Nicolas Batum agrees to two-year deal to return to Los Angeles Clippers in NBA free agency, sources say

play

Sources told Adrian Wojnarowski that Nicolas Batum has agreed to a two-year contract with the LA Clippers.

The Clippers' shooting guard agreed to a three-year, $11 million deal to stay with the team, according to a report.

Batum made it clear that he loved being a Clipper after his second season with the team. Batum said that the team and head coach Ty Lue saved his career after he averaged 3.6 points in 22 appearances in his final year in Charlotte.

After the Clippers lost in the play-offs to New Orleans, Batum said he loved them. I've been here for over a year. I was close to leaving the league. Two years have passed. I loved it, but I didn't like it. I think it's great here. Those people, that coach. It's hard to lose in the play-in, but it's going to be enjoyable next year.

Don't forget to stay up to date on the NBA free agency and trade news.

After declining his player option, Batum was expected to re-sign with LA.

Batum has been an important part of the Clippers and has thrived on both ends. Two years ago, Batum's ability to protect the rim and guard on the perimeter as well as shoot 3s at an efficient clip allowed LA to play small and power their run to the Western Conference finals.

In his first season with the Clippers, Batum averaged 8.1 points and 4.7 rebound, but in his second season he averaged 8.3 points and 4.3 rebound. He started 54 of the 59 games he played for the Clippers last season, but he missed the entire season with a tornACL.

The Clippers are entering the season as a title contender with perhaps their deepest roster to date. When he wants to put out a lineup of players on the floor that are all interchangeable and can switch defensively, he wants to do it during certain times of the season. Batum is included in the vision to go along with Leonard, George, Norman Powell and Marcus Morris.

In his three seasons in L.A., he has averaged 6.2 points, 2.0 rebound and 1.2 assists.

This report was contributed to by an athlete.