End of an Era? Clippers Star Reportedly Planning Retirement After Next Season! A shocking announcement sends shockwaves through the NBA. Find out which forward is hanging up his jersey and what this means for the Clippers’ future.

Nicolas Batum anticipates that next season will be the final one of his lengthy NBA career, Eurohoops.net relays.

LA Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) warms up on the court prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Batum believes he’ll hang it up after finishing out his contract with the Clippers. Batum holds a $4.9M option on his 2025/26 contract, which he must exercise by June 29.

“There’s a very, very good chance that the next season will be my last,” Batum said in an interview with BeinSports.

Batum remains a productive rotation player, appearing in 78 games this season, including eight starts.

Batum posted averages of 4.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 17.5 minutes per game but he only attempted 3.1 shots per game, mostly beyond the 3-point arc. He drained 43.3 percent of his long range shots.

Batum, 36, has played in the NBA since the 2008/09 season, beginning his career with Portland. He also played five seasons in Charlotte and spent the majority of the 2023/24 campaign with Philadelphia.

Otherwise, he’s been with the Clippers since 2o2o. He returned to the organization on a two-year deal in July.

President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said during his postseason press conference that he hopes Batum opts in for next season. “Yes, 1,000 percent, we hope that Nico comes back,” he said.