The Philadelphia 76ers may be laser-focused on the raging bidding war for LeBron James at the moment, but the offseason is still far from over. With a handful of needs still apparent for this team, the front office will remain on the lookout for quality role players. To that end, one player they should make a call to is Nicolas Batum, especially as another forward could help fill out the roster.
76ers have a history with Batum
Batum once donned the 76ers colorways during the 2023-24 season and performed admirably as their go-to utility guy on both ends. Unfortunately, his stint did not last long, as he ultimately decided to return to the Clippers that same summer. But now, after LA parted ways with the heady veteran, Philly has the perfect reason to make one final call to the Frenchman.
The 18-year veteran actually signaled before this past season began that he was already entering his final year in the NBA. However, he has yet to officially announce that he is hanging up his sneakers despite being released by the Clippers, leaving the door open for a return for his 19th year.
The 76ers should seek a final reunion with Nicolas Batum
While the 76ers got Jaylen Brown this offseason thanks to an unexpected blockbuster trade, the team is actually quite thin at the forward positions. Paul George, their best forward from the last couple of seasons, was the main part of the return package for Brown. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre Jr. left the team for the Pacers in the open market.
Philly did well in signing Dean Wade to alleviate their lack of actual forwards, but one man cannot possibly make up for the loss of two solid forwards. That makes Batum an appealing role player for the 76ers to pursue.
Wade is a good connector and defender himself, and while Batum basically has the same offerings, he is much more battle-tested than the former. Despite the skill set overlap, the 76ers cannot have too many high-IQ players to surround their insanely talented core four, which consists of Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe.
Batum becomes an even more sensible target in the open market if the 76ers get their hands on LeBron James, whose teams have always thrived when having rangy defenders and capable 3-point shooters.
Nicolas Batum's previous stint with the 76ers was short-lived, but it was definitely a memorable one. Now, despite their failed attempts in the past to reunite with him, Philly has the perfect opportunity to make another call for him before he heads off into the sunset.
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