The EuroLeague is often a feeder for the NBA, but what most people don’t realize is that it works both ways. Players in America may head to Europe (or head back) if things aren’t working out for them on the world’s biggest league.
There are always rumours and chatter surrounding the sort of moves that could happen. We’ve already seen some make the shift.
Vasilje Micic returned to the European competition after two years in the NBA. He was a EuroLeague champion and MVP before moving to the NBA where he never played in the NBA finals. Things didn’t work perfectly for him at the 76ers; he’s going to pick things up again with Hapoel Tel-Aviv.
The Return of Dario Šarić?
Dario Šarić is no stranger to the European game. Before his NBA debut in 2016, he was a rising star with Anadolu Efes. After a rollercoaster run in the league and limited minutes recently, many feel it might be time for the Croatian forward to come full circle. He’s still just 30 and brings floor spacing and vision that would instantly help any EuroLeague contender.
There’s also a sentimental angle here. Šarić never really became a full-time starter in the NBA. In Europe? He’d be one of the go-to guys again. That alone makes the move tempting.
Markelle Fultz’s Next Chapter?
Markelle Fultz was once the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, but it hasn’t been a smooth ride. A mix of injuries and inconsistency has left him searching for a stable role and he might not find it in the States anytime soon. That’s where the EuroLeague comes in.
Playing overseas could give Fultz the reset he needs. He’d see more playing time and a chance to take control of a team. It’s worked for others before him and if he wants to move, this could be the spark that reignites his career.
Simone Fontecchio: A Smart Switch?
Simone Fontecchio has already proved he can thrive in Europe. Before signing with the NBA, he had solid runs with EuroLeague teams in Germany and Italy. In the NBA, he displayed flashes with Utah and Detroit, but injuries and rotation changes slowed his momentum. He’s in Europe already to take part in competitions and could consider a move back to his homeland.
He’s still under 30. If he heads back to Europe, he won’t be fighting for minutes, and he’ll likely be leading the charge.
Other Rumoured Names Making Waves
Here’s a quick rundown of some others reportedly weighing the Euro move. Keep in mind that these are only rumours with nothing confirmed yet.
- Killian Hayes: Still young, but hasn’t clicked in the NBA yet. A leading role back in France could help him find his rhythm again.
- Devonte’ Graham: Once a rising star in Charlotte, now mostly on the fringe. His scoring style and pick-and-roll game would translate well to the European pace.
- Luka Garza: Too dominant for the G League, not quite getting enough burn in the NBA. Europe might be the sweet spot for the big man with Bosnian roots.
- Sandro Mamukelashvili: A skilled stretch-big who plays well for Georgia internationally. A EuroLeague team could give him the freedom to develop further.
- Bojan Bogdanović: A proven scorer and EuroLeague veteran. Injuries have piled up, but if he’s healthy, he still has a lot to offer at a European tempo.
It feels like 2025 might be the biggest year yet for NBA-to-EuroLeague moves. There are a few reasons for this. The EuroLeague is set to expand to 20 teams, which means more roster spots and more opportunity for impact signings. The NBA can be an unpredictable grind with constant competition for minutes. In Europe, players can find more opportunities.
More importantly, EuroLeague clubs are getting more aggressive. They’re not just signing leftovers; they’re targeting players in their primes. Additionally, some of those players are starting to realize the move isn’t a step down. It’s a different kind of stage, one where they can actually play their best basketball.
Conclusion
For all these players, the decision to move isn’t just about court time; it’s about finding stability and maybe even joy in the game again. Whether it’s Šarić heading back to familiar territory or Fultz trying something completely new, one thing’s for sure: the EuroLeague’s 2025 season could be stacked with former NBA talent.
Some of them might be chasing a fresh start and some just want to go home after their tricky time in the NBA.
