Nicolas Batum did not re-sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. Instead, he decided to return to the Los Angeles Clippers.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon explained why Batum chose the Clippers over the Sixers, even though it was a difficult decision.
They were really close to having Nic Batum back. He was torn between returning to Philly and returning to the team that traded him--the Clippers--and
believe family played a role in him returning 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 acquired Batum after they sold Harden to the Clippers in 2023. Batum averaged 5.5 points,
4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 57 games, 38 of which he started. He fired 45.6% from the field and almost 40% from three.
In their six playoff games, the Sixers relied heavily on Batum. He appeared in all of their games against the New York Knicks, averaging 6.3 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting more over 40% from three.
After signing with the Clippers, Batum discussed his offseason experience. During an interview with French journal Basket USA, he said that more than half of the league was interested in signing him before he rejoined the Clippers.
"It is a comeback!" I had a lot of alternatives, 17 in total! This is a good thing. I'm going to find Ty Lue again, this time on a project I'm interested in. "It's a good thing," Batum stated in a July 5 piece.
Batum is an effective player because of his size and wingspan, which complement his particular skill set. His height and length allow him to play small-ball center, which has benefited both the Clippers and the Sixers. He would have been effective in filling in for Joel Embiid as he rested.