Nicolas Batum retires after 18 NBA seasons, ending his journey that began with the Portland Trail Blazers
Nicolas Batum has retired from the NBA after 18 seasons, ending a career that started in Portland when he was 19. The former Portland Trail Blazers forward shared the news on September 21 from the French gym where he first played basketball. Batum’s announcement came after 18 NBA seasons and 21 years in professional basketball. In his farewell video, he said, “After 21 years, it’s time for me to go home. His final NBA season was with the Clippers in 2025-26.
TheScore reported that his NBA career included Portland, Charlotte, Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Clippers.
He said he was ready to return home, spend more time with his wife and children, and make room for the next part of his life. He said he still wants to stay around the sport, although he does not yet know what that role will be. Batum thanked the people and teams that helped him along the way, while giving a message to the Blazers and Rip City fans who welcomed him there. For now, his focus is on family and a different stage of life.
Batum played 481 games for Portland and started 428 of them, according to Basketball Reference. He averaged 11.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game during his time with the team. He also made 751 three pointers for the Blazers.
“Blazers, RIP City fans, thank you,” he said. “I was 19 years old when I started and you welcomed me with open arms.” Batum also remembered the city that gave him his first NBA home and those who helped him settle into the league. His seven years there shaped how Portland fans remember him, even after he moved to other teams.