Duke Blue Devils Legend Jabari Parker Signs New Contract to Continue Basketball Career…
Former Duke Blue Devils standout and NBA lottery pick Jabari Parker has signed a new two-year deal with Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade, signaling his commitment to continue his professional basketball career in Europe.
The move comes after a productive stint with FC Barcelona in Spain, where Parker reestablished himself as a reliable scorer and a valuable veteran presence on the European stage.
Parker, 29, originally burst onto the national scene during his one-and-done college career at Duke University in the 2013–14 season. Under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, Parker averaged 19.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, earning consensus First-Team All-American honors and becoming a finalist for the Naismith College Player of the Year Award. He declared for the NBA Draft after his freshman season and was selected second overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2014.
Despite showing flashes of star potential early in his NBA career, Parker struggled with injuries, including two ACL tears that derailed his development. After bouncing around the league with stints in Chicago, Washington, Atlanta, Sacramento, and Boston, Parker turned to Europe for a fresh start. In 2023, he signed with FC Barcelona, one of the top clubs in the EuroLeague and Spain’s Liga ACB.
In his two seasons with Barcelona, Parker proved he still had plenty left in the tank. He averaged 13.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in EuroLeague play last season, emerging as one of the team’s most consistent scorers. His strong play helped Barcelona reach the EuroLeague playoffs and maintain a top-tier presence in Spain’s domestic league.
However, with a change in team direction and roster shakeups this offseason, Parker and FC Barcelona mutually agreed to part ways, opening the door for his next chapter. Partizan Belgrade quickly seized the opportunity, offering the forward a two-year contract reportedly worth around €5 million total.
Under the leadership of legendary head coach Željko Obradović, Partizan Belgrade has become a serious contender in both the EuroLeague and ABA League. Though the team finished outside the EuroLeague playoffs last season, Parker’s addition is expected to boost their offensive firepower and add a veteran presence to a young and talented roster.
“I’m excited for this next step,” Parker said in a statement. “Partizan is a club with a rich tradition and passionate fans. I’m ready to contribute, win games, and continue growing as a player.”
Partizan fans, known for creating one of the most electric atmospheres in European basketball, will now cheer for a former NBA top pick who’s hungry to compete and win at a high level.
For Parker, this contract represents both stability and opportunity—a chance to extend his career while playing for a storied team in one of the sport’s most intense environments. It’s also a compelling second act for a player once hailed as one of the brightest young stars in American basketball.
As the 2025–26 EuroLeague season approaches, all eyes will be on Parker and Partizan Belgrade as they aim to return to prominence. And for Duke fans, it’s another chapter in the ongoing legacy of one of their most talented alumni.
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