Darius Thompson will replace Vasilije Micic in Efes / News - Basketnews.com

Darius Thompson will replace Vasilije Micic in Anadolu Efes Istanbul, sources tell BasketNews.

Credit: Roberto Finizio/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Europe Credit Roberto Finizio/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Europe

Anadolu Efes Istanbul has found a player to fill the shoes of Vasilije Micic. According to BasketNews sources, the Turkish champions are finalizing a three-year agreement with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz guard Darius Thompson.

Vasilije Micic

Position:PG, SGAge:29Height:195 cmWeight:92 kgBirth place:Kraljevo, SerbiaProfileNewsStatistics

Thompson had a valid contract with Baskonia for another year, which included a buyout clause of nearly 550,000 euros.

However, with the budget freed up following Vasilije Micic's departure, Efes were able to pay the buyout fee and offer Thompson a lucrative contract.

According to BasketNews sources, Efes will receive a standard NBA buyout fee of $775,000 for Micic's move to Oklahoma City.

Thompson, a 28-year-old American standing 193 cm tall, is expected to acquire an Italian passport soon.

He was also followed closely by EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. Thompson was choosing between them and Efes at the final stage of negotiations, sources tell BasketNews.

Emiliano Carchia first reported about Thompson heading to Efes.

Why Darius Thompson is a perfect replacement for Vasilije Micic:

In his rookie season, he led the EuroLeague in assists per game with 6.7, achieving double-digit assists in nine games and surpassing all guards with six double-doubles.

He also topped the EuroLeague in total points scored and points generated from his assists during the second half of the season (per BBallytics).

Thompson also averaged 12.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, earning him the eighth-best Performance Index Rating (PIR) of 17.1 and a spot on the All-EuroLeague second team.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Position Player Status PG Shane Larkin Signed until 2024 PG Dogus Ozdemiroglu (story) Signed until 2025 PG/SG Rodrigue Beaubois (story) Signed until 2024 +1 SG Erten Gazi Signed until 2024 +1 SG/SF Elijah Bryant (story) Signed until 2025 SF Will Clyburn Signed until 2024 SF Erkan Yilmaz (story) Signed until 2025 PF Derek Willis (story) Signed until 2024+1 PF/C Tyrique Jones (story) Signed until 2025 C Ante Zizic Signed until 2024 +1 C Tibor Pleiss Signed until 2024 Coach Erdem Can (signed until 2025) Expired contract Ergin Ataman (will not return), Amath M'Baye (will not return) Bryant Dunston (will not return), Dogus Balbay (will not return), Egemen Guven, Chris Singleton (will not return), Egehan Arna (will not return) Rumored to leave Vasilije Micic (will not return), Bugrahan Tuncer (will not return) Interested Darius Thompson

More Anadolu Efes transfer news:

Vasilije Micic signs a deal with Oklahoma City Thunder Efes part ways with Bryant Dunston Amath M'Baye leaves Anadolu Efes Derek Willis will make his EuroLeague debut with Efes Turkish League MVP Tyrique Jones joins Anadolu Efes Rodrigue Beaubois extends his contract with Efes Elijah Bryant officially signs a contract extension with Efes Chris Singleton, Anadolu Efes part ways Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.