Dante Exum's potential NBA return has been put on ice after the Boomers star committed to finishing the season with Spanish giants Barcelona.
Exum, the No.5 NBA draft pick in 2014, was waived by the Houston Rockets in October before Barcelona picked up the Australian on a three-month contract as an injury replacement for Nick Calathes.
Playing a key role off the bench, Exum has helped Barcelona clinch the mid-season knockout Copa del Rey title and put them top of the EuroLeague standings during his 17 games.
Calathes has since returned to the squad but Exum's minutes haven't diminished, the team on Tuesday extending a deal that expired on February 28 through until June 30.
The 26-year-old, who played 245 regular season NBA games for Utah and Cleveland, after being drafted by the Jazz, remains ambitious of a return to the United States.
Injury has disrupted Exum's career but he showed his ability in the Boomers' run to bronze at the Tokyo 2021 Games.
He will benefit from extended minutes in Europe before his next opportunity to return to the United States.
