According to the man himself, next season will most likely be the final season fans see Nicolas Batum, as he is ready to ride off into the sunset.

The 36-year-old has a $4.9 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers for next season, which he’s expected to pick up. Batum played in 78 games, averaging 17.5 minutes per appearance.

“There’s a very, very good chance that the next season will be my last,” Batum said.

He will be entering his 18th season in the NBA, and playing his sixth season with Los Angeles. In total, Batum has played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Philadelphia 76ers.

In 1,131 career games, Batum averaged 10.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. He was a former first-round pick out of the 2008 draft class.

According to multiple reports, the Cleveland Cavaliers do have legit interest in bringing back Ty Jerome. Not only do reports say this, but President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman says Cleveland wants him back.

The combo guard was terrific during the Cavaliers amazing regular season run, as many were not expecting him to give the production he gave. In 2023-24, Jerome only played two games for Cleveland. The season before that, when playing for the Golden State Warriors, he only averaged 6.9 points and 3.0 assists.

Before this current season, the last time Jerome averaged over ten points a game was back in 2020-21 with the Oklahoma City Thunder. So this transformation in one of the best sixth men in the league was mind-blowing to see.

With him having a good season, it’s expected he will command attention in the market, if Cleveland doesn’t re-sign him. This was the final season of his two-year, $5 million deal.

Two weeks ago, in an interview with HoopsHype, Jerome confirmed that he would “love to be back with the Cavs.” The feeling is mutual between the player and organization.

“I think I have an amazing situation here with a coaching staff that empowers me and a team that empowers me,” Jerome told HoopsHype just before the start of the NBA Playoffs. “Obviously, I’d love to be back. We’ve just got to see how it plays out.”

According to multiple reports, the Philadelphia 76ers are expected to package Paul George and the 3rd overall pick to try to land either Kevin Durant or Lauri Markkanen.

Both the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns have been in the rumor-mill of wanting to trade some of their top pieces to restructure their team for a better chance of winning.

The biggest what-if for both fanbases is predicated upon the teams wanting George and his massive $212 million contract. He underperformed significantly last season, with many calling him a role player due to him giving less production than an actual star or franchise leader.

Philadelphia ended the season with a disappointing 24-58 record, something fans were not expecting. However, injuries to their core four players (Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Joel Embiid, George) absolutely derailed their season.

By trading the aging veteran and draft pick, they are signaling to other franchises that they want to remain competitive and will do anything to get back on top.