Former NBA guard Shake Milton has officially embarked on a new chapter in his professional basketball journey, signing a significant two-year deal with EuroLeague powerhouse Partizan Belgrade. This transfer signals a notable shift for the 28-year-old, as he transitions from the competitive arenas of the National Basketball Association to the dynamic landscape of European club basketball. His arrival is anticipated to bolster Partizan's backcourt, injecting experience and offensive prowess into their roster ahead of the upcoming season.
Guard Shake Milton Commits to EuroLeague Contender Partizan Belgrade
In a pivotal announcement made on a recent Thursday evening, Partizan Belgrade, a formidable force in the EuroLeague, confirmed the acquisition of Shake Milton. The esteemed Serbian club secured the services of the 28-year-old American guard through a two-year commitment. This strategic signing follows Milton's departure from the Los Angeles Lakers, where he concluded a seven-season tenure in the NBA.
Milton's recent release from the Lakers was primarily influenced by salary cap considerations, as the Californian franchise sought financial flexibility to facilitate the signing of veteran player Marcus Smart. During his stint with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, Milton contributed 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, primarily in a reserve role. Prior to his time in Los Angeles, he played 27 games for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 7.4 points and 2.3 assists per contest, highlighted by a notable double-double performance against the San Antonio Spurs.
Throughout his comprehensive NBA career, the product of Southern Methodist University participated in 359 regular-season matchups, achieving career averages of 8.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. His professional resume also includes 40 playoff appearances and three instances where he eclipsed the 30-point mark in a single game, including an impressive 39-point effort for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Los Angeles Clippers in 2020. Milton now reunites with former SMU teammate Sterling Brown in Partizan's backcourt. This move marks Milton's inaugural foray into EuroLeague competition, though he brings a wealth of experience from his time with six different NBA franchises and multiple stints in the G-League with the Delaware Blue Coats.
Partizan Belgrade, keen to rebound from missing the playoffs last season, has been proactively restructuring its roster in preparation for the highly anticipated 2025–26 EuroLeague campaign. Milton's signing underscores their ambitious intent to reclaim their position among Europe's basketball elite.
This strategic move by Partizan Belgrade to bring in a seasoned NBA talent like Shake Milton underscores a growing trend in global basketball. It highlights how European leagues are becoming increasingly attractive destinations for players seeking new challenges or opportunities beyond the NBA. For Milton, this represents not just a career transition, but a chance to revitalize his game in a different competitive environment, potentially offering him a more prominent role and an opportunity to showcase his versatile skills on a grand European stage. His adaptability and prior high-level experience will be crucial as he navigates the distinct dynamics of EuroLeague play, and his integration into a team aiming for redemption promises an exciting season for both the player and the club. It also emphasizes the continuous evolution of basketball as a global sport, with talent flow occurring across continents, enriching the sport's diversity and competitive landscape.
