Former Charlotte Hornets forward retires after 18-year NBA career

Former Charlotte Hornets forward and 18-year NBA veteran Nic Batum announced his retirement Monday. Batum, a former No. 25 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, played for four different NBA teams, spending five seasons in Charlotte. The Hornets originally acquired Batum via trade with the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Noah Vonleh and Gerald Henderson.

Batum would later sign a five-year $120 million extension with the franchise. Serving as Charlotte's No. 2 option alongside Kemba Walker, Batum put together some of his most impressive seasons with the Hornets. In 308 games with the franchise, Batum averaged 12.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, one steal and 0.5 blocks. After departing from Charlotte, Batum would play six more seasons between the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers. In 1,205 contests, Batum holds career averages of 9.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, three assists, 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks.