Thus far, the LA Clippers' front office has hit a home run with their financial decisions regarding free agency. James Harden, the most prominent name on the Clippers with a decision to make this summer, declined his player option to secure a promotional raise (two years, $81.5 million).
The next Clipper who had to pick a route by the player-option deadline was Nicolas Batum, and, similar to Harden, he declined. Fans knew he did not want to move, so this announcement was interpreted as a way for the veteran wing to take a discount or increased pay while changing the structure of his contract.
Less than 24 hours later, Batum's new contract was shared, and he was signed to a two-year, $11.5 million deal. The terms within the small lettering of his contract indicate a team option in 2026-27, as well as a trade kicker.
Free agent forward Nicolas Batum intends to sign a two-year, $11.5 million deal to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN. Deal includes a team option as well as a trade kicker. Batum's agent, Bouna Ndiaye of Comsport, negotiated the contract for the reunion. pic.twitter.com/ocreAUZeFP
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025
This is an excellent bargain deal for his production, as he dominated the Denver Nuggets without scoring a ridiculous amount in the first round, averaging 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 24.6 minutes.
What is surprising about this deal is that following Batum's words earlier in the summer, he was expected to only re-sign for one more year before retiring from the association. However, he signed for two, all but guaranteeing that 2026-7 will be his last if the Clippers pick up his option.
That said, the Clippers have made their free agency blueprint evident by paying Batum just after they added extra figures to Harden's bank account.
The LA Clippers will be after winning players with experience in free agency
The critical detail to pay attention to, which is common through Nicolas Batum and James Harden's new contracts, is the final year. The summer of 2027 will be when they both become free agents, coinciding with Kawhi Leonard.
Moreover, the LA Clippers are making it clear that in 2027 the front office will be committed to rebuilding. This could also happen next summer, depending on the 2025-26 postseason results.
Furthermore, the Clippers are already linked in discussions to numerous experienced point guards and centers, like Chris Paul, and if they feel like Inglewood, California, is in their best interest, Lawrence Frank will likely push for them to enter unrestricted free agency in 2027 as well.
This gives them two seasons to help win a ring, which will also apply to the other veterans acquired by the Clippers in the forthcoming days.