Indiana Pacers: Must-sign free agent targets from every West playoff team

Indiana Pacers free agent target: Nicolas Batum, LA Clippers

After a bitter ending in Charlotte as a disgruntled, overpaid player, veteran Nicolas Batum had a career renaissance with the LA Clippers this season. The French cager proved that he can still be a key rotation piece a contending team with his diverse skillset, playing 27.4 meaningful minutes per outing on modest, yet effective 8.1/4.7/2.2 three-liner.

The 13-year veteran’s versatile game has proven to be a great complement next to the Clips’ two-headed monster in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Either playing as a starter or coming off the bench, Batum managed to eke out a prominent role with his positional flexibility, playing both forward spots and as a shooting guard on occasions. His 40.4 mark on triples, solid defense, low usage and clever passing will surely come in handy on most teams.

Surely, the Indiana Pacers can be one of those teams. Despite his solid production, Batum will not come expensive, especially after lucrative deal back with the Hornets. He’ll surely prioritize staying with the Clippers, but he may come over to Indianapolis if the front offices hands out a bigger offer than the vet minimum, right? Ultimately, it’s easily worth pursuing him.