Photo: Charlotte Hornets/X

Hapoel Tel Aviv continues to pursue Vasilije Micic, one of Europe’s most decorated point guards, despite recent speculation suggesting otherwise.

In an interview with Vuk-Milos Petrovic of Basketball Sphere, the team’s general manager George Hinas clarified that the club remains engaged with Micic and his representatives, rejecting reports that the player has ruled out a move to Israel due to regional instability.

“He’s a great player, a EuroLeague legend, and one of the best ever,” Hinas said, referring to the 31-year-old Serbian guard who has enjoyed enormous success in Europe and recently spent time with the Phoenix Suns in the NBA.

Micic is still officially under contract with the Suns, but with Phoenix expected to decline his $8.1 million team option, he will likely become an unrestricted free agent by the end of June.

That development has attracted strong interest from multiple European clubs, especially those seeking veteran leadership and elite playmaking at the guard position.

Hinas offered insight into Hapoel’s early dialogue with Micic, saying that while an agreement wasn’t reached during initial talks in March and April, communication has continued.

“We stayed in touch with him and his agent,” he confirmed.

“What the Spanish media reported that he rejected us because of the war isn’t true. We continued talking. … Nothing is concrete yet. He’s one of the players we’re interested in, but so are other clubs.”

Hinas emphasized the competitive nature of offseason negotiations, where both teams and players weigh numerous offers.

“That’s how the offseason works – he talks to many clubs, and we talk to many players. His case is not closed. Not at all.”

As Micic considers his next move, it’s clear that Hapoel Tel Aviv remains firmly in the conversation, offering both ambition and respect for one of the continent’s most accomplished guards.