End of an Era: Nicolas Batum Hints at Retirement Following Upcoming NBA Season

Nicolas Batum, a seasoned forward in the NBA and a former long-serving captain of the French national basketball team, might be entering the final chapter of his career during the 2025-26 season.

In an interview with BeinSports, Batum remarked, “There’s a very high likelihood that my next season will be my last.”

Batum is anticipated to return to the Los Angeles Clippers next season, fulfilling the two-year agreement he made with the franchise during the 2024 free agency period. This season will mark the 18th for the 36-year-old French athlete in the NBA.

During the previous season, Batum averaged 17.5 minutes over the course of 78 regular-season games, recording 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. His playing time increased in the playoffs, where he averaged 24.6 minutes on the court, contributing 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds.

One year prior, Batum played his final match with the French national team in the Olympic Games Final, where France lost to the USA with a score of 98-78.