Why Clippers are parting ways with Nicolas Batum, Bogdan Bogdanovic

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The Los Angeles Clippers had three option decisions to make on Monday.

They're only keeping one out of three.

Brook Lopez had his team option exercised.

Nicolas Batum and Bogdan Bogdanovic, though, have both been declined:

Clippers are picking up Brook Lopez’s team option and also declining team options on Nic Batum and Bogdan Bogdanovic, source confirms. @LawMurrayTheNU tweeted earlier.

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) June 29, 2026

As Kawhi Leonard trade rumors swirl, these moves lose the Clippers a couple of potential wing players.

MORE: How Kristaps Porzingis move made LeBron James, AD trade harder for Warriors

Why did Clippers do this?

Batum feels like the simple one. His age is simply getting up there.

He'll turn 38 years old in December.

In most ways, Batum is still useful, but he's not a player the Clippers need to have on their books right now. They could still choose to re-sign him in unrestricted free agency if things line up to do that.

Bogdanovic is actually going to turn 34 before next season starts, and he's coming off a season in which he shot 38% from the floor and 34% from 3-point range. With his skillset, those numbers both have to be higher.

The Clippers seem to want to get younger -- also signaled by their in-season trade of James Harden for Darius Garland.

These moves push them more in that direction.