Vasilije Micic has signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv on a three-year contract, BasketNews.com relays. The contract will make Micic one of the highest-paid players in EuroLeague history. The Israeli club has officially announced the signing in a press release.
While Nadav Zenziper (Twitter link) reports that Micic’s deal is worth 18 million Euros over three years, Eurohoops indicates the value is closer to 14 million Euros. Either way, it’s said to be the most lucrative current contract for any EuroLeague player. Ofer Yannay, the owner of Hapoel Tel Aviv, also confirmed that the agreement will give Micic shares in the club.
Earlier this month, the Bucks bought out Micic shortly after he was acquired in a trade with the Hornets. Micic gave up $6.1MM of his $8.1MM salary in his buyout agreement in order to pursue overseas opportunities.
The former EuroLeague MVP struggled to make an impact during his two seasons in the NBA. In 101 total games for Oklahoma City, Charlotte, and Phoenix, he averaged 6.8 points and 3.9 assists in 19.4 minutes per contest.
He only played five games off the bench for Phoenix before he was dealt to Charlotte, where he appeared in 36 games (16 starts). He averaged 7.5 points and 3.5 assists in 21.2 minutes per night with the Hornets.
“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 in a statement released by the club. “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!”
Hapoel Tel Aviv reportedly beat out EuroLeague powerhouses Real Madrid, Olympiacos, and Fenerbahce to sign Micic.
Looks like Micic made the right decision with his buyout!