By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Fresh off the Los Angeles Clippers getting eliminated from the 2022 NBA Playoffs and during the postgame press conference, Nicolas Batum admitted that he has not yet thought about the player option in his contract.
“I love this team,” explained the experienced French forward, “I’ve been here for two years now. I was almost out of this league. It’s been two different years, but I loved it. I love it here. That coach, those guys. It’s tough today, but it’s gonna be fun next year.”
Batum, 33, signed with the Clips before the 2020-21 season and re-signed before the 2021-22 season. The latest contract includes a player option for the 2022-23 season. Considering his initial approach, he is probable to secure $3,328,530.
“Covid, injuries, the comebacks, everything. That was fun,” he painted the picture on the 2021-22 campaign, “We’ve been through it all. Trades. Missing players. We had everything, dude. Still eighth seed in the West without our best player. Basically without our two best players.”
Kawhi Leonard missed the entire season after the surgery on his right knee, while Paul George was limited to 31 appearances. Batum himself logged 8.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.7 blocks per contest starting in 54 of his 59 outings.
In contrast to the French forward, there is a team option on the final year of the contract of Croatian Ivica Zubac, while German Isaiah Hartenstein will become an unrestricted free agent. Plenty of decisions to be made during the offseason.
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