Serbian guard Aleksa Avramovic, who recently played a pivotal role for his country at the Paris 2024 Olympics, had until August 20th to activate an NBA exit clause in his contract. His agent, Misko Raznatovic, confirmed this deadline. However, Avramovic did not exercise the clause. The transaction would have cost $1 million in total, with an NBA team covering $850k. This amount is the maximum a team can pay to buy out an international player. Avramovic would have covered the remaining $150k himself. He would have paid his current team, CSKA Moscow.
Olympic Standout Player Makes NBA Decision
The Olympic Best Defensive Player Faced an NBA Decision
At the Olympics, Avramovic helped Serbia secure a bronze medal. FIBA honored him as their Best Defensive Player. Despite averaging just 19.9 minutes per game, he posted an impressive 3.4 steals per 40 minutes. Avramovic totaled 10 steals throughout the tournament. His defensive prowess was particularly evident in the Bronze Medal match against Germany. He recorded four steals in that game.
Avramovic’s defensive intensity, ability to force turnovers, and relentless effort had a broad impact beyond the numbers. His defensive style draws comparisons to Jalen Suggs, known for his tireless work ethic.
Over his six Olympic games, Avramovic averaged 10.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.7 steals. His efficiency rating was 12.8. This performance adds to his accolades, including a silver medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Turning 30 in October, Avramovic is set to continue his career with CSKA Moscow. He previously spent three seasons with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. Although NBA roster spots are limited, a few teams could have benefited from having Avramovic. The Milwaukee Bucks were one of those teams.
The Bucks’ Need for Defensive Reinforcements
The Milwaukee Bucks are in championship-or-bust mode. They rely on their core of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, and Khris Middleton. These players are looking to secure the franchise’s third championship. With 14 roster spots currently occupied by guaranteed contracts, the Bucks have room for one more player. Given their financial constraints, the Bucks had an impressive off-season. They signed veteran players to minimum contracts. Avramovic could have addressed a critical need for the Bucks: point-of-attack defense. They tasked Malik Beasley with that role last season. His performance fell short of expectations.
The Bucks began the season with a mediocre defensive rating of 116.9, placing them in the middle of the pack. That was not good enough for a contender. Under new coach Doc Rivers, the team made schematic changes that improved their defensive rating to 110.7 by February. However, they struggled to maintain that level of performance. This was due to personnel shortcomings. The Bucks finished 19th in the league during the regular season and 14th in the postseason in defensive rating. Avramovic could have provided them with the point-of-attack defense they desperately need.
A Missed Opportunity for the NBA and Avramovic
The Bucks’ most notable off-season addition was Gary Trent Jr. He signed a one-year veteran’s minimum deal worth $2.613 million. This was far below the $25 million he initially sought in free agency. The new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which took full effect this off-season, limited Trent Jr.’s market value. This gave the Bucks an opportunity to add a starting-caliber shooting guard on the cheap.
Currently, the Bucks have two other potential starters at that position. Pat Connaughton has two years remaining on his $28 million contract. A.J. Green is also an intriguing option for the team. With the starting shooting guard position up for grabs, Avramovic could have joined a team that would give him a real shot at an extended NBA career. Ultimately, it seems he will continue his career in Moscow. The question remains: Did NBA teams overlook a hidden gem in Avramovic?
