Isaac Bonga is staying in Europe for another season, choosing to remain with Partizan Belgrade despite interest from multiple NBA teams.
Marc Stein reported on The Stein Line that Bonga drew attention from front offices earlier in the summer, but a firm NBA contract offer never materialized. Instead, the 25-year-old forward committed to playing the 2025-26 campaign in Serbia under coach Zeljko Obradovic.
Bonga recently elevated his profile at EuroBasket 2025, where he helped Germany capture its first continental title in more than three decades. He was named Player of the Game in the final after posting 20 points and five rebounds in an 88-83 win over Türkiye.
The victory marked another milestone for Germany, who now hold both the EuroBasket crown and the 2023 FIBA World Cup gold. Teammates Franz Wagner and Maodo Lo praised Bonga after the championship run, with Lo telling Meridian Sport that the forward “deserves to be in the NBA.”
Bonga, however, downplayed the speculation. “That’s something so you have something to talk about,” he said when asked about NBA interest. “Now I just want to enjoy myself with my brothers here, to talk to my family, and then we’ll see.”
The 6-foot-8 swingman last appeared in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors in 2022, following earlier stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards. He averaged 3.1 points and 2.2 rebounds in 143 career games, starting 49 contests during the 2019-20 season in Washington.
Since returning to Europe, Bonga has developed into a more efficient shooter and versatile defender. He averaged 9.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in Germany’s EuroBasket run, converting 53.3 percent of his field goals and 45.2 percent from beyond the arc.
Scouts have noted his growth, particularly the improvement in his perimeter game. Stein suggested that Bonga could generate stronger NBA interest in 2026 free agency if his trajectory continues.
