Report: Clippers retain Batum with 2-year, $11.5M deal

The Los Angeles Clippers will re-sign veteran Nicolas Batum to a two-year, $11.5-million contract, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.

Batum, 36, played in 78 games for the Clippers last season, making eight starts.

He averaged just four points and 2.8 rebounds but was a 43.3% shooter from distance on 2.6 attempts per contest. The 6-foot-8 forward was also one of Los Angeles' most versatile defenders.

The reported agreement prevents Batum from hitting the open market as an unrestricted free agent. The 17-year vet, who on Saturday reportedly declined a $4.9-million player option for next season, would have been eligible to negotiate with all 30 teams Monday after 6 p.m. ET.

Batum represents the Clippers' second major re-signing of the last 24 hours. Los Angeles reportedly reached an agreement with star guard James Harden on a new two-year, $81.5-million deal after he turned down a $36.3-million option for next season.