The LA Clippers have seven players who were on the team this year that are free agents this offseason.
There’s almost no way they’re going to be able to bring everybody back, and might not even want to, despite just having the best season in Clipper history this year.
Staying on the Clippers roster is a very competitive game, and not everyone will be brought back next year. It’s clear as to which free agents are most likely to be back, and in no particular order, I take a look at each of them.
No. 1 LA Clippers free agent likeliest to return this offseason: Nicolas Batum
Nicolas Batum absolutely should be re-signed by the LA Clippers.
It’ll happen too. Batum played too well in the playoffs for him not to be brought back.
He played excellent defense all postseason long, and averaged 8.1 points per game despite only starting in about half of the games. He also scored 8.1 points per game despite consistently playing in hyper-small ball lineups that most players aren’t used to.
Batum shot 48.6% from the field in this postseason, and 38.9% from three. He nailed 82.6% of his free throws in this postseason.
A 13-year veteran, he provides valuable experience and leadership to this team.
The fans certainly want him back. They freaked out over this tweet!
LA it was real, thank you for everything #ClipperNation 🙏🏽…🛫➡️ Paris 🇫🇷
— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) July 7, 2021
He later clarified that he’s just going back home for the offseason, and hopefully he’ll be coming right back for the season in October.