The Philadelphia 76ers still have work to do, and one familiar name fits the bill: Nicolas Batum.
Even with the current focus on the bidding war for LeBron James, the offseason isn’t finished for Philadelphia. The front office still has clear holes to fill, especially on the wing, and Batum stands out as a logical role player to revisit.
There’s already a connection here. Batum spent the 2023-24 season in Philadelphia and handled the kind of do-everything minutes that made him valuable on both ends.
He didn’t stay long, though, choosing to return to the Clippers that summer. Now that LA has moved on from the veteran, the Sixers have a fresh opening to circle back.
Batum had already hinted before last season that it might be his final year in the NBA. He still hasn’t officially said he’s done, even after being released by the Clippers, which keeps the possibility alive that he could return for a 19th season.
Philadelphia’s need is easy to see. The team landed Jaylen Brown this offseason in an unexpected blockbuster trade, but that move came with a cost at forward.
Paul George, the club’s top forward over the past couple of seasons, was the centerpiece of the return package for Brown. Kelly Oubre Jr. also left for the Pacers in free agency.
The Sixers tried to patch things up by signing Dean Wade, but one addition doesn’t replace two established forwards. That’s where Batum comes back into the picture.
Wade brings connector skills and defense, and Batum offers a similar package. The difference is experience. Batum has been through far more, and that kind of steady, high-IQ presence still matters around a core that now includes Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe.
If Philadelphia does end up with LeBron James, Batum makes even more sense. Teams built around James have usually benefited from long defenders and reliable shooters, and Batum has always fit that mold.
His first run with the 76ers was brief, but it left an impression. With the chance now sitting in front of them, Philadelphia has every reason to make one more call before Batum decides whether to keep going or head into retirement.
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