Batum has formally expressed his desire to depart from the National Team, and his spouse, Aurelie, disclosed that the forthcoming season will be his finale with the LA Clippers.
As Nicolas Batum readies himself to lead France in their quest for a medal in the imminent 2023 FIBA World Cup, he’s also set to represent the National Team for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Yet, indications suggest he will conclude his illustrious basketball journey subsequently.
The veteran forward previously made public his choice to step away from the National Team post the Paris Olympics. Further, his spouse, Aurelie, recently indicated on a social platform that he is set to wrap up his entire professional stint.
“Nico is set on concluding his tenure (both NBA and France representation) after the Olympics, marking his final season with the Clippers,”
she tweeted, as initially covered by BeBasket.
Per Aurelie Batum’s words, Nicolas will have one last run with the Los Angeles Clippers prior to his retirement, coinciding with his contract’s termination in the summer of 2024.
Batum initiated his journey in the basketball world 17 years back with Le Mans, and soon after, in a couple of years, he made his way to the NBA, being chosen 25th in the draft. He dedicated seven years to the Portland Trail Blazers, with a short interlude at Nancy amidst the NBA suspension. Between 2015 and 2020, he donned the Charlotte Hornets’ jersey, and from 2020 onwards, the 34-year stalwart has aligned with the Clippers.
In his tenure with the French National Team, he captured a gold at the 2013 EuroBasket, clinched silver a couple of years before, and bagged a bronze two years later. Additionally, he secured bronze accolades in the 2014 and 2019 World Cups and a silver in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
He’s also co-owner, alongside his dear friend and Hall-of-Famer Tony Parker, of the prominent French EuroLeague team, ASVEL.
