The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported this week that the Clippers, who’ve stayed afloat in the West despite long-term injuries to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, are searching for point guard help. League sources indicate the Clips are willing to move a combination of veterans on expiring or potentially expiring contracts for an upgrade at the point; that group includes players like Serge Ibaka, Ivica Zubac (team option for 2022-23) and Nicolas Batum (player option for 2022-23) — a player in whom Washington’s had interest in the past.
Source: David Aldridge, Josh Robbins, David Aldridge and Josh Robbins @ The Athletic
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Pacers 122, Clippers 116 | Final | Nicolas Batum: “We were tired a little bit tonight for sure.” – 9:28 PM
Pacers 122, Clippers 116 | Final | Nicolas Batum: “We were tired a little bit tonight for sure.” – 9:28 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
20/10/2 blocks for Isaiah Jackson, who caps a 9-0 Indiana run with a dime from Lance Stephenson.
Other than Nicolas Batum’s 3s (Pacers finally saw him miss a 3 actually), second unit has struggled to defend and find momentum.
Indiana leads 93-88 with 9:50 left to play. – 8:49 PM
20/10/2 blocks for Isaiah Jackson, who caps a 9-0 Indiana run with a dime from Lance Stephenson.
Other than Nicolas Batum’s 3s (Pacers finally saw him miss a 3 actually), second unit has struggled to defend and find momentum.
Indiana leads 93-88 with 9:50 left to play. – 8:49 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Check that: Serge Ibaka will start for Ivica Zubac (calf). Terance Mann will remain in starting lineup. Sounds like Nic Batum will come off the bench. – 5:35 PM
Check that: Serge Ibaka will start for Ivica Zubac (calf). Terance Mann will remain in starting lineup. Sounds like Nic Batum will come off the bench. – 5:35 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Tyronn Lue says that Nicolas Batum is playing, and Ivica Zubac will miss his first game due to injury tonight. Zubac started the month in health and safety protocols and ended last season missing last two games due to MCL sprain. – 5:33 PM
Tyronn Lue says that Nicolas Batum is playing, and Ivica Zubac will miss his first game due to injury tonight. Zubac started the month in health and safety protocols and ended last season missing last two games due to MCL sprain. – 5:33 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Clippers say center Ivica Zubac (sore right calf) is questionable to play tonight in Indiana, as is Nicolas Batum (low back soreness). – 1:21 PM
Clippers say center Ivica Zubac (sore right calf) is questionable to play tonight in Indiana, as is Nicolas Batum (low back soreness). – 1:21 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Ivica Zubac (sore right calf, shown here) is questionable for tonight at Indiana. Nicolas Batum (back, missed Sunday at Charlotte) is also questionable.
Paul George (elbow), Kawhi Leonard (knee) Jason Preston (foot), Keon Johnson (G League) remain out.
5th game in 7 days. pic.twitter.com/gQIUwLEKg3 – 1:20 PM
Ivica Zubac (sore right calf, shown here) is questionable for tonight at Indiana. Nicolas Batum (back, missed Sunday at Charlotte) is also questionable.
Paul George (elbow), Kawhi Leonard (knee) Jason Preston (foot), Keon Johnson (G League) remain out.
5th game in 7 days. pic.twitter.com/gQIUwLEKg3 – 1:20 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Ivica Zubac (sore right calf) has been added to the Clippers’ injury report as questionable to play tonight. Nic Batum (lower back) is also questionable. – 1:18 PM
Ivica Zubac (sore right calf) has been added to the Clippers’ injury report as questionable to play tonight. Nic Batum (lower back) is also questionable. – 1:18 PM
Nicolas Batum @nicolas88batum
Great road win #ClipperNation
The “Lefty unit” has done some damage again 💪🏽 – 4:42 PM
Great road win #ClipperNation
The “Lefty unit” has done some damage again 💪🏽 – 4:42 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Winslow, right where he’s supposed to be again and again. Batum like. – 3:02 PM
Winslow, right where he’s supposed to be again and again. Batum like. – 3:02 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Charlotte shooting still in hell, but now Clippers are taking advantage of it.
Ibaka has 6 points off bench, and Jackson is in double figures with 11 for his best start of the week.
Clippers up 39-31 with 7:44 left in first half. – 1:47 PM
Charlotte shooting still in hell, but now Clippers are taking advantage of it.
Ibaka has 6 points off bench, and Jackson is in double figures with 11 for his best start of the week.
Clippers up 39-31 with 7:44 left in first half. – 1:47 PM
More on this storyline
The Clippers moving Serge Ibaka appears to be the most likely trade deadline maneuver for Los Angeles. Shedding Ibaka’s $9.7 million salary alone would save the Clippers over $40 million in tax penalties. As noted by ESPN.com’s Bobby Marks, the Clippers still have $3.3 million available to send out in a trade this season, and only $3.1 million of Ibaka’s salary would remain on his contract this year before he becomes a free agent. Oklahoma City is a trade partner to monitor, league sources said. -via Bleacher Report / January 12, 2022