By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Nicolas Batum is heading back to the LA Clippers. The 36-year-old French forward has agreed to a two-year, $11.5 million contract, which includes a team option and a trade kicker, according to ESPN.
Batum became a free agent after declining his $4.9 million player option. Earlier he said there’s a “very, very good chance” this will be his final NBA season.
Despite playing under 18 minutes per game last year, Batum appeared in 78 games and contributed with his defensive versatility and reliable three-point shooting. In the playoffs, he averaged nearly 40% from deep, along with 1.7 blocks and 0.9 steals per game.
Clippers president Lawrence Frank had previously expressed a strong desire to bring Batum back.
This marks Batum’s sixth season with the Clippers after previous stints in Portland and Charlotte.