Vasilije Micic has officially signed a three-year contract with Hapoel Tel Aviv, establishing one of the highest salaries in EuroLeague history. The Israeli club confirmed the agreement, highlighting its significance in the basketball world. This deal places Vasilije Micic Hapoel Tel Aviv among the most lucrative partnerships in the current EuroLeague landscape.
Details and Value of Micic’s Contract
The contract’s worth has been reported with some variations; Nadav Zenziper states the deal totals 18 million Euros over three years, while Eurohoops estimates it closer to 14 million Euros. Regardless of the exact figure, it is considered the largest contract currently awarded to any EuroLeague player. Hapoel Tel Aviv’s owner, Ofer Yannay, revealed that the contract also includes transferring club shares to Micic, adding a strategic dimension to the signing.
Micic’s NBA Experience and Recent Career Moves
Prior to joining Hapoel Tel Aviv, Micic’s time in the NBA was challenging. After being acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks in a trade involving the Charlotte Hornets, he agreed to a buyout where he relinquished $6.1 million of his $8.1 million salary to pursue opportunities in Europe. During two NBA seasons, Micic played for Oklahoma City, Charlotte, and Phoenix, appearing in 101 total games with averages of 6.8 points and 3.9 assists per 19.4 minutes of play. Notably, his stint with Phoenix included only five games off the bench before his move to Charlotte, where he started 16 of 36 games and averaged 7.5 points and 3.5 assists in 21.2 minutes.
Micic’s Enthusiasm for Joining Hapoel Tel Aviv
Expressing his excitement about the new chapter, Micic stated,
“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. 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!”
—Vasilije Micic
Competition from Leading European Clubs and Strategic Impact
Hapoel Tel Aviv reportedly outbid several EuroLeague giants, including Real Madrid, Olympiacos, and Fenerbahce, to secure Micic’s signature. This acquisition signals the club’s serious ambitions as they prepare for their EuroLeague debut season. Bringing in a former EuroLeague MVP and proven talent like Micic not only elevates the team’s competitiveness but also increases their visibility in European basketball circles.
What This Means for Hapoel Tel Aviv and EuroLeague Basketball
Vasilije Micic’s arrival is a transformative moment for Hapoel Tel Aviv as they embark on their first EuroLeague campaign. His mix of experience, leadership, and scoring ability is expected to strengthen the squad significantly. The historic contract and inclusion of club shares also reflect a long-term commitment from both player and team, potentially reshaping the balance of power in EuroLeague basketball in the coming years.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Vasilije Micic good?
A. Greatest Strength. Micic’s top skill is his experienced ability to create plays and score in different ways. He shined in Europe, such as in the 2022–23 season when he averaged 16.0 points and 5.4 assists in EuroLeague games, with decent shooting percentages (43.5% FG, 35.7% 3PT).