Nicolas Batum NBA free agency 2022: Forward, Los Angeles Clippers agree on 2-year, $22 million deal

Free agent forward Nicolas Batum has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $22 million deal, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Batum declined his $3.3 million player option to hit free agency and work with the Clippers on a new deal.

It was anticipated the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz would have strong interest, sources said.

Batum, 33, played a vital role for the Clippers the past two seasons, reestablishing his versatility on both sides of the ball. He has emerged as a locker room favorite whose unselfish play and spot-up shot-making ability fits in seamlessly with franchise cornerstones Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

Batum started 54 games for the Clippers last season, averaging 8.3 points and 4.3 rebounds, in his second season in Los Angeles. He's a career 43.7% shooter after spending time with the Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets before joining the Clippers in 2020.

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