Veteran NBA guard Shake Milton is reportedly finalizing a deal to join Serbian powerhouse KK Partizan, a significant development following his recent release from the Los Angeles Lakers. This potential transition would mark Milton's first foray into professional basketball outside of the United States. His move to Partizan, a prominent club in both the EuroLeague and ABA League, highlights a growing trend of American talent seeking opportunities in competitive international circuits.
Milton's journey to Europe comes after a seven-season career in the NBA, where he gained valuable experience across multiple franchises. His departure from the Lakers, driven by salary cap considerations, opens a new chapter in his career. Partizan, known for its strong presence in European basketball, has already attracted several former NBA players, creating a promising environment for Milton to continue showcasing his skills and contribute to a team with high aspirations in continental competitions.
Shake Milton's NBA Journey and Transition to Europe
Following his recent waiver by the Los Angeles Lakers, experienced NBA guard Shake Milton is reportedly in advanced discussions to sign with the Serbian basketball club KK Partizan. This potential move represents a significant career pivot for Milton, as it would be his inaugural experience playing professional basketball on an international stage. The shift indicates a growing trend among NBA players to explore opportunities in competitive European leagues, particularly in the EuroLeague, which offers a high level of play and exposure.
Milton, selected in the second round of the 2018 NBA draft, has accumulated a considerable amount of experience during his six seasons in the league, having played 359 games. He began his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he spent his first five years, before moving between various teams in recent seasons. During the 2023-24 campaign, Milton had stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and New York Knicks. Subsequently, in the 2024-25 season, he played for both the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers, having been traded to the latter alongside Dorian Finney-Smith. For the Lakers, his release was a strategic financial decision, aimed at creating salary cap flexibility under the first luxury tax apron, specifically to facilitate the signing of Marcus Smart, as Milton's $3 million salary for the 2025-26 season was non-guaranteed. This series of events underscores the dynamic and often fluid nature of player movement in professional basketball, both domestically and internationally, as players seek stability and new challenges.
Partizan's Ambitions and Attracting NBA Talent
KK Partizan, a formidable presence in European basketball, is actively engaged in advanced talks with Shake Milton, indicating the Serbian club's continued strategy of bolstering its roster with experienced talent from the NBA. This pursuit of Milton highlights Partizan's ambition to remain competitive in both the EuroLeague and the ABA League, particularly after a season where they secured the ABA League title but faced challenges in EuroLeague play, concluding with a 16–18 record. The addition of a player like Milton, with his NBA pedigree, aligns with the team's objective of enhancing its performance on the continental stage and building a championship-contending squad.
Partizan’s roster already features a notable contingent of former NBA players, making it an appealing destination for Milton. The team currently includes names such as Jabari Parker, Sterling Brown, Aleksej Pokusevski, and Frank Ntilikina. This existing presence of players with NBA experience creates a familiar and supportive environment for new arrivals like Milton, potentially easing his transition to European basketball. His integration into a team with established NBA veterans could provide valuable synergy and leadership, contributing to the team's overall chemistry and strategic goals. Furthermore, Milton's statistics from his time with Brooklyn and Los Angeles last season, averaging 5.5 points, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in 14.7 minutes per game, with solid shooting percentages (.453 from the field, .358 from three, and .797 from the free-throw line), suggest he can offer a versatile offensive contribution to Partizan. This acquisition would not only strengthen their backcourt but also reinforce their competitive edge in upcoming seasons.
