Of course he is retiring in July. Gotta get that new nominee in before REPUBLICANS TAKE OVER CONGRESS.
Well, the justices frequently leave at the end of the Supreme Court term in late June or early July. Then their replacements can be confirmed by the traditional 1st Monday in October start of the new term.
If things go smoothly that’s what happens. See if Obama has the stomach for a big battle over getting someone very very liberal confirmed this year.