Boomers sweep R1 of World Cup Qualifiers | 00:46
Australian basketball legend Patty Mills has officially ended weeks of speculation surrounding his future, signing with French powerhouse ASVEL and reuniting with former San Antonio Spurs teammate and NBA champion Tony Parker.
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
The announcement brings to a close more than a month of uncertainty following Mills’ departure from Spanish club La Laguna Tenerife, with the 37-year-old repeatedly linked with a return to the NBL.
It may have taken several weeks, multiple hurdles and financial negotiations, but the 2014 NBA champion and Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medallist has now secured his next chapter in France. Mills will join ASVEL under Parker, who was recently appointed head coach while continuing in his role as club president as part of the club’s major restructure.
Earlier in the NBL off-season, Mills was heavily linked with both the Perth Wildcats and Brisbane Bullets. However, after an outstanding stint with Tenerife, his value on the European market was arguably the highest it had been in years.
Across 17 appearances for the Spanish club, Mills averaged 18.1 points per game while shooting 44.4% from beyond the arc. His defining performance came during the ACB playoffs, when he erupted for 36 points against Barcelona, a reminder that he remains capable of performing at the highest level.
Patty Mills reacts after in the men's quarterfinal basketball match between Serbia and Australia during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris on August 6, 2024. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP)Source: AFP
At the time, Fox Sports Australia understood Mills was in advanced discussions with Serbian powerhouse KK Partizan, with the club submitting an official offer to the Boomers star. However, Parker’s late push proved decisive, convincing Mills to join ASVEL for the upcoming season.
Mills brings almost two decades of professional experience after being selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the No. 55 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft following two standout seasons at Saint Mary’s College. After beginning his NBA career in Portland, he joined the San Antonio Spurs in 2012, where he established himself as one of the league’s most respected veterans.
His greatest NBA achievement came in 2014, helping the Spurs claim their fifth championship alongside Hall of Famers Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.
The San Antonio Spurs celebrate with the Larry O'Brien trophy after defeating the Miami Heat to win the 2014 NBA Finals. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Mills’ legacy extends far beyond the NBA. One of Australia’s greatest basketballers, he has represented the Boomers in five Olympic Games, Beijing in 2008, London in 2012, Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Tokyo in 2020 and Paris in 2024, earning 64 international caps.
His defining moment in the green and gold came at the Tokyo Olympics, where he inspired Australia to its first-ever Olympic men’s basketball medal. Mills produced a legendary 42-point, three-rebound and nine-assist performance against Slovenia in the bronze medal game, cementing his place among the country’s all-time sporting greats.
Patty Mills of Team Australia celebrates with his bronze medal during the Men's Basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Saitama Super Arena on August 07, 2021 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The move to ASVEL will also see Mills make his EuroLeague debut, adding another milestone to his decorated career. It also keeps him competing at the highest level in Europe as he pushes for selection in Australia’s squad for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar, where the veteran guard will be 39 years old.