Nikola Mirotic has signed a one-year contract with Valencia Basket following his departure from AS Monaco, securing a return to the Liga Endesa and the EuroLeague ahead of the new European basketball season, according to club announcements.
The 35-year-old forward arrives in Valencia after a summer market turbulence that saw the veteran scorer linked with various destinations. Mirotic agreed to terms after desvincularse (severing ties) with Monaco, a move precipitated by the French club’s administrative relegation amid financial difficulties. The addition gives the Spanish club a seasoned leader following a campaign that culminated in their first EuroLeague Final Four appearance.
The Airport Announcement and Immediate Integration
Mirotic signaled his arrival in characteristic fashion, recording a video message at Manises Airport. “Hola Valencia, me han dicho que estáis buscando un ‘cuatro’ así que…. aquí estoy,” he said, confirming his role for head coach Xavi Albert.
The timeline for his integration is tight. Mirotic is scheduled to practice with the team from Wednesday through Friday. The squad travels to Badalona on Friday afternoon ahead of a Saturday morning training session, leading directly into their Supercopa semifinal matchup against FC Barcelona.
Valencia’s roster currently stands at 17 players following the acquisition, though Neal Sako remains sidelined due to groin surgery performed in July. The club must evaluate its temporary contracts with Elias Valtonnen and Jasiel Rivero in the coming weeks to adjust the squad size to 15 or 16 players.
From Monaco to the Roig Arena: Career Context and Honors
Mirotic’s arrival in Valencia represents a lifeline in the elite tier of European basketball. The Montenegro-born international nearly faced a scenario outside the EuroLeague’s top tier before Valencia stepped in to address a frontcourt depth chart weakened by the departures of Braxton Key and Jaime Pradilla.
During the previous EuroLeague campaign with AS Monaco, Mirotic averaged 11.0 points, 4.3 rebotes, and 1.4 asistencias across 31 appearances, despite missing time due to physical issues late in the season. His resume boasts 15 club titles across Spain, Italy, and France, alongside two senior national team medals with Spain: a gold at EuroBasket 2015 and a bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Mirotic spent five seasons in North America with the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, and Milwaukee Bucks, where he averaged 12.3 points and 5.9 rebounds across 319 regular-season games. In Europe, his career spans stints with Real Madrid (2008–2014), FC Barcelona (2019–2023), Olimpia Milano, and Monaco, earning the EuroLeague MVP award in the 2021-22 season while averaging 14.4 points overall across 307 continental appearances.
Supercopa Countdown and Next Steps
The immediate test for Mirotic and Valencia Basket takes place this weekend. The team faces FC Barcelona on Saturday evening in the second semifinal of the Spanish Supercopa at the Roig Arena, where fans will catch their first live look at the veteran forward in taronja colors.
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