The Milwaukee Bucks may have just struck gold with their latest acquisition, inking European phenom Luka Varnovic to a four-year rookie contract that’s already generating buzz across the NBA.
The 19-year-old Serbian guard/forward has been a standout overseas for the past two seasons, dazzling scouts with his elite court vision, silky smooth shot, and high basketball IQ well beyond his years. Standing 6’8″ with a 6’11” wingspan, Varnovic combines size and versatility, drawing comparisons to a young Luka Dončić – both for his skillset and his confident demeanor under pressure.
A Steal for Milwaukee?
According to league insiders, the Bucks managed to secure Varnovic late in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, a move already being described as “the steal of the draft.” While some teams were hesitant due to his youth and limited exposure outside Europe, Milwaukee’s front office wasn’t among them.
“He’s a winner,” said Bucks GM Jon Horst. “We’ve watched him dominate high-level European competition against seasoned veterans. He has the poise and work ethic to thrive in the NBA, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Milwaukee.”
Rookie Deal Details
While financial terms haven’t been officially disclosed, sources confirm that the deal aligns with the NBA’s rookie scale, guaranteeing Varnovic approximately $12.4 million over four years, with team options in the third and fourth years. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move that fits perfectly within Milwaukee’s long-term strategy.
How He Fits
Varnovic is expected to slot in as a backup guard/wing early on, learning behind All-Stars Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton, while giving the Bucks an extra playmaker who can stretch the floor. Head coach Doc Rivers praised the signing: “Luka’s game is mature beyond his age. He’s not just talented—he understands the rhythm of the game. He’ll be a great fit in our system.”
European Pedigree
Varnovic most recently played for KK Partizan Belgrade, where he averaged 16.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 39% from three. His clutch performances in the EuroLeague playoffs caught the attention of NBA scouts and firmly placed him
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