PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Veteran forward Nicolas Batum will not return to the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2024-25 season, according to The Athletic’s Kelly Iko.
Batum, who turns 36 in December, has played a solid role with the Sixers in the 2023-24 season after landing in Philly as part of the James Harden trade. Batum is considering retirement, but it is unknown why he will not return to Philadelphia as of Sunday night.
Batum was the player who had the most impact on Philadelphia’s success acquired in the Harden deal. He was able to serve as the team’s ideal glue-man, making hustle plays and doing the team’s dirty work.
Batum played 57 regular season games with the Sixers, including 38 starts. He averaged 5.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and shot 39% on three-pointers.
Batum had the performance of his life in the NBA Play-In tournament win against the Miami Heat to help the Sixers clinch a playoff spot before falling in the Finals six games for the New York Knicks.
So far, the Sixers have been active in the open market by agreeing to deals with André Drummond And Eric Gordon. They will also speak to each other four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson.