17-Year NBA Veteran Expected to Return to Clippers

One key member of the LA Clippers is expected to return to the team next season

Dec 4, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1, left), guard Amir Coffey (7), forward Nicolas Batum (33) and center Ivica Zubac (40, right) watch from the bench during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The LA Clippers may have had a very disappointing end to their season in Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets, but that doesn't mean the season wasn't a success.

The Clippers were expected to win only 30 games this season, and no one expected them to even be a serious playoff team three months ago. With that in mind, the team should be aiming to bring back some of their most important players next season.

Among those is Clippers forward Nicolas Batum. During a session with the media, Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank spoke about his desire to re-sign Batum.

Mar 28, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) brings the ball up court against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

"In regards to Nico, yes, 1000 percent, we hope that Nico comes back," Lawrence Frank said. "It was a dark, dark, dark day for all of us when we had to include Nico in the trade. We said it when we brought him back, one of the best connectors in the NBA."

Lawrence Frank on Nicolas Batum: "1,000% we hope that Nico comes back. It was a dark, dark, dark day for all of us when we had to include Nico in the trade [in 2023]."

— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) May 5, 2025

Clutchpoints reporter Tomer Azarly then followed up on Franks' statements, revealing that Batum is expected to return to the Clippers next season, despite considering retirement.

Via @TomerAzarly: "Despite mulling retirement last offseason and having a player option for the 2025-26 season, Nicolas Batum is expected to return to the Clippers next season."

Despite mulling retirement last offseason and having a player option for the 2025-26 season, Nicolas Batum is expected to return to the Clippers next season. https://t.co/kW0TBNhees

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) May 5, 2025

While Nicolas Batum is arguably the smartest IQ player on the Clippers and needs to return, the team desperately needs to get more athletic, especially at the four position. The Clippers single-handedly lost games to the Denver Nuggets due to the athleticism of Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook.

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