Daniel Theis Headed To Europe, Turns Down Larger Offer

February 11, 2025

Veteran NBA center Daniel Theis is set to sign with AS Monaco, with the deal currently being finalized, per Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com.

Despite receiving interest from NBA teams and a more lucrative offer from Panathinaikos, Theis is prioritizing a situation where he can play a prominent role. Theis is expected to sign a multiyear contract, which may include an opt-out clause for a potential return to the NBA, according to Urbonas.

Theis, who joined the New Orleans Pelicans as a free agent during the offseason, was traded to Oklahoma City at Thursday’s trade deadline along with a 2031 second-round draft pick. The move to unload his minimum-salary contract helped New Orleans fall below the luxury tax threshold.

Theis played for four EuroLeague teams before coming to the NBA in 2017, and his familiarity with European basketball is leading him back to that league.

SDNA reported that Monaco was leading the race for Theis due to his connection with the team’s personnel. He worked with assistant coach Ilias Kantzouris for three seasons at Brose Bamberg and was also a former teammate of Monaco’s star player, Nikos Zisis.

Panathinaikos has also expressed interest in signing Theis and was reportedly willing to outbid Monaco. However, SDNA noted that financial incentives may not be the primary factor in Theis’ decision as he weighs his options.

Over the course of his eight NBA seasons, Theis has played for six teams, beginning with the Boston Celtics, who signed him in 2017. He was traded to the Chicago Bulls at the 2021 deadline and then to the Houston Rockets later that year. He also had brief stints with the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers before joining New Orleans.

Theis, 32, has appeared in 411 total NBA games, making 160 starts and averaging 7.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Additionally, he has made a name for himself in international basketball, serving as the starting center for the undefeated German team that won the 2023 FIBA World Cup.