Former Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum has officially retired from the NBA after 18 seasons. Batum announced his decision on September 21, closing a professional chapter that began in Portland when he was a 19-year-old rookie. The news arrives as the current Blazers squad builds momentum, having just secured a 118-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on April 3, 2026, as part of a three-game winning streak.
Batum made his announcement from the gym in Pont-l'Évêque, Normandy, where he first played basketball as a child. He explained the date held deep personal significance. Batum said he wanted to choose his own ending, describing retirement not as a loss but as a chance to begin a new life with his wife and children. "I'm happy because we're starting a new life," Batum said in French. He added he was ready to go home, spend more time with his kids, and "leave room for others." While stepping away from playing, Batum intends to stay involved with basketball in some capacity.
Portland acquired Batum's rights on draft night in 2008 after the Houston Rockets selected him with the 25th overall pick. He spent his first seven NBA seasons with the Trail Blazers, appearing in 481 games and starting 428 of them. His averages of 11.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists only tell part of the story. Batum developed into a vital, versatile piece for teams built around Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, and later Damian Lillard. His best statistical year in Portland was the 2013-14 season, where he started all 82 games and put up 13.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per contest. By the time Portland traded him to Charlotte in June 2015, he had made 751 three-pointers, which was then the third-most in franchise history.
In his farewell video, Batum gave a special shoutout to Rip City. "Blazers, RIP City fans, thank you," he said. "I was 19 years old when I started and you welcomed me with open arms." He also thanked former Portland coach Nate McMillan and others who helped a teenager adjust to life in the NBA. Batum's retirement closes the book on one of the most adaptable players from a memorable era for the franchise. His connection to the city and state remained strong enough to warrant a specific mention over a decade after his departure.
The Blazers' present form provides a contrasting backdrop to this retirement news. The team is on a positive run, with a recent record of four wins and one loss in their last five outings (WWWLW). This includes wins over the Milwaukee Bucks (130-99 on March 26, 2026) and the Indiana Pacers (127-119 on March 18, 2026), though they suffered a narrow 101-103 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on March 11, 2026. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings and view upcoming matchups on our schedule page. Batum's career, defined by loyalty and evolution, is a benchmark for the kind of player development and longevity that builds a lasting legacy in Portland.
