Insider Names Key Reason Nicolas Batum Decided to Leave Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have enjoyed a memorable offseason, bringing in players like Paul George, Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond and more while retaining the core of their roster. As a result, they are being considered as contenders going into the 2024-25 season.

If there is one loss that the 76ers have suffered this summer, it is Nicolas Batum leaving in order to return to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Of course, Batum's run in Philadelphia was not a long one. He was traded to the 76ers last November as part of the package that saw James Harden move to the Clippers.

Batum went on to establish himself as a key part of the 76ers' plans last season, averaging 25.9 minutes per game and starting on a consistent basis. It was not just on the court that he was an asset to the organization but as a veteran presence in the locker room as well.

It has now emerged that Batum staying in Philadelphia was a very real possibility but ultimately, family played a part in his decision to return to Los Angeles.

Tim Bontemps said on ESPN’s The Hoop Collective : "They were really close to getting Nic Batum back. He was going back and forth between, at least my understanding was going back to Philly or going back to the team that traded him in the Clippers. And I think family played a part in him going back to the Clippers. He was pretty comfortable out in LA."

Batum, even at 35 years of age, could have added a lot to this 76ers roster. That being said, most people will understand and respect his decision to return to Los Angeles.

There is not a lot that the 76ers are lacking at the moment. Of course, they look like contenders on paper, even without Batum, but it remains to be seen how that translates to the court next season.

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