Warriors Predicted to Sign Former 76ers Forward via Buyout

Veteran Nicolas Batum could provide veteran leadership and outside shooting to Golden State.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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According to NBA journalist Joey Akeley, the Golden State Warriors are expected to sign 37-year-old veteran forward Nicolas Batum if he is bought out by the Los Angeles Clippers. Batum, who previously played for the Philadelphia 76ers, would provide the Warriors with a veteran presence and outside shooting to complement Stephen Curry.

Why it matters

The Warriors are always looking to improve their roster and add veteran leadership, especially around their superstar Curry. Batum's experience and three-point shooting could be valuable off the bench as the Warriors look to make another deep playoff run.

The details

Batum has appeared in 51 of the Clippers' first 52 games this season, but has recently been a healthy scratch, leading to speculation that the Clippers may be moving in a younger direction. If Batum is bought out, the Warriors would likely be one of the frontrunners to sign him, as they could offer him a significant role and playing time.

  • On Tuesday, Batum was a healthy DNP for the Clippers.
  • On Wednesday, Batum was out with a rest designation, despite not playing the previous game.

The players

Nicolas Batum

A 37-year-old veteran forward who has played in the NBA for nearly a decade, known for his three-point shooting and role-playing ability.

Stephen Curry

The superstar point guard of the Golden State Warriors, a four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP.

Joey Akeley

An NBA journalist who reported on the Warriors' potential interest in signing Batum.

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What they’re saying

“It's looking like the Clippers are going with a youth movement at the wings, leaving Bogdan Bogdanovic and Batum without roles.”

— Joey Akeley, NBA Journalist (Sports Illustrated)

“The Warriors would probably not be the only team interested in Batum, but they would have the most playing time available to him immediately, and that might be enough to convince him to come aboard, assuming the Clippers buy him out.”

— Joey Akeley, NBA Journalist (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

If the Clippers do buy out Batum, the Warriors will likely move quickly to sign him and add his veteran presence and outside shooting to their roster.

The takeaway

The Warriors are always looking to improve their roster around Stephen Curry, and the potential addition of veteran forward Nicolas Batum could provide them with valuable experience and three-point shooting off the bench as they aim for another deep playoff run.