The LA Clippers did a masterful job of re-shaping their roster this offseason. After Paul George left, there were some major roster needs created immediately, and the front office went to plan B right away to ensure a competitive team would still be on the floor next season.
Now, Kris Dunn will be taking a load off James Harden in the department of ball-handler duties, Derrick Jones Jr. will fill some of the wing production lost from PG's departure, and other role players will fill in as needed. One of the Clippers' most recent signings that will further improve depth is Nic Batum.
Of course, Clippers fans know a thing or two about Batum. He first joined LA at the start of the 2020-21 season, helping the team reach their first Western Conference Finals in franchise history the following June. Nic remained with the Clippers until November 2023, when he was sent to the Philadelphia 76ers in the trade for Harden.
Now, Batum has signed a new deal to return to the Clippers for the 2024-25 season. But as some new intel reveals, he nearly ended up with a different team. According to Tim Bontemps of ESPN, Batum almost re-signed with Philadelphia instead.
Nic Batum was "close" to re-signing with 76ers
"They were really close to getting Nic Batum back," said Bontemps. He was going back and forth between, at least my understanding, going back to Philly or going back . And I think family played a part in him going back to the Clippers. He was pretty comfortable out in LA.”
As we know, it is not totally unusual for free agency decisions to come down to the last minute, or for one small detail to be the deciding factor in which contract a player signs. It sounds like the Clippers just barely ended up earning Batum's services once again, and that could end up being a bigger factor than many think for next season.
Philadelphia already has a loaded roster, besides the fact that it seems like the Sixers and Clippers swap players constantly. They are one of the top Eastern Conference contenders. Meanwhile, the Clippers need all the reinforcements they can get in a crowded West. Having Batum will certainly be a plus.