All-Star point guard Damian Lillard has played with different guys during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers. The Milwaukee Bucks have the chance to pair him with Nicolas Batum, a former teammate, as he is slated to become a free agent during the offseason.
Batum’s NBA journey has been marked by several key moves and transitions. Drafted 25th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2008, he was quickly traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he spent the first seven years of his career. In 2015, Batum was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, where he signed a lucrative five-year, $120 million contract. However, his time in Charlotte didn’t last forever, as he was waived by the team in 2020.
After three seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, Batum was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a deal involving All-Star shooting guard James Harden. Now, the French veteran is set to enter the offseason as a free agent, with the opportunity to explore his options and potentially find a new home in the NBA.
Throughout his career, Batum has demonstrated his versatility and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. As he looks to the next chapter, his wealth of experience and proven track record could make him an attractive target for teams in need of a veteran presence.
Nicolas Batum Identified as Possible Free Agent Target For Milwaukee Bucks to Pair With Damian Lillard
As it stands, the Bucks’ front office need to inject the roster with veteran experience, defense, and outside shooting. In an article for Behind The Buck Pass, Dalton Sell explained why Batum makes sense for the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led team.
“Damian Lillard and Nicolas Batum were teammates on some very underrated Trail Blazers teams in the early to mid-2010s. While the Milwaukee Bucks wouldn’t be getting that version of Batum, they could still get an impact player if they added the one who just finished up his 16th NBA season.
Above all else, Batum would give the Bucks a 6-foot-8 chess piece who is capable of playing either forward slot or shooting guard. He could be plugged into countless lineup combinations, giving the Bucks a versatile piece they have been longing for. He could be particularly useful when Milwaukee goes small and places Giannis at center, as Batum could be the power forward in that instance,” Sell wrote.
Throughout his career, Batum averaged 12.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He has also connected 43 percent of his field goals and 36 percent from deep in the 16 seasons he has played in the NBA.
It remains to be seen whether Batum will land in Milwaukee with Lillard, sign with another team, or simply retire from the NBA. In any case, having him reunite with Lillard will be an interesting move for the Bucks.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow us on Twitter at @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
