One of the EuroLeague’s biggest stars may be headed for a dramatic change this offseason.
Mike James, who was named the EuroLeague’s Most Valuable Player last season, is reportedly evaluating his future with AS Monaco after a recent suspension, according to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.
James was suspended by Monaco just before the start of the French League playoffs, and the situation appears to be both contentious and complicated.
Sources tell Urbonas that James strongly disagrees with the club’s justification for the disciplinary action, and the EuroLeague Players Association (ELPA) has since become involved in the matter.
According to L’Équipe, a French outlet cited by Urbonas, the suspension is related to an alleged incident at a restaurant that escalated to the point of police involvement.
However, Urbonas reports that James has firmly denied any wrongdoing and believes the disciplinary action was taken without proper cause or conclusive evidence.
Though James is under contract with Monaco through 2027, Urbonas’ sources indicate that the 34-year-old guard may have legal avenues available to pursue an early termination of that deal, depending on the outcome of discussions with the team.
Urbonas adds that a meeting between James and Monaco officials is expected to take place soon in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
Should the two sides part ways, James would instantly become one of the most coveted free agents in Europe, with his on-court résumé speaking for itself.
This season, he averaged 15.9 points, 5.8 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, playing a central role in leading Monaco to the EuroLeague championship game for the first time in the club’s history.
Though James has had previous stints in the NBA, his dominance in the EuroLeague over the past few seasons has solidified his status as one of the top talents outside of North America.
If a contract termination is finalized, it could create a major ripple effect across elite European basketball clubs this summer.
International Notes: James, Vezenkov, Olympiacos, Fournier https://t.co/OLKJlNLmax pic.twitter.com/GPwfpkgdtH
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 9, 2025
