Current Status and Career Overview
As of the most recent public reports, Austin Rivers is not officially retired but is not on an active NBA roster. He last played in the NBA for the Denver Nuggets during the 2022–23 season and was later waived, entering a period of free agency without a new contract. His NBA career has spanned multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, and Houston Rockets, with a total of 10 seasons in the league as of his final appearance. His father, Doc Rivers, is a prominent NBA head coach, which has shaped Austin's visibility throughout his career. For a detailed career timeline and contract history, see his profile on ESPN Austin Rivers ESPN Profile.
The question "is Austin Rivers retired" remains common among fans because he has not formally announced a retirement and has not signed with a new team since his last NBA stint. His most recent contract was a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, and he was part of the team's roster during the 2022–23 playoffs. He has not played in any official NBA or G-League games since that season, which has led to widespread speculation about his future. While he is not listed as retired by the NBA or major sports databases, his absence from active rosters suggests a de facto end to his professional playing career.
NBA Career and Team History
Austin Rivers was selected 10th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets and was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. He spent his first three seasons with the Clippers, where he played alongside his father, Doc Rivers, and developed a reputation as a high-energy guard. He later joined the New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets, accumulating career averages of 9.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His role was primarily as a shooting guard and backup ball-handler, and he was known for his three-point shooting and defensive effort in limited minutes. For official NBA transaction records, visit the NBA Transactions page NBA Transactions.
Throughout his career, Austin Rivers has been part of several high-profile trades and roster moves, including a blockbuster trade to the Houston Rockets in 2018 and a later move to the Denver Nuggets in 2022. He has not won an NBA championship, but he was part of the Denver Nuggets' playoff roster during their 2023 championship run, though he did not play in the postseason. His career earnings in the NBA are estimated to be over $40 million based on reported salary figures and contract terms. His final NBA contract was a veteran minimum deal with the Nuggets, reflecting his status as a veteran depth piece at the end of his tenure.
Post-NBA Outlook and Future Plans
There is no official announcement regarding Austin Rivers' retirement, but his current status suggests he is stepping away from professional basketball. He has not been linked to any G-League, overseas, or NBA coaching roles in recent reports, and his social media and public appearances have not indicated a return to the sport. His career path now appears to be shifting toward business ventures and personal projects, consistent with the trajectory of many former NBA players who transition out of the league. For broader context on NBA player retirements and career transitions, see the Forbes sports business section Forbes Business Council.
The lack of a formal retirement announcement keeps the "is Austin Rivers retired" query active in sports media and fan discussions. His final NBA season was marked