Report: Suns Interested in Nicolas Batum
Forward Nicolas Batum recently declined his player option for next season (worth $3.3 million) with the Los Angeles Clippers to enter free agency.
Despite Yahoo's Chris Haynes reporting the Clippers are heavily favored to re-sign the French shooter, that doesn't mean other teams won't try their hand at landing the unrestricted free agent.
Count the Phoenix Suns in the running, says Haynes.
Phoenix Suns Interested in Nicolas Batum
"It is anticipated that the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz will have strong interest in trying to pry away the 14-year veteran from Clipper Land," said Haynes.
"Batum, 33, played such 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."
Batum likely opted out to gain a higher salary, and HoopsHype reports he is expected to gain around $10 million annually.
From an outsider's perspective, it would be surprising to see Batum flock anywhere else other than the Clippers, but NBA free agency has presented us with surprises on an almost annual basis.
If he decided Los Angeles is no longer for him, you can bank on the Suns fighting for his signature on a deal.
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