Nicolas Batum Calls it Quits After 18-Year NBA Career

WHO:

NY Post - Nicolas Batum, a professional basketball player.

RealGM Basketball - Batum's 10-year-old son, Ayden, is featured in his retirement announcement.

WHAT:

NY Post - Batum announced his retirement from the NBA via a heartfelt Instagram video.

RealGM Basketball - Batum retired after 18 seasons in the NBA and 15 seasons with the French national team.

RealGM Basketball - Batum averaged 4.0 points and 2.5 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 NBA season.

RealGM Basketball - Over his career, Batum averaged 9.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, shooting 37.1 percent from three-point range.

RealGM Basketball - Batum appeared in 76 career playoff games and reached the Western Conference finals with the Clippers in 2021.

RealGM Basketball - The Clippers declined their $5.9 million option on Batum's contract for the 2026-27 season.

WHERE:

RealGM Basketball - Batum spent most of the past six seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers.

WHEN:

RealGM Basketball - Batum announced his retirement on a Monday.

RealGM Basketball - Batum was a first-round pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.

WHY:

RealGM Basketball - Batum expressed a desire to spend more time with his son, stating, "I want to come home and be with you."

RealGM Basketball - Batum mentioned, "I think I've done my time. My time with France ended two years ago. And the NBA is over too."

HOW:

RealGM Basketball - Batum announced his retirement through a social media video.

(UPDATED September 21, 2026 20:00 UTC)

Nicolas Batum, a professional basketball player, has announced his retirement from the NBA in a heartfelt Instagram video, where he featured his 10-year-old son, Ayden. After 18 seasons in the league, including 15 with the French national team, Batum averaged 9.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over his career, while also making a notable playoff appearance with the Clippers in 2021. Expressing his desire to spend more time with his son, Batum stated, "I want to come home and be with you," as he reflects on his journey in basketball.