When the NBA opened the floodgates of basketball, the path went both ways. It’s becoming trendier for some athletes who’ve been on NBA contracts to take their talents to Europe, where the likes of Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama have left a void. Reminiscent of Dwight Howard’s move to Taiwan, Patrick Beverley is possibly heading to the continent across the ocean. This isn’t speculation after his uncertain situationship with the Bucks. Beverley himself stated he’s considering switching leagues.
In his own words, the move would be ‘historic’, possibly outdoing other ex-NBA pros who crossed the Atlantic.
The Patrick Beverley affair
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Beverley had a unique start to pro-ball. The Chicago-born Arkansas alum started his career in Europe, then made his way back to the US through the Houston Rockets in 2013. After 12 years between teams, he landed in Milwaukee mid-season in 2024. After a contentious post-season, rumors are rife that the Bucks have waived Beverley off.
If he’s severed from the NBA is not known, but it’s not looking like a possibility after the recent episode of the Pat Bev Pod. He said he’s weighing his options and could likely go back to Europe. Apparently one team – Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv of the Israeli Premier League – made him a “historic” offer. The team’s head coach Stefanos Dedas coached Pat during his tenure in Russia.
European salaries are not public information. Beverley, however, is looking at a $3.3 veteran minimum if he stays in the NBA. A ‘historic’ offer would obviously surpass that. Considering what some other ex-NBA pros are making across the pond, it’s a real possibility.
Shane Larkin needs to watch out
Shane Larkin went from underwhelming in the NBA to thriving in Europe. He went from the Nets to Baskonia in the EuroLeague, and back to the Celtics. Upon his return, he soon figured that the NBA is not going to give him a bigger role. With a firm declaration he won’t be taking a phone call from the NBA, he went back to the Euroleague in 2018.
He signed a one-year deal with the Anadolu Efes of the Turkish Basketball Super League. He’d lead the team to his first Turkish League title in a decade and was named BSL Finals MVP in 2019. After setting EuroLeague records, he renewed his contract with Anadolu Efes through 2028.
His current salary is reportedly $4 million, one of the highest for an NBA import in the EuroLeague. He makes the standard for NBA players coming here. So Beverley’s contract could match or outdo that.
The Mike James example
Mike James is in his twelfth year as a pro on two continents. He’s switched between EuroLeague and the NBA a few times and played in Phoenix, New Orleans, and Brooklyn. This Portland native earned a total of $402,000 in his collective NBA seasons.
In contrast, he’s valued at $2 million in Monaco. That makes him one of the top 10 NBA players earning big salaries in Europe. He outdoes two of the biggest stalwarts swapping from the NBA to Europe. Kemba Walker, who retired this month, and infamous NBA draft bust, Jabari Parker, earn under $2 million but still sizable salaries in Europe.
From almost-NBA pros to EuroLeague Stars
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Certain European players or American college stars went undrafted in the NBA and went on to have dazzling EuroLeague careers. Kostas Sloukas missed the 2012 draft and went on to win four EuroLeague championships, most recently in 2024. His current contract with Panathinaikos is reportedly worth $2.8 million, but media on that continent value him worth a lot more.
Nikola Mirotić is slightly different in that regard. The Spaniard started in his home country’s league, was selected by the Houston Rockets in 2011, played with the Bulls, Pelicans, and Bucks, and returned to the EuroLeague. He’s been under a $2.5 million contract with Olimpia Milano since 2023. A little below his smallest NBA paycheck ($5 million with the Bulls) that earned him a career total of $41 million in five seasons.
Tennessee native Darius Thompson transferred colleges, went undrafted in the 2017 draft, and landed in Europe. Currently, he’s Larkin’s teammate under a $2.3 million contract.
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Similar to Mirotic is fellow Liga ACB star, Willy Hernangomez. With a spectacular start in Real Madrid, the 76ers selected him in the 2015 draft. He’d play with the Knicks, Hornets, and Pelicans and earn $12 million in seven NBA seasons. Since returning to EuroLeague, he has earned $2.2 million under FC Barcelona.
It appears the NBA adds some weight to Larkin’s EuroLeague salary. Then imagine how much Patrick Beverley is worth a continent over.