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Clippers forward Nicolas Batum advances the ball upcourt during an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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Clippers forward Nicolas Batum advances the ball upcourt during an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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The Clippers officially signed three players on Sunday, including 11-time All-Star James Harden, to deals, the team announced Sunday.
Forward Nicolas Batum and veteran center Brook Lopez both officially signed to play for the Clippers this coming season.
Harden, who helped keep the team afloat during Kawhi Leonard’s absence, reportedly inked a two-year, $81.5 million deal.
“James takes on a tremendous workload for our team, as a playmaker and a scorer, and he does it with consistency and dependability,” said Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations. “The NBA season is grueling, and James has proven he is built for it, in a way few are. He loves to play. He works on his game. He positions his teammates to succeed and his team to win.
“He’s a true partner, as shown by this agreement, which allows us to reward James and continue building in the present and future.”
Last season, Harden averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds in 79 starts. He was the only player in the NBA to rank in the top 10 in total points, assists, steals and 3-pointers.
For Batum, his re-signing marked the start of his fifth season with the team. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the 36-year-old forward reportedly signed a two-year, $11.5 million deal to return. The deal includes a team option as well as a trade kicker.
“Nico is an integral part of this era of Clippers basketball,” said Frank. “His skill, selflessness and high IQ elevate the entire team. He sees the game, and he makes willing plays, whether obvious or subtle. We only benefit from Nico’s presence.”
Batum, who played for the Clippers from 2020-2023, was traded in 2024 to the Philadelphia 76ers as part of the trade that brought James Harden to Los Angeles. Batum, 36, rejoined the Clippers last season.
He appeared in 78 games last season and averaged 4.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists, while shooting 43.3% from 3-point range (tied for third highest in the NBA) and was a finalist for the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award.
He is one of seven active players in the NBA with 10,000 points, 5,000 rebounds and 1,500 3-pointers.
The Clippers also announced they have officially signed veteran center Brook Lopez to a reported two-year, $18 million deal.
“Brook is an elite rim protector and range shooter who will bring a different dimension to our frontcourt,” Frank said. “He is also a former champion and a genuine pro who will be a great addition to our group.”
Lopez, 37, averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 blocks (fourth in NBA), playing 31.8 minutes in 80 games with the Milwaukee Bucks last season. He shot 50.9% (394-774) from the field, 37.3% (139-373) from 3-point range and 82.6% (114-138) from the free-throw line.
Last season marked Lopez’s third straight campaign with 100+ three-pointers and 100+ blocks, and the sixth in his career, the most in NBA history.
