Filip Petrušev’s future has taken a decisive turn after the expiration of his NBA-out clause with Olympiacos. The €900,000 clause, which would have allowed the Serbian center to join an NBA team without complications, expired at midnight on July 15, leaving him tied to his current EuroLeague contract unless another club intervenes.
The 24-year-old had been linked to several NBA franchises, but no suitable offer materialized before the deadline. With the clause no longer in effect, any move to the NBA this summer is effectively off the table, meaning Petrušev is likely to continue his career in Europe for the foreseeable future.
Adding complexity to the situation is the expiration of another clause earlier in the summer. A separate €1.2 million buyout option, which would have allowed any EuroLeague club to sign him without direct negotiation, expired on July 1. This means that any team except Panathinaikos, due to restrictions must now negotiate financial terms directly with Olympiacos, giving the Greek powerhouse full control over the player’s next move.
Despite this, speculation persists about Petrušev’s potential departure. There have been rumors of a return to Serbia, with reports indicating that a verbal agreement was in place for him to join Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade). However, the player requested additional time before making a final decision, suggesting he may be weighing other options.
Olympiacos coach Georgios Bartzokas has publicly expressed his stance on the matter, making it clear that he does not want players on the roster who are not fully committed. This comment has fueled further rumors that the club could be open to parting ways with Petrušev under the right circumstances.
On the court, Petrušev delivered solid performances during the 2024/25 EuroLeague season. He averaged 14.1 points per game on 64% shooting inside the arc, although his three-point accuracy remained a work in progress at 28%. He also contributed 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and maintained a Performance Index Rating (PIR) of 16.5 in just over 21 minutes per game across 28 appearances.
As things stand, Petrušev remains an Olympiacos player, but uncertainty looms. Whether he recommits fully to the Greek club or pushes for a move within Europe will be a key storyline in the coming weeks, especially as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the new season.
