Nicolas Batum to decline his player option with Clippers and test free agency / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AP - Scanpix Credit AP - Scanpix

French forwardNicolas Batum, who's also the captain of the French national team, is declining his $3.3 million player option and will test free agency, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

3-pointers this season

37%12,8Points made:12,8Accuracy:37,3%Place in standings:12Record max:23Record min:6Most made 3FGs:Luke KennardTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

Per the same report, there is a very good chance that he signs a new deal with the NBA franchise in July.

The L.A. Clippers player has already announced that he won't play at EuroBasket in September in order to prepare better for the next season and take some more time with his family during the offseason.

Batum came to the Clippers at one of the lowest points of his career. After five years with the Charlotte Hornets, the Frenchman was ultimately waived by the organization in November of 2020. Just days later, the Clippers signed him.

The 33-year-old Frenchman played in 59 games last season (54 starts) averaging 8.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per night while shooting an impressive 40% from downtown.

Last month, Batum spoke on a French podcast and revealed that Ty Lue "saved his life" and said he’d essentially like to finish his career with the franchise.

He owns career averages of 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 915 duels (806 starts) with the Portland Trail Blazers (2008-15), Charlotte Hornets (2016-20), and Clippers.

Batum made a leap to the NBA after playing two professional seasons with Le Mans Sarthe (2006-08). He returned to Old Continent during the 2011 NBA lockout, when the player signed a one-year contract with SLUC Nancy in the French league, which was valid until the NBA lockout ended.

Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.