After leaping to the NBA in 2023 following five highly successful seasons with Anadolu Efes, Serbian guard Vasilije Micic may be on the radar for a potential return to Europe.
His former club is openly interested in reuniting with the two-time EuroLeague champion, but financial constraints could complicate any potential deal.
“We’re in contact with Vasilije Micic, but it won’t be easy to make him an offer that fits our budget,” Efes sporting director Ismail Senol told reporters. “We like Vasa, he’ll come to Istanbul at the end of May.
He’s turning 32 next year, so it’s only natural that he’s thinking about the most important contract of his career. Due to the new financial fair play rules, it won’t be easy for us to make him an offer, and we won’t be able to enter a bidding war.”
Micic’s future in the NBA remains uncertain. While he’s under contract with the Phoenix Suns via an $8.1 million team option, the team has yet to decide whether to exercise it.
Given Phoenix’s high luxury tax bill and Micic’s limited role down the stretch of the season, declining the option could create significant savings.
However, there’s another layer: Micic’s salary could become a valuable asset in trade negotiations.
His mid-sized contract could help facilitate deals as a salary-matching piece, particularly for a Suns front office looking to reshape the roster without exceeding spending limits even further.
Whether Micic stays in the NBA or returns to Europe, he’ll likely have multiple pathways ahead – each shaped by finances, fit, and long-term opportunity.
Anadolu Efes Interested In Reunion With Vasilije Micic https://t.co/u0Q5VnDjiH
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 11, 2025
