Paul George, re-sign James Harden, and explore trading Russell Westbrook. While the departure of George was a blow, the Clippers maintain a solid playoff outlook in the competitive Western Conference.
With a hypothetical starting lineup featuring Bones Hyland, Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Derrick Jones Jr, and Ivica Zubac, supported by bench depth including Norman Powell, Batum, and a piece acquired in the Westbrook trade, the Clippers remain a team to watch. While the championship may seem out of reach without George, the excitement of watching a healthy Leonard lead the team keeps fans engaged.
The focus now shifts to the return the Clippers can secure in exchange for Westbrook. Despite his diminished MVP stature, Westbrook’s impact off the bench cannot be overlooked. His contributions of 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game this past season were crucial for a playoff-bound team. Furthermore, his salary of under $4 million presents intriguing trade possibilities, potentially involving draft picks as part of the deal.
As the dust settles on free agency madness, the Clippers continue to make strategic moves to bolster their roster and remain competitive in the ever-tough Western Conference. The return of Batum is just one piece of the puzzle in their quest for success in the upcoming season.
