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James averaged 16.5 points in more than 360 EuroLeague games while starring for clubs in Croatia, Israel, Italy, Greece, Spain, Russia and France, most recently helping AS Monaco to three consecutive French league championships. He is currently a free agent and said he would “love” to see NBA interest, though he knows he would probably be a late addition if that materialized. For now, he said, his focus is on USA Basketball. “I’m just focused on what I’m doing right now and trying to get two wins and stay healthy as possible,” James said.
James might be near the end of his playing career, but he is not done yet. And if the NBA-backed European league is ready by 2027, he’d be interested if he’s still playing at a high level. “I think any improvements on the league or just a better league in general, I would love to play,” James said. “I don’t know if I’ll still be around by the time (NBA Europe) launches.”
James, 35, is the EuroLeague’s all-time leading scorer and is qualified to discuss basketball on a global stage: the EuroLeague might merge with a new NBA Europe, or the two leagues could compete. So what does James think about NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s overseas work and its impact on the league that made James famous? “I would love for them to not make an individual league, but to somehow partner with the league that’s already there,” James told The Athletic. “Because I feel like they have some good things about it.”
After a dramatic endgame in the Dominican Republic, Mike James and Team USA pulled away with another nerve-racking finish, escaping Mexico with a huge 94-93 win in the FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers. The Americans will cap off their first round with a 5-1 record to top Group A and secure the powerhouse nation's ticket to the next round of the tournament. James delivered a major all-around performance of 19 points, eight rebounds and seven assists across 19 minutes. The EuroLeague superstar hit back-to-back big-time shots in the closing minute and sealed the United States' Monday victory by nailing his two foul shots with seven seconds to go.
I feel like you know you're good enough to be in the NBA. Was it more a matter of not being in the right place at the right time? Mike James: I think that I realized a long time ago that just because you are good enough to be in the NBA doesn't mean you're supposed to be. I think it's a lot of people that are not in the NBA that probably could be, have had the chance to be, but you know, certain things don't work out. Even though you could be better than a person, maybe he's just a better fit, and a lot of things are about that. I'm not thinking about it every day or worried about it. It's just I am where I am, and I'm happy where I'm at.
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Who's your GOAT? Mike James: Michael Jordan. He's the best. How old were you when he was playing? Mike James: In 1984, I was negative six; in 1998, I was eight. I got the craziest memory. They had a game when they played the Jazz, I think the last year he played. And they won 96-54 in a Finals game. And I just remember watching like, 'Damn, Michael Jordan this good? This game boring.' And I just went outside and started hooping. It was Game 3, his last title. They beat them badly. And I was just like, 'Man, this is crazy. He's amazing. Nobody beats him.'
FC Barcelona faces a potential legal battle with Mike James after allegedly abruptly backing out of a signed contract, according to Mundo Deportivo. Before igniting this controversy, the EuroLeague superstar and the Catalan club had reportedly formalized an agreement, signaling a major acquisition. Departing head coach Xavi Pascual had heavily advocated for the 35-year-old point guard to bolster the roster for the upcoming 2026–27 season. However, the situation shifted entirely when the 53-year-old tactician exercised his release clause to leave the club.
Mike James’ future has taken an unexpected turn. Just when everything pointed to the American point guard joining Barça for the upcoming season and a deal was finalized between the two parties, the agreement was annulled and we are back at square one. This was reported by Basketnews and confirmed a few minutes later by Catalan radio station RAC1, who reported that the Catalan club and the player will not continue talks. This decision has surprised everyone because it was practically a given that James would wear the Barcelona jersey.
Blossomgame has already confirmed that this will be his final season with Monaco. Speaking on the Amerikanos24 podcast, he also speculated about Mike James' future, suggesting that the guard's next destination is likely to be in Spain. Blossomgame was first asked about the possibility of James joining Dubai Basketball. He shut down the idea, saying, "Zero percent now, for sure," referencing the impact of the war in the Middle East. "He's going to Barcelona," podcast co-host Chima Moneke noted. "I think he's going to go to Barcelona, Milan, or he would listen to offers from Greek teams, but he doesn't want to go back to Greece," Blossomgame said.
A major Mike James contract development is set to reshape the European free agency market ahead of the 2026 offseason. According to BasketNews sources, Mike James is set to become a free agent in the summer of 2026, one year earlier than previously anticipated.
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James originally signed a contract extension with AS Monaco through the 2026-27 season in 2024, but sources say the deal was renegotiated at the end of last season, shortening its length. As a result, James will be eligible to sign a new contract with Monaco or explore opportunities with other teams next summer.
How do people react when you say you love playing abroad and were fine leaving the NBA? Shane Larkin: They're surprised. I mean, I think that's a natural reaction. I had a few incredible seasons over here and I had opportunities to go back to the league and I was like, "Nah I'm cool, like I'm good where I am"... and when people hear that, they don't understand what it is like to be one of the better star players in Europe. You have to really experience it to fully understand it, but I would explain it as if... I'm not comparing myself to any star player in the NBA at all, but like the way I'm sure Kyrie Irving was being treated in Cleveland is the same way that Kendrick Nunn is now being treated in Athens, the way that I'm treated in Istanbul, Mike James is treated in Monaco. You know, these superstar players live in these cities and they have these certain lifestyles that you wouldn't really understand it unless you were over here and you got to see it first hand.
EuroLeague star Mike James has committed to remain with AS Monaco, returning for the start of the 2025-26 season despite offseason interest from the EuroLeague and the NBA, sources told BasketNews.
Keith Smith: As part of the process to complete their offseason moves, the Brooklyn Nets renounced FA rights for LaMarcus Aldridge, Wilson Chandler, Mike James, De'Anthony Melton, Dennis Smith Jr and Ziaire Williams. Brooklyn will re-sign Williams with either cap space or the Room Exception.