Daniel Theis, formerly of the Boston Celtics, chose the overseas route when contemplating his options following the NBA trade deadline.

Theis began the season as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans, agreeing to a one-year deal this past offseason. But just 38 games into the campaign, New Orleans traded Theis to the Oklahoma City Thunder to keep the Pelicans under the luxury tax. Oklahoma City, the leaders of the Western Conference, had no intentions of keeping Theis and waived the 32-year-old to net the franchise a second-round pick.

It wasn’t the end of the world for Theis.

Several teams reportedly reached out to the eight-year veteran and extended offers, but Theis declined. As demonstrated in the now-rescinded Los Angeles Lakers trade for Mark Williams, front-court depth became a hot commodity in the open market after the trade deadline. But instead, Theis chose the EuroLeague.

“(AS) Monaco has built something big in recent years by reaching the Final Four and currently ranking among the top four in the EuroLeague standings,” Theis said, per Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops.net. “I wanted to be part of this adventure, to win, to have a chance to conquer EuroLeague, to be competitive.”

The Pelicans underutilized Theis, playing him for just 16.3 minutes a game. Theis averaged 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds, getting just 3.4 shot attempts and making only nine starts. It brought Theis to the point where he lost faith in getting an opportunity to make a difference for an NBA organization.

Theis, however, doesn’t look back on his eight NBA seasons with any animosity or regret and feels as though even if he doesn’t return, his career was a success.

“For most of the time, I had a good experience with successful runs. I went to the Finals with the Boston Celtics,” Theis said. “I played in the Eastern Conference Finals several times. I played with great players. I met a lot of friends. It remains a great chapter in my professional career.”

Boston traded Theis three offseasons ago to the Indiana Pacers, helping the Celtics acquire Malcolm Brogdon — the eventual NBA Sixth Man of the Year. From that point, Theis struggled to rummage for minutes to carve out a meaningful role, and that trend continued with the Los Angeles Clippers last season and the Pelicans this go-around.

The EuroLeague is where Theis got his first professional basketball experience, playing for Broose Bamberg — for 54 games — before signing a contract with the Celtics entering the 2017-18 season. Theis returned for a second run with Boston for the 2021-22 season and could return this upcoming offseason if the right door opens.

For now, Theis will focus on third-place AS Monaco (14-4) pursuing its second EuroCup title and its first since 2021.