Given that next season will likely be Nicolas Batum’s last, the LA Clippers must work harder than ever to accomplish his NBA dreams. This, in turn, means a championship, as he does not have one on his resume and has yet to make the NBA Finals.
Furthermore, the 36-year-old has always done everything the Clippers have asked of him. Granted, when the veteran wing first arrived, head coach Tyronn Lue started him immidiately, as he knew the type of opportunist Batum was, but over the years, he has sacrificed a ton.
However, what stands out most is how much Batum adores Los Angeles, and the Clippers’ organization in particular, as he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers but came back. This is precisely why Clipper Nation values him, along with what he can do on the court, as seen in Game 6 versus the Denver Nuggets.
Nonetheless, Batum had a player option this summer, and many fans were confused about the decision he would make. Would he opt-in and play his last season for $4.9 million, or would he opt out and sign for a different figure to stay with the team?
Part of the question has been answered, as Batum hit decline moments ago but has an interest in retiring as a Clipper.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum is declining his $4.9 million player option for the 2025-26 season to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. There's mutual interest between the NBA veteran and the Clippers in a new deal together. pic.twitter.com/mDyfBTzIGp
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 28, 2025
The LA Clippers should aim to fulfill the dreams of Nicolas Batum following the declination of his player option
Every detail of Nicolas Batum’s next deal, likely a one-year contract, should be on his terms. This means the salary he would like, on the length he would like, with fully guaranteed money, to ultimately cherish and remember his last season.
These types of negotiations are the dream of top-tier role players, and to show appreciation for his remarkable contributions in both stints as a Clipper, executive Lawrence Frank should be willing to agree on whatever Batum feels is best for himself, and, most importantly, his family.
This season, 2024-25, Batum played 78 games, averaging 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 43.3% from three-point range. In the playoffs, his numbers rose to 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks on a three-point percentage of 39.4.
The positive production he generates when playing is evident, and although he is among the few veterans who would be willing to take a pay cut for the benefit of the team, Frank and the organization must do right and insist on the French Knight receiving his desired compensation, within reason.