Patty Mills’ long-rumoured return to the NBL appears set to remain on hold, with the Australian basketball icon reportedly heading back to Europe after attracting strong interest from clubs across the continent.

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Mills has been linked to both the Perth Wildcats and Brisbane Bullets throughout the off-season, but after an outstanding campaign with Spanish powerhouse La Laguna Tenerife, the veteran guard has become one of the most sought-after free agents on the European market.

Fox Sports Australia understands Mills was in advanced discussions with Serbian giant KK Partizan, with the club submitting an official offer to the Boomers legend. However, a new contender emerged late in the process and now appears to have secured his signature.

According to reports, French powerhouse ASVEL has won the race for Mills, reuniting him with former San Antonio Spurs teammate Tony Parker.

Parker was recently appointed head coach while continuing in his role as club president, overseeing a major restructure that includes former French national team coach Vincent Collet as lead assistant. The revamped coaching staff also features a range of specialist and coordinator roles designed to support Parker’s transition into coaching.

The move would reunite two key members of the Spurs’ 2014 NBA championship team. More than a decade after lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy together, Mills and Parker now find themselves poised to join forces again, albeit in very different circumstances.

Parker, a four-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, remains one of the most celebrated figures in European basketball. His leadership and stature make ASVEL an attractive destination for a player of Mills’ calibre as he enters the latter stages of his career.

Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs receives a hug from Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio SpursSource: AFP

While the news may disappoint NBL fans hoping for a homecoming, the decision makes sense for Mills. The veteran guard is coming off one of the strongest seasons of his career and, with his 38th birthday approaching next month, is in a position to capitalise on significant interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

In 17 appearances for Tenerife, Mills averaged 18.1 points per game while shooting 44.4 per cent from three-point range. His standout moment came in the ACB playoffs when he exploded for 36 points against Barcelona, a performance that reinforced his ability to still perform at the highest level.

Patty Mills signed with Spanish club La Laguna Tenerife in 2026. Pic: Supplied/InstagramSource: Supplied Source Unknown

The move also comes at an important time in the Boomers’ cycle. Mills is expected to remain a key figure for Australia heading towards the 2027 FIBA World Cup, when he will be 39 years old. Remaining in a highly competitive European environment could prove valuable as he looks to maintain his place in the national team setup.

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That challenge has only become greater with Bryce Cotton set to make his Boomers debut tonight. As Australia begins to look towards its next generation of talent, competition for places is intensifying, with the possibility that only one of the veteran stars ultimately secures a spot on the final World Cup roster.