By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Vanja Marinkovic has inked a two-year contract extension with Partizan Mozzart Bet. The deal was announced on Tuesday, reinforcing the club’s commitment to their veteran leader despite a challenging path to recovery.
The 29-year-old guard-forward, a veteran of 179 EuroLeague games, logged 19 appearances and 10 starts last season while averaging 5.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.5 steals per game. Though his seasonal shooting stood at 37.6% from the field, his value to the roster transcends standard metrics, rooted deeply in his emotional and historical ties to Belgrade.
Sporting jersey number 9, Marinkovic remains a beloved figure for fans, destined to return to action. His latest leading performance on January 23 against Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv in BMW Park was met with a severe Achilles tendon injury that required surgery. Now firmly on the road to recovery, the Serbian national team player and the youngest captain in Partizan history has secured his future with a commitment that could keep him home until the summer of 2028.
Vanja ostaje i na teren će se vratiti u crno-belom dresu sa brojem devet!✊🏽🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/8t1K6bckRU
— KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) July 21, 2026
Standing 1.99 meters, the versatile swingman has built a prominent career across top-tier European clubs, including stints with Valencia and Bitci/Cazoo Baskonia.
After returning to Partizan in 2024 and capturing both the AdmiralBet ABA League and AdmiralBet Basketball League of Serbia championships in 2025, this extension solidifies his legacy.
Beyond his club success, Marinkovic remains a vital piece of Serbia’s golden generation, having secured a silver medal at the FIBA World Cup 2023 and a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Though he has spent his entire career in Europe, his NBA rights were recently traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
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