NBL 2026: Patty Mills closes door on NBL return as French giant ASVEL lands Boomers legend, news, highlights

Patty Mills’ long-rumoured return to Australia’s NBL appears to be on hold, with reports saying the veteran guard is heading back to Europe after attracting strong interest from clubs. Mills had been linked with both the Perth Wildcats and Brisbane Bullets, but he had an impactful season with Spanish powerhouse La Laguna Tenerife. Fox Sports Australia reported that Mills was in advanced talks with Serbian team KK Partizan, including an official offer, before a late contender emerged. That contender is French club ASVEL, which has reportedly secured his signature and reunited him with former San Antonio Spurs teammate Tony Parker, now head coach and club president. Parker’s staff restructure includes Vincent Collet as lead assistant. In 17 appearances for Tenerife, Mills averaged 18.1 points and shot 44.4% from three. He scored 36 points against Barcelona in the ACB playoffs and is expected to remain important for Australia toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup.