By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The biggest story of the summer finally got its conclusion, as Nikola Mirotic decided to join Olimpia Milano. Italian champions announced that they had reached an agreement until 2026 with the 2022 EuroLeague MVP.
Mirotic arrives from FC Barcelona, where he averaged 15.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and a 16.4 PIR in 29 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games last season, his fourth at the club.
“When the possibility arose of bringing Nikola Mirotic to Milan, Leo Dell’Orco and I said to each other that we would have to do everything possible while respecting our principles to turn this opportunity into reality. Mirotic is a champion of proven qualities and a special person. We managed to conquer him thanks to the credibility that we have built over the years with the great work we have all done together on and off the pitch. Bringing him to Olimpia is a gift that our fans will appreciate, and it’s a great opportunity for the whole team. We are also convinced that Mirotic will feel at home here with us and, like other champions before him, he will be happy to have chosen Milan,” Giorgio Armani said.
Barcelona informed Mirotic and his representatives about the termination of his contract on July 20, and at that point, it seemed he could continue his career in Serbia.
However, Mirotic stated that he wouldn’t be joining Partizan; Crvena Zvezda gave up, and the 2022 EuroLeague MVP’s future suddenly became uncertain.
He was also connected with Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, and Monaco, but eventually, Milano got his signature.
“I’m happy to become part of this big family that is Olimpia Milano and to be able to contribute to making this team and this prestigious club ever more competitive. I will try to do my best to reward the trust that Mr. Armani and President Dell’Orco have shown me. I’m also very happy to be back playing for Coach Messina, who I met when I was starting out. I’m sure next season will be a fun season, and our fans will be proud of us,” Nikola Mirotic said.
The 32-year-old forward started playing basketball in Podgorica at former player Jadran Vujacic’s Joker School, but already at the age of 14, he moved to Spain to join Real Madrid. Raised in Real Madrid’s youth academy, he made his first-team debut in 2008. He remained at Real Madrid until 2014, being named EuroLeague Rising Star in 2011 and 2012. In 2013 and 2014, he was named to the All-EuroLeague second team. With Real Madrid, he won the Spanish title in 2013, the Copa del Rey in 2012 and 2014, and the Spanish Super Cup in 2012 and 2013. He was MVP of the Spanish league in 2013 and the Copa del Rey in 2014.
Selected in the 2011 NBA draft in the first round (number 23) by Houston, he was then bought by the Chicago Bulls, with whom he made his debut in the 2014/15 season. He played for the Bulls until 2018, when he was signed by the New Orleans Pelicans. A year later, he moved to the Milwaukee Bucks.
In 2019 he returned to Europe to play for Barcelona. In four seasons, he won the Spanish title twice, in 2021 and 2023. On both occasions, he was named MVP of the final. He also won the Copa del Rey in 2021 and 2022, the second as MVP. He was MVP of the league in 2020. With Barcelona, he was the first All-EuroLeague quintet in 2021 and 2022 and the second quintet in 2023. In 2022 he was MVP of the season.