Home/NBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

On November 1, 2023, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Nicolas Batum in the trade that saw James Harden move to the Clippers. The 35-year-old forward came to the NBA at the age of 19, and since then, he’s seen a lot and survived a lot. Born in the commune of Lisieux, France, Batum was destined to be a basketball player. His father, Richard Batum, was a player on the local professional team. So, he knew the meaning of the orange ball.

But Batum was about to really understand the driving force—the passion behind every basketball lover—when tragedy struck a 2-year-old Nic. He and his mother, Sylvie, were watching Batum Sr.’s game one fine day when he suddenly collapsed at the free throw line. An aneurysm cut short his father’s life right in front of little Nic’s eyes. Not a picture any child would forget soon. And it didn’t. The trauma continued with him throughout. But he managed to shift his focus elsewhere. What better place to turn to than basketball?

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nicolas Batum (@nicbatum88)

Despite the circumstances of Richard’s death, he passed away playing a sport that he loved. And following in his father’s footsteps seemed the right way to keep those good memories alive. But once he started playing, Nicolas Batum fell in love with the sport. He wasn’t playing any longer for just his father. He was doing it for himself, his family, and his future.

And just like that, Nicolas Batum decided to take his talent outside that little town in Normandy. In 2008, he was selected as the No. 25 pick by the Houston Rockets and traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. 16 years into the league and he managed to fulfill his goal when he decided to declare for the draft: longevity.

Nicolas Batum, his family, net worth, and more

As mentioned above, Nicolas Batum was the only child to Sylvie and Richard Batum. His late father was of Cameroonian origin and to this day, he keeps in touch with his family in Cameroon. He was married to a make-up artist by the name of Melanie Pimentel, but their marriage lasted less than three years (2011–2013). Soon after, he got into a relationship with Aurélie Batum and is now happily married.

The pair share two children, a seven-year-old boy named Ayden Richard Batum and a three-year-old girl, Nayeli Batum. Interestingly, Nic Batum suited up for the Clippers’ game against the OKC Thunder right after his wife gave birth to their daughter.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

It was one of those moments where even the greatest of the NBA tipped their hats to the commitment and love that Nic has for the game. And it hadn’t gone unnoticed. Considered one of the finest international players, the Sixers veteran’s net worth is estimated to be $110 million. His primary source of income is, of course, basketball and endorsements.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

But his love for sports led him to become a shareholder in Infinity Nine Sports in March 2017. Owned by fellow French native and Spurs legend Tony Parker, Nicolas Batum also holds the Director of Basketball Operations position on the LDLC Asvel, a professional French basketball team.

Amid all of this, his wife replied to a fan last August that Nic was retiring after the 2023–24 season. Of course, they hadn’t counted on him being traded to Philly at the time. But seeing as how he is on an expiring contract and his free agency status, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Nicolas Batum hangs up his boots this year to spend more time with his family.