Last updated on: May 30, 2025
Mike James, born August 18 1990, in Portland, Oregon, is the 6-ft-1 point guard who turned being undrafted into EuroLeague immortality. After leading Grant High to a state title and starring at Eastern Arizona and Lamar, he bounced through Croatia, Spain, Greece, Israel, Italy, and Russia, briefly cracking the NBA on the first two-way deal ever upgraded without a G-League trip. Monaco became his perfect stage in 2021. Since then, he has driven AS Monaco to its first EuroLeague Final Four, earned 2023-24 EuroLeague MVP honors, and on March 7, 2024, surpassed Vassilis Spanoulis as the competition’s all-time leading scorer—reaching 4,464 points faster than anyone before him. Explosive drives, step-back threes, and gritty rebounding make him Monaco’s engine, while his edgy leadership sets their tone. A fresh three-year extension keeps “Magic Mike” on the Rock through 2027, still rewriting what a journeyman’s ceiling can be.
Bio/Wiki
Full Name
Michael Perry James
Nickname
Mike
Profession
American professional basketball player
Career
Debut
2012- Undrafted
Best Known for
He is best known as the EuroLeague’s all-time leading scorer and the 2023-24 EuroLeague MVP, playing for AS Monaco.
Jersey Number
#55
Position
Point Guard
Current Team
AS Monaco Basket (2021–present)
Personal Profile and Background Details
Date of Birth
18 August 1990
Age
As of today, Mike James is 35 years, 3 months, and 18 days old.
Zodiac sign
Leo
Signature
Nationality
American
Birth Place
Portland, Oregon, United States
Residence
USA
School / College / University
He began at Grant High School in Portland, Oregon, where he led the team to the 2008 state championship. Not heavily recruited out of high school, he took the scenic route—Eastern Arizona College, a junior college tucked in the desert, where he torched defenses and earned all-conference and all-region honors.
From there, James jumped to Lamar University in Texas, trading the small gym crowds of junior college for NCAA Division I competition. He made an immediate impact, averaging double-digit points and pushing Lamar into the national conversation. He graduated in 2012 with a degree in general studies.
Religion
Christian
Race / Ethnicity
Mixed
Food Habits
Mike James isn’t the type to count every calorie or obsess over macros. In fact, he’ll be the first to tell you—he just loves food too much to get caught up in strict eating rules. While he does try to steer clear of pork, dairy, and red meat, he’s not afraid to dive into a juicy steak if it’s calling his name.
His approach to eating is simple: enjoy it. Whether it’s a raspberry risotto he once raved about in Milan, a spicy pasta starter at Carbon in New York, grilled salmon for the main course, or a classic apple pie with vanilla ice cream to finish—it’s all about flavor, not rules.
Hobbies
Off the court, Mike James is all about balance—and for him, that means gaming, good company, and a lot of lounging. In a laid-back video tour of his home, James revealed that one of his favorite ways to unwind is firing up games like Elden Ring. It’s not just a pastime—it’s his escape, a way to reset from the intensity of life in the spotlight.
He’s not always chasing boss battles, though. When he’s not gaming, you’ll find him spending time with family and friends, either chilling in his cozy living room or stretched out poolside (as long as the water isn’t cold—he’s made that very clear).
Tattoo
Physical Attributes and Measurements
Height
- In feet: 6′ 1″
- In Centimetres: 185 cm
- In meters: 1.85 m
Weight
- In kilograms: 85 kg
- In Pounds: 187 lbs
Body Measurements
- Chest Size: 40″
- Biceps Size: 13″
- Waist Size: 32″
Shoe size
11 US
Eye color
Light Brown
Hair color
Light Brown
Family
Father
Stephen Behrndt (Stepfather)
Mother
Lisa Behrndt
Siblings
Ashley Anderson (sister)
Bryan Behrndt (Elder Brother) (Died in 2021)
Children
None
Relationship & More
Marital Status
Single
Marriage Date
Unknown
Affairs or dating history
None
Net worth 2025
$10 million
As of December 2025, it’s estimated that Mike James has a net worth of about $10 million. He didn’t come into the league with lottery-pick hype or a Nike commercial—but he’s now one of the highest-paid players in European basketball. From France to Russia to quick NBA stints, James has turned buckets into bank accounts. Let’s break it all down.
AS Monaco: The Big Payday
When Mike James signed with AS Monaco in 2021, it was a game-changer. By 2024, after leading the team to a historic EuroLeague Final Four and becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer, Monaco rewarded him with a massive three-year contract extension.
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Deal: 3 years, reportedly worth $9 million total
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Annual salary: Around $3 million per year, net
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Length: Through the 2026–27 season
And here’s the kicker—Monaco’s tax system is super friendly for athletes. That $3 million goes a lot further than it would in places like Spain or Italy, where half your check can vanish into taxes.
His EuroLeague Journey: Big Stops, Bigger Checks
CSKA Moscow (2019–2021)
Mike signed with Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow, one of the wealthiest clubs outside the NBA. In 2020, he locked in a three-year extension reportedly paying around €2.5 million a year.
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Total earnings: Estimated $5–6 million
He was later released in 2021 after a fallout with the coach—but not before cashing in.
Olimpia Milano (2018–2019)
Before Russia, James played in Italy for Olimpia Milano, where he led the league in scoring and impact.
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Contract: Two-year deal worth €5.9 million
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Annual salary: Approx. $3.25 million
Even though he didn’t finish the second year, he earned his cut and raised his stock across Europe.
🇺🇸 NBA Earnings: Short Runs, Solid Payouts
Mike James’ NBA journey was short but significant. He made history with the first-ever two-way contract to be converted to a standard NBA deal without G-League time.
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Phoenix Suns (2017–18): Earned approx. $1.3 million
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New Orleans Pelicans (2018): A 10-day contract worth $83,000
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Brooklyn Nets (2021): Rest-of-season deal worth around $198,000
🧾 Total NBA earnings: Roughly $1.6 million
Not life-changing by NBA standards, but it added to his brand and helped boost his value in Europe.
Endorsements: Bonus Cash from Brand Deals
Unlike many EuroLeague players, James has managed to attract brand attention. He’s often seen in Nike shoes and gear, suggesting a sponsorship or affiliate deal.
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Sneaker deals: Nike-affiliated
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Apparel & brand promos: Select features across European platforms
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Estimated earnings: Around $150K–300K per year from endorsements
Over time, these have likely added $1 million+ to his career total.
Total Career Earnings Breakdown
| Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| AS Monaco (2021–2027) | $12–15 million |
| CSKA Moscow (2019–2021) | $5–6 million |
| Olimpia Milano (2018–2019) | $3–3.5 million |
| Early Euro teams (2012–2018) | ~$1.5–2 million |
| NBA stints (2017–2021) | ~$1.6 million |
| Endorsements | ~$1 million |
✅ Estimated total career earnings: $25–29 million
Source of Income – Playing Basketball
Pets
