Nikola Kusturica is reportedly set to leave Barcelona for UCLA, with the Serbian prospect expected to receive a two-year NIL deal worth $12 million, according to MeridianSports.
The deal would be massive by European basketball standards, placing him among the highest-paid EuroLeague players if that salary were offered overseas.
No European club was expected to match that kind of money for a teenager.
Barcelona had hoped to keep Kusturica for another season and give him a bigger role under its new coaching staff, but strong interest from American college programs changed the situation.
UCLA also has a Serbian connection, with assistant coach Nemanja Jovanovic on staff. He is also part of Serbia’s national team coaching setup.
Kusturica has stood out for Serbia at the U17 World Cup, averaging 18 points, two blocks, and two steals through the first two games.
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) July 4, 2026
