Guard Nick Calathes, a 6-foot-6 MVP candidate for EuroLeague power Panathinaikos of Athens, plans to rejoin the NBA as a free agent this summer, sources told ESPN.

One of the EuroLeague's finest playmaking guards, Calathes is expected to attract significant NBA interest as a backup point guard.

Calathes, 29, has hired James Dunleavy of ISE to serve as his agent, sources said.

Nick Calathes played two seasons with the Grizzlies before turning down a new deal to sign in Greece in 2015. AP Photo/Don Ryan

After two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, Calathes turned down a new deal in 2015 and instead returned to Greece for a second stint with Panathinaikos. This season, Calathes has averaged 14.5 points, eight assists and four rebounds per game.

The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Calathes out of Florida with the 45th overall pick in 2009, and his rights were traded to the Dallas Mavericks. He spent three seasons with Panathinaikos before joining the Grizzlies in 2013 following a trade with the Mavs.

Calathes, a Florida native, holds a dual United States-Greece citizenship and has made playing in Athens a lucrative financial endeavor.

Calathes was an All-SEC performer in his two years for Florida under coach Billy Donovan, before leaving to sign in Europe after his sophomore season in 2009.