Report: Batum to test free agency after declining $3.3M player option

Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum will decline his $3.3-million option for the 2022-23 season in order to become a free agent this summer, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

It is expected that the Clippers and Batum will have mutual interest in reaching a new deal in July, Wojnarowski notes.

Batum, 33, is coming off two seasons in Los Angeles where he averaged 8.2 points on 40.2% 3-point shooting, 4.5 rebounds, two assists, and one steal. The French forward rebuilt his value after he was waived by the Charlotte Hornets ahead of the final season of a five-year, $120-million contract in November 2020.

Batum, who's entering his 15th NBA campaign, will likely be the Clippers' top free agent in July. He will join guard Rodney Hood and center Isaiah Hartenstein on the club's list of unrestricted free agents, per Spotrac.