Nicolas Batum Announces Retirement from NBA
The veteran forward concludes an 18-season career that included two stints with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Nicolas Batum, a veteran NBA forward, announced his retirement on Monday, concluding an 18-season career that included two stints with the Los Angeles Clippers. Batum shared the news via a video posted to Instagram, reflecting on his time in the league.
Batum first joined the Clippers in December 2020 and remained with the franchise for nearly four seasons. In November 2023, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers as part of the deal that sent James Harden to Los Angeles. After finishing the season with the 76ers, Batum re-signed with the Clippers following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.
Last season, Batum averaged 4 points and 1.8 assists in 17.5 minutes per game over 74 appearances. He has been recognized as a consistent bench player throughout his NBA career and has also been a key member of the French national basketball team.
Batum's retirement comes at a turbulent time for the Clippers, who were recently fined $30 million and had five future first-round draft picks forfeited due to salary cap violations related to the Kawhi Leonard signing. The team faced federal investigation stemming from these allegations.