The LA Clippers will try to keep Nicolas Batum, but the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers are all interested.
The LA Clippers‘ top priority in 2021 NBA free agency will be re-signing Kawhi Leonard, who will reportedly opt out of his $36 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent. But with Leonard likely to re-sign in Los Angeles, once that agreement is taken care of, the Clippers will have to turn their attention to a bevy of impending free agents all across their depth chart.
One of the big names on that list is forward Nicolas Batum, who enjoyed a resurgent season in LA after looking all but washed with the Charlotte Hornets over the last few years. According to Yahoo! Sports’ Chris Haynes, the Clippers will have competition for his services in the form of the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers:
The Warriors, Heat and Pacers are all interested in stealing Nicolas Batum
Last season for the Clippers, the 32-year-old forward started in 38 of his 67 appearances, averaging 8.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 27.4 minutes per game. He was a big part of LA’s unstoppable 3-point attack, particularly from the corners, shooting 40.4 percent from downtown on 4.1 attempts per game.
That kind of production would be welcome back on the Clippers, just as it would be on the Warriors, Heat or Pacers.
Golden State is looking to contend again with a healthy Klay Thompson back in the lineup, and the Dubs are reportedly targeting a reunion with Andre Iguodala to bolster their wing depth as well. The Heat are always looking for rangy two-way wings who can shoot as they try to reassemble a Finals contender, and the Pacers could use some extra help at that position with Doug McDermott being a free agent and T.J. Warren returning from injury.