EuroLeague

Vasilije Micic reacts to joining Hapoel Tel Aviv

Jul 16, 2025 4:19 PM

Vasilije Micic, the former EuroLeague MVP and NBA guard, is heading back to Europe – and in a big way. The Serbian star has signed a lucrative three-year, $20.9 million deal with Hapoel Tel Aviv, according to BasketNews.com.

The Israeli club confirmed the high-profile signing in an official press release, marking a major move ahead of its first-ever EuroLeague season.

The contract reportedly places Micic among the highest-paid players in EuroLeague history – a significant investment by Hapoel Tel Aviv, signaling the club’s ambitious intent as it enters Europe’s top competition.

Earlier this month, European basketball standout parted ways with the NBA following a buyout agreement with the Milwaukee Bucks, who had just acquired him in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets.

In order to return to Europe, the player gave up $6.1 million of his $8.1 million guaranteed salary, prioritizing the opportunity to be a central figure once again.

The 31-year-old struggled to find his footing in the NBA after years of dominance overseas.

In 101 games split across stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Hornets, and Phoenix Suns, Micic averaged 6.8 points and 3.9 assists in just under 20 minutes per game.

His most productive stretch came with the Hornets, where he logged 7.5 points and 3.5 assists in 21.2 minutes per game across 36 appearances.

Now, Serbian guard is looking forward to a fresh start in Tel Aviv, where he’ll once again play a leading role. In a statement released by the club, he expressed excitement about the new chapter ahead:

“I am very excited to join Hapoel Tel Aviv and to be part of the historic upcoming season – the club’s debut in the EuroLeague,” Micic said. “I was very impressed by the project that Hapoel is building: the ambitions and the clear vision for the future. It was a pleasure to chat with coach Dimitris Itoudis, I am looking forward to working with him. I hope to help the team succeed and meet the high expectations. I can’t wait to start, arrive in Tel Aviv, and give my all for the team and the fantastic fans. Yalla Hapoel!”

With his EuroLeague background and international experience, Micic now has a chance to take on a key role with Hapoel Tel Aviv as they prepare for their first season in the EuroLeague.