Former Lottery Pick Dante Exum To Finish Season In Barcelona

Veteran guard and former lottery pick Dante Exum intends to finish the season with Spanish club Barcelona, placing any idea of an NBA return on hold.

“Playing a key role off the bench, Exum has helped Barcelona clinch the mid-season knockout Copa del Rey title and put them top of the EuroLeague standings during his 17 games,” AAP wrote.

He agreed to a short-term deal with the Spanish power in mid-December after drawing minimal interest in free agency from NBA clubs. That deal was initially set to expire on Monday. 

Exum, 26, is 6-foot-6 and was originally drafted by the Jazz with the No. 5 overall pick in 2014, but has seen his career derailed by leg injuries. He was cut by the Rockets on the eve of this regular season.

After spending six years with the Jazz, Exum was traded to the Cavaliers late in 2019. The Cavs sent him to Houston as part of the James Harden trade in January. As part of the deal, the Cavs received Jarrett Allen from the Nets. 

Exum averaged 5.3 points and 2.4 rebounds in 30 games with the Cavs, but never suited up for the Rockets. He signed a three-year nonguaranteed deal with Houston before being waived.

He carries career averages of 5.7 points, 2.1 assists and 1.8 rebounds, and averaged 9.0 points in Australia’s run to the bronze medal at the 2021 Summer Olympic games in Tokyo.