NBA – After his comments on retirement, Nicolas Batum’s future becomes clearer!

Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif

Aware that his remarkable basketball career is drawing to a close, Nicolas Batum no longer hesitates to talk publicly about his impending retirement. Behind the scenes, his contractual decision seems increasingly clear.

At his age, many players have to make do with a minimal or even non-existent role in their team’s rotation. Nicolas Batum, on the other hand, has retained a significant place in Tyronn Lue’s plans in recent months. Considered indispensable by the Clippers, the 36-year-old French winger once again saw his playing time increase in the playoffs, proof of the trust placed in him.

Despite averaging 24.6 minutes during the postseason, he was unable to avoid his franchise’s first-round elimination by the Nuggets. On the other hand, he was showered with compliments from his tormentors, including a certain Nikola Jokic. As you can see, the former Les Bleus captain is still highly regarded in the NBA… where his future remains uncertain.

Case settled for Nicolas Batum?

Batum has been thinking seriously about the timing of his retirement for several years now. And if one of his recent interviews is to be believed, he is likely to retire at the end of next season. However, he was careful not to reveal which team he would be playing for. In the last few hours, however, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype has confirmed the emerging trend in this soap opera:

Michael Scotto: After a thrilling seven-game first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Clippers will have their work cut out for them this off-season. (…) It should be noted that the franchise expects 36-year-old French winger Nicolas Batum to continue in their ranks next season. As a reminder, Batum has a $4.9 million player option.

As other journalists had already hinted, Batman is likely to remain loyal to the Clippers and play his final NBA season in their colors. Logic would dictate that he activate the player option included in his contract, making things easier for his managers, who could then concentrate on the other major projects on their desks.

The Clippers are going to have to make the right choices in the coming weeks if they want to get back into the title race next year. Starting with James Harden, who is expected to decline his $36.4 million player option in order to sign a new contract. One thing’s for sure: Lawrence Frank and his assistants won’t be taking much time off this summer.