Clippers returned Nikolas Batumi with a two-year contract – Daily News

Former Clippers forward Nicolas Batumi, who played last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, returns to Los Angeles after agreeing to a two-year contract, Monday, July 1, 2024. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Nikolas Batumi left himself in a Clippers jersey. The team took a chance on the veteran Frenchman after a tough game against the Charlotte Hornets, and he was grateful. He didn’t think about leaving.

But it happened.

35-year-old Batumi was sent to the Philadelphia 76ers last season. The late-night trade that brought James Harden to the Clippers At the end of October, during the second day of shooting.

Now, the free agent forward could end his career with the Clippers after reportedly agreeing to a two-year, $9.6 million contract to return to the team. It was ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski Be the first to report the story.

This news was reported on X (formerly Twitter) by Lili Batumi, his wife, who issued a statement With “HE’S BACK!”

Batumi’s loyalty to the Clippers stemmed from their desire to give him another chance after being waived by the Hornets. Disappointed, Batumi was thinking of retiring. Then the Clippers called.

“I mean, they told me when they were filming (that I would have a major role), but I didn’t really believe it because in my mind I was like, ‘Okay, I’m done. I’m complaining, no matter what,” Batumi said earlier this year. “But I mean, yeah, (coach Tyronn Lue) said we’re going to use you and you’re going to play for me. And he did.”

Batumi averaged 5.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in 57 games (38 starts) as part of the Sixers last season.