Overview
- Batum announced his retirement in a video with his son posted on social media on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, saying “After 21 years, it’s time for me to go home.”
- He closes an 18-season NBA career that included 1,205 regular‑season games and career averages of about 9.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists while playing for Portland, Charlotte, the Clippers and the 76ers.
- Batum also confirmed his international career is finished after 15 years with France, where he served as captain and won multiple medals including Olympic silver in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
- He chose the Sept. 21 date because it marks the 35th anniversary of his father Richard’s death on a court, and he framed the move as a chance to be present for his young son and start a new chapter at home.
- Teams and fans praised Batum’s versatility as a two‑way veteran and locker‑room leader, and his departure removes a trusted mentor from club and national rosters even as he said he may stay around the sport in an unspecified role.