By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes wanted a replacement for Vasilije Micic and got him by having a 2+1 contract deal with Darius Thompson. The player of Baskonia has all but signed his new contract.
Thompson was hoping for an NBA chance, Milan was also interested, and so did Panathinaikos. But Efes was more aggressive and secured his services by providing the best offer which makes Thompson one of the highest-paid players in the league.
Baskonia will receive a 600.000 euros buy out and as usual, they will need to revamp the team by finding a replacement.
It also has to be noted that Efes got a $825.000 buyout for Micic, the fixed number included in the NBA CBA, however with Micic getting a $3,5 million yearly salary, they had the ability to save money and also give Thompson a very lucrative contract.
Thompson had a breakout season in the EuroLeague.
He was voted “Best Newcomer” by his ELPA colleagues and is coming off a EuroLeague rookie season in which he averaged 12.6 points, 6.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks, being part of the All-EuroLeague Second Team.
He is also expected to be part of the Italian national team in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
Sportando was the first to report the deal.