Sources: Batum returning to Clippers after opt out

Free agent forward Nicolas Batum intends to sign a two-year, $11.5 million deal to return to the LA Clippers, sources told ESPN.

The deal includes a team option as well as a trade kicker. Batum's agent, Bouna Ndiaye of Comsport, negotiated the contract for the reunion.

Batum opted out of his $4.9 million player option earlier this summer, making him a free agent.

Now heading into his 18th year in the NBA, Batum has already said there is a "very, very good chance" that this upcoming season will be his last.

The 36-year-old French forward played less than 18 minutes per game for the Clippers last season but made 78 appearances with eight starts. He remains a good defender at 6-foot-10 and spaces the court with a quick-trigger 3-point shot.

Batum's versatility shined in the Clippers' first-round series loss to the Denver Nuggets. He shot nearly 40% on 4.7 3s per game in the postseason to go along with 1.7 blocks and 0.9 steals.

Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said ahead of the offseason that the team "1,000 percent" hopes Batum returns next year.

Batum has spent most of the past five seasons with the Clippers after long stints with the Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets. He's a two-time Olympic silver medalist as part of the French national team.