On July 2, Beijing time, ESPN authoritatively announced, free agent Nicholas Batum officially announced a two-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Clippers with a total value of $9.6 million, the veteran who has been in the NBA for 17 years, will once again wear the Clippers jersey and continue to write his basketball legend.
After a deliberate decision to retire, Batum finally decided to continue to gallop on the basketball court, writing his 17th NBA season with sweat and love. The success of the past year with the Philadelphia 76ers has undoubtedly given him new motivation and confidence to believe that he can still shine on the basketball court.
Batum has a deep connection with the Clippers, having spent three and a half seasons here and being an integral part of the team. Despite being sent to the 76ers as part of the Harden trade earlier last season, he has been solid there, averaging 5.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 57 games, showing the composure and experience of a veteran.
The 35-year-old Batum is in the twilight of his career, but his skills and wisdom are becoming more and more sophisticated. An excellent passer and ball handler, his basketball IQ and vision of the court are impressive; And his three-point shots, especially the bottom corners, are a big killer weapon for him, and he has repeatedly opened up the situation for the team at critical moments. Despite not being as athletic as he was in his prime, Batum can still put opponents under pressure on the defensive end with a height advantage of 6'8".
This return to the Clippers is a win-win option for Batum and the team. His return will inject more experience and stability into the Clippers, while also setting an example for the team's young players; And for Batum himself, being able to continue competing in the arena he loves is undoubtedly one of the best things about his career.