Report: Nic Batum to sign with Clippers after clearing waivers

Veteran forward Nicolas Batum plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers after clearing waivers, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Sunday afternoon. Batum had been waived by the Charlotte Hornets earlier in the day. Batum was set to make $27 million in 2020-21, which was the reason for the Hornets letting him go. Batum is set to join Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in L.A. as a veteran who could provide some defense and minutes off the bench.

Batum was entering the final year of his contract with the Hornets worth around $27.1 million. He opted into the player option for this upcoming season. The Hornets needed to clear Batum’s salary in order to make room for Gordon Hayward’s contract, which is for four years at $120 million. Hayward was brought in via free agency after he declined his player option with the Celtics. Hayward had signed an offer sheet with Charlotte back in 2014 before returning to the Utah Jazz.