--- title: "Aris lock in Neno Dimitrijevic on two-year deal after Bayern exit" description: "The Greek club bolster their backcourt with a proven EuroLeague playmaker on a two-year deal through 2028. His arrival signals a clear step up in ambition for the Thessaloniki side." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/aris-officially-adds-neno-dimitrijevic-853f13c4 published: 2026-07-03T11:22:33.654+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T11:22:33.654+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Aris lock in Neno Dimitrijevic on two-year deal after Bayern exit > The Greek club bolster their backcourt with a proven EuroLeague playmaker on a two-year deal through 2028. His arrival signals a clear step up in ambition for the Thessaloniki side. Aris Betsson have officially secured the services of point guard Nenad 'Neno' Dimitrijevic on a two-year contract that runs through the 2027-28 season, marking a significant upgrade to their backcourt. The 28-year-old playmaker arrives from Zenit Saint Petersburg, fresh off a productive loan spell at Bayern Munich where he proved his EuroLeague credentials. During his tenure with the Bavarians, Dimitrijevic posted solid averages of 11 points and 4.1 assists across 16 EuroLeague appearances, demonstrating his ability to operate efficiently at the highest level of European basketball. This acquisition brings a veteran presence to the Thessaloniki club, adding 140 career EuroLeague games to a roster looking to make noise domestically and abroad. His career averages in the competition stand at 9.2 points and 3.8 assists, highlighting consistent production over several seasons. The signing directly addresses the need for a primary floor general following the departure of key perimeter players. Dimitrijevic is expected to take the reins immediately, bringing a mix of scoring punch and playmaking vision that Aris lacked in transition last season. The club's management views this acquisition as a cornerstone move for their 2026-27 campaign, providing the leadership necessary to guide a younger core. His arrival also shifts the dynamic of the locker room, injecting a culture of accountability and professionalism that younger players will need to emulate. Dimitrijevic’s profile fits the modern EuroLeague mold: a 6’4” guard with the size to match up against opposing wings and the skill to run offenses against zone defenses. His ability to knock down catch-and-shoot threes—career 37.5% from deep in EuroLeague play—gives Aris tactical flexibility, allowing the team to space the floor when he shares the court with traditional bigs. This versatility is critical in a league where defenses prioritize limiting driving lanes and forcing turnovers. Aris’s move reflects a broader trend among Greek clubs to prioritize EuroLeague-ready talent over domestic-only solutions. The signing comes after several seasons where Aris relied on developmental projects or short-term fixes, often falling short in European competitions. By locking in a player with Dimitrijevic’s pedigree, the club signals intent to compete at the highest level, not just domestically but in continental play. The contract structure—two years with a club option—also provides flexibility, allowing Aris to reassess their roster after a single season if the experiment fails. The addition of Dimitrijevic also forces rival Greek clubs to confront their own roster-building strategies. Olympiacos and Panathinaikos have long dominated the domestic landscape, but Aris’s aggressive pursuit of a EuroLeague-caliber point guard exposes a potential gap in their own backcourt depth. With EuroLeague qualifying rounds looming, the pressure is on for other Greek clubs to either follow suit or risk falling further behind in continental competition. This signing could trigger a domino effect, with teams scrambling to secure comparable talent before the transfer window closes. The timing of the move is equally strategic. Aris finalized the deal in late June, just as the EuroLeague was finalizing its 2025-26 team list. By securing Dimitrijevic’s services early, the club ensures he’ll be eligible for the full season without administrative hurdles. This foresight contrasts with past seasons where Aris lagged behind in roster construction, often reacting to roster changes rather than dictating them. The club’s front office has clearly prioritized proactive planning, a shift that could pay dividends in both domestic and European competitions. What's next: Dimitrijevic will join the squad for preseason training in Skopje later this month as Aris prepares for a grueling schedule that includes the Greek Basket League and EuroLeague qualifiers. The team aims to challenge for the domestic title while securing a spot in the EuroLeague regular season. The first major test arrives in late September during the EuroLeague qualifying rounds, where Aris will face teams like Virtus Bologna and Partizan Belgrade in a high-stakes knockout format. ## Why this matters Dimitrijevic’s arrival signals a shift in Aris’s trajectory from domestic contender to European threat. His EuroLeague pedigree provides the backcourt stability required to navigate high-pressure possessions. By securing a proven floor general, Aris not only replaces outgoing production but adds a layer of offensive versatility that opens up options for their wings. This move validates the club's ambition to invest in top-tier talent rather than relying solely on development or stop-gap solutions, setting a higher standard for the upcoming season. The signing also pressures rival Greek clubs to respond, potentially accelerating the arms race for elite European talent in the region. The proactive approach taken by Aris could force a broader reassessment of how Greek clubs approach roster construction, particularly in the backcourt where depth has often been a weakness. ## Frequently asked ### What are the terms of Neno Dimitrijevic's contract? Dimitrijevic signed a two-year contract with Aris Betsson, keeping him with the club through the 2027-28 season. ### Which team did Neno Dimitrijevic play for before joining Aris? He joins from Zenit Saint Petersburg, having played on loan at Bayern Munich during the 2024-25 season. ### How did Neno Dimitrijevic perform in the EuroLeague? In 16 EuroLeague games for Bayern Munich, he averaged 11 points and 4.1 assists per game. ### Why is this signing important for Aris? Aris needed a proven EuroLeague point guard to replace outgoing talent and lead their backcourt for the 2026-27 season. ### How does Dimitrijevic fit into Aris’s long-term plans? His contract includes a club option for the second year, giving Aris flexibility to evaluate his impact before committing long-term. The move aligns with the club’s push to compete in both the Greek Basket League and EuroLeague. ### Which teams could Aris face in EuroLeague qualifiers? Early reports suggest potential opponents include Virtus Bologna and Partizan Belgrade in the qualifying rounds, with the exact draw to be finalized in August. ## Sources & Citations - [Aris officially adds Neno Dimitrijevic](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/eurocup/1986718/aris-officially-adds-neno-dimitrijevic/) — Eurohoops (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Aris lock in Neno Dimitrijevic on two-year deal after Bayern exit. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/aris-officially-adds-neno-dimitrijevic-853f13c4