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Struggling with a sprain in his left ankle and preparing for his debut with the Phoenix Suns, Vasilije Micic has indicated a timeline for potentially considering options outside the NBA.
“To be honest, returning to Europe has never crossed my mind, as long as I have an NBA contract,” he stated during a media session, where he introduced himself as a newcomer to the Suns on Tuesday.
According to recent reports from Eurohoops, the 31-year-old Serbian guard has been in discussions with his former teams, Anadolu Efes and Panathinaikos Aktor, under the guidance of his previous coach Ergin Ataman. He is aiming to secure a position as the highest-paid player in Europe and within the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, with any potential transition occurring only after the expiration of his current contract.
In related news, Micic is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024-25 season unless he opts into a team option for 2025-26.
“The reason I came here was definitely to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone. I honestly didn’t expect anything like this,” the seasoned playmaker remarked about adapting to the North American league. “As long as I am under an NBA contract, my commitment will be 100%.”
After transitioning to the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to the 2023-24 NBA regular season, Micic was subsequently traded to the Charlotte Hornets during his inaugural NBA season and was involved in another trade when he moved to the Suns last week, just before the deadline for trades to keep players eligible for the 2025 playoffs.
“I will strive to be the best version of myself,” he projected regarding his role with the Suns. “This marks my second trade. It’s something we all need to be prepared for. This team is already well-established and boasts some incredible talent. I will do my best to help elevate their level of play.”
“They have three of the top scorers,” he noted when assessing the roster coached by Mike Budenholzer. “I don’t believe they are lacking too much, but they could certainly use some energy, a touch of maturity, and a player who can facilitate and engage the entire team. That’s the role I aim to fulfill.”
After missing the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Footprint Center on Tuesday, Micic hopes to make his debut with the Suns in the matchup against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday. Their next game, following the All-Star break, will be against the San Antonio Spurs at the Moody Center on February 20.
