Hapoel Tel Aviv is hoping to make a big splash by signing veteran guard Vasilije Micic this offseason. Club owner Ofer Yannay said signing Micic is a priority for his team this summer.
“The goal is to sign him for next season,” Yannay said. “I told him I’d make him the highest-paid player in Europe. No one else will offer him $5 million, but I’m ready. That’s the kind of deal you break the bank for.”
Micic is currently under contract with the Phoenix Suns, following a trade from the Charlotte Hornets ahead of the trade deadline. The Suns hold an $8.1 million team option for next season for Micic. It’s been unclear what Phoenix’s plans are with that option. If that option is declined, the Suns would be able to make Micic a restricted free agent by issuing him a qualifying offer. However, restricted free agency only applies to other NBA teams. Micic would be eligible to sign outside of the NBA without restriction.
Yannay made it clear he’s been working to bring the veteran point guard to Israel for some time.
“It’s an ongoing process. I’ve been pursuing him for a month and a half,” Yannay said. “He misses the passion of European basketball and the camaraderie of a fighting unit. He’s grown tired of the NBA routine and loves the story of Hapoel.”