The LA Clippers flamed out of the 2025 NBA playoffs, losing in seven games to the Denver Nuggets to mark another disappointing first-round exit.
Now, heading into the offseason, the Clippers have plenty of questions that need answers. One of the most pressing concerns around LA is their aging stars, as guys like 35-year-old James Harden and 33-year-old Kawhi Leonard are not getting any younger. However, even some of their supporting cast are reaching the end of the road.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) high fives guard-forward Nicolas Batum (33)
Jan 15, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) high fives guard-forward Nicolas Batum (33) after a play against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images / Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Clippers forward and France basketball legend Nic Batum recently announced that there is a "good chance" he retires after the 2025-26 NBA season.
"There’s a very, very good chance that the next season will be my last," Batum said.
Batum, 36, just finished his fourth career season with the Clippers and his first since returning to LA after a brief stint with the Philadelphia 76ers. Through 285 regular-season games with the Clippers, Batum has averaged 6.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists with 44.7/40.4/75.2 shooting splits.
Batum became a huge piece for the Clippers over the past few years and continued to show up in the postseason for LA. In a win-or-go-home Game 6 against Denver, Batum dropped six points, five rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three blocks, stuffing that stat sheet to help LA pick up a win to keep their season alive.
Batum has represented Team France at the last four Olympics and last four FIBA World Cups, becoming a basketball legend in his home country, while being a valuable veteran in the NBA for years.
Batum has a player option for the 2025-26 season before hitting unrestricted free agency, but by the sounds of it, he will opt in to his option to play his final NBA season in LA.