Nicolas Batum comments on joining ASVEL, retiring from national team / News - Basketnews.com

Nicolas Batum said that he will try to stay in the NBA for as long as he can and doesn't plan to return to play in Europe. The player said he will retire from the national team after the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Nicolas Batum is one of the best-known French basketball players in the world. He's currently in his 15th season in the NBA, playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. With the end of his career slowly coming to an end, talks have surfaced about him returning to compete in Europe.

Points this season

47%75,4Points made:75,4Accuracy:46,7%Place in standings:17Record max:91Record min:58Best scorer:Nando De ColoTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Former NBA star and current LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne's president Tony Parker hinted earlier this season that Batum might consider joining the French team in the twilight of his playing days as soon as the next season.

Asked about the possibility to come to France, Batum wasn't that sure.

"I don't know. The NBA suits me, I don't know, maybe. I love this league. As long as I have the chance to stay, I'll take advantage of it," Batum told Toni Canyameras from Mundo Deportivo. "I am in the best league in the world, in the best team in the world. I am going to take advantage of this gift."

Batum is currently under a 2-year $22 million contract with the Clippers, set to make just over $11 million next season.

The player took the last summer off to concentrate on his recovery and preparation for the upcoming season. With Victor Wembanyama and possibly Joel Embiid joining the roster, Batum says the French fans will see him in the national team's shirt again pretty soon.

"Since we have those three guys, I'll take a break again," Batum joked. "We are going back, we have a good team, we have the Olympic Games at home ahead of us. Yes, I will be back. I will retire from the national team after the Olympic Games, that's for sure, but I have two guaranteed summers left, this and another one, two great summers are coming."

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