New York – Los Angeles Clippers straight ahead Nicholas Batum He rejected his player’s $3.3 million option to access free agency, but it is widely expected that he will re-sign a new two-year deal, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

expected to be Los Angeles LakersAnd the Chicago BullsAnd the Boston CelticsAnd the Phoenix Suns And the Utah Jazz Sources said he has a strong interest in trying to banish the 14-year-old veteran from Clipperland.

But sources said the clippers are in the driver’s seat.

The free agency period starts on June 30th.

Batum, 33, has played a vital role for the Clippers over the past two seasons, re-establishing his versatility on both sides of the ball. He’s emerged as a dressing room favorite with his ability to be selfless and his ability to shoot continuous shots that fit seamlessly into the mainstays of the franchise as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

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