The Charlotte Hornets are bringing back Vasilije Micic after a short stint in Phoenix, reacquiring the Serbian guard in a multi-part deal with the Suns during the 2025 NBA Draft.
As first reported by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Micic is heading back to Charlotte as part of a trade that sent center Mark Williams to Phoenix. The Hornets also received the No. 29 overall pick and a 2029 first-rounder in the deal.
Phoenix selected UConn forward Liam McNeeley with the 29th pick.
Micic, 31, played just five games for the Suns after being acquired at the February trade deadline. He totaled 21 minutes in that span, and his $8.1 million team option was reportedly set to be declined by Phoenix before the deal materialized.
In Charlotte earlier this season, Micic appeared in 36 games and averaged 7.5 points and 3.5 assists while shooting 34.8% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc.
The move comes amid speculation about a potential return to Europe. Crvena Zvezda, Fenerbahce, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Anadolu Efes had all shown interest in signing the former EuroLeague MVP if he became a free agent.
If Micic will stays in the NBA, he’ll be rejoining a rebuilding Hornets squad that selected Duke forward Kon Knueppel with the No. 4 pick in the draft.
For the Suns, the deal addresses a key weakness. Phoenix struggled with size last season and missed the playoffs with a 36–46 record. Adding the 7-foot Williams alongside No. 10 pick Khaman Maluach gives them a much-needed frontcourt boost.
The 2029 first-round pick heading to Charlotte is the least favorable of Cleveland, Utah, and Minnesota’s selections. It comes with 1–5 protection, per ESPN.
Charlotte’s return of two future firsts and a familiar backcourt piece gives new general manager Jeff Peterson flexibility as the team continues to retool following a 19–63 season.
