Armoni Brooks ad Olimpia Milano. The player: “They had other priorities.” Baiesi: “Others were put on hold while waiting for his response.”

Armoni Brooks has spoken about his departure from Olimpia Milano, while Daniele Baiesi addressed the matter when asked a direct question on the sidelines of Luca Banchi’s introductory press conference. But what exactly happened? Let’s take a closer look.

Armoni Brooks’ comments

Armoni Brooks, who was back in Milan last week for Valencia’s game against Olimpia, also discussed his departure from the Italian club in an interview with Backdoor Podcast. “It was a long process. I loved Milan and I would have loved to stay. I was really proud of what my teammates and I had accomplished last season, as well as my individual performances.

I felt that the way I had played and the season I had put together had earned me a place among the team’s most important players. I believed I had reached that level, but apparently some people within the organization didn’t see things the same way. The club decided to prioritize signing other players. It was a decision I didn’t agree with and wasn’t happy about, but I had to respect it. I still love Milan, the fans, the coaching staff and my former teammates. At the end of the day, though, you have to accept that this is also a business.

I then decided to join ASVEL, but some things happened there that I’d rather not go into. Eventually, I ended up in Valencia, and I’m really happy to be here. I love the coaching staff, my teammates, the city and the fans. I think that, in the end, everything worked out the way it was supposed to.”

Watch the full interview on YouTube

According to information obtained and reported by ROM and Sportando over the past weeks and months, retaining Armoni Brooks was Olimpia Milano’s top offseason priority, ahead of Zach LeDay and Shavon Shields. However, the club had to wait a long time for Brooks to communicate his financial expectations.

Daniele Baiesi’s response

Daniele Baiesi’s comments, made in response to a specific question from ROM, appear to support that account. “We put someone who had made history at this club on hold while waiting for Brooks to answer one very specific question: tell me what you want in order to stay.

I was never given a number (meaning a salary demand, editor’s note). Ownership knows that, Christos Stavropoulos knows that (Stavropoulos, sitting next to Baiesi, nodded in agreement, editor’s note), and everyone involved knows it. I don’t want to stir up any controversy. I’m happy Brooks is doing well because he’s a great guy. But beyond a certain point, the decisions are ultimately up to the individuals themselves.”