Olimpia Milano is also among Mike James’ options

Mike James’ departure from AS Monaco and the sensational collapse of his new deal with Barcelona are sparking a flurry of rumors about the future of the American point guard, who is now officially a free agent. According to BasketNews, one of the possible options for the player is a return to Olimpia Milano, where James played for one season in 2018–2019.

The American abruptly left Milan with the arrival of Ettore Messina, who had ruled him out of his coaching plans, but with the start of the new Biancorossi era led by Peppe Poeta and Daniele Baiesi, things could change.

The red-and-whites, who have already signed Alec Peters and Devon Hall, are reportedly looking for another international-caliber player for the backcourt, and James is said to be highly regarded by Poeta. At 35, Mike James remains one of the most talented players in Europe, and last season in the EuroLeague he averaged 16.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. Other options for the future include two Turkish clubs, Anadolu Efes and Besiktas, Greece’s Panathinaikos, and Dubai.

Mike James seemed destined for Barcelona, with a two-year deal already finalized, but the relationship ended abruptly and acrimoniously. According to reports in ‘El Mundo Deportivo,’ Xavi Pascual’s decision to leave the Blaugrana bench early changed everything: without the coach who had pushed for his arrival, the Catalan club informed the player that he no longer fit into the new plan, sparking an angry reaction from the American and setting off a dispute destined to have lasting repercussions.