Nov 29, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) reacts to a foul called on him by referee Jason Goldenberg (not pictured) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Sixers Lost Nicolas Batum in Free Agency for 1 Reason: Insider
Nicolas Batum did not re-sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. Instead, he opted to return to the Los Angeles Clippers. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon revealed why Batum picked the Clippers over the Sixers, though it was a tough choice.
“They were really close to getting Nic Batum back. He was going back and forth between, at least my understanding, going back to Philly or going back the team that traded him–the Clippers and I think family played a part in him going back to the Clippers — he was pretty comfortable out in LA,” MacMahon said on the September 10 episode of ESPN’s “The NBA Collective.”
The Sixers originally acquired Batum when they traded Harden to the Clippers in 2023. In 57 games – 38 of which he started – Batum averaged 5.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists a game. He shot 45.6% from the field and nearly 40% from three.
The Sixers depended on Batum in their six playoff games. He played in all their games against the New York Knicks, averaging 6.3 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting over 40% from three.
Nicolas Batum Says He Had 17 Suitors During Offseason
After signing with the Clippers, Batum detailed what the offseason was like for him. During an interview with French publication Basket USA, he admitted that over half the league was interested in adding him before he re-joined the Clippers.
“It’s a comeback! I had several options, a lot of options, I had 17 in fact! It’s a good thing. I’m going to find Ty Lue again, in a project that I like. It’s a good thing,” Batum said in a July 5 story.
