Furkan Korkmaz, one of Monaco’s key off-season additions, is expected to leave the club, according to BasketNews.
The 27-year-old Turkish NBA veteran has appeared in just three EuroLeague games this season, averaging 4.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in under 12 minutes.
Due to injuries and limited playing time, Korkmaz is now available for transfer before the EuroLeague deadline.
According to Javier Maestro, Fenerbahce is targeting Jean Montero from Valencia Basket to strengthen their point guard position after losing Wilbekin and Zagars.
The young Dominican has been excelling in the Eurocup (12 points and 5 assists) and ACB (14 points and 5 assists).
According to Walla, Wenyen Gabriel’s transfer from Maccabi Tel Aviv to Panathinaikos is nearing completion.
Despite resistance from Maccabi’s coaching staff, the Greek team offered compensation to replace the injured Mathias Lessort, sidelined for at least four months.
This move would leave Maccabi with only one available center, Trevion Williams, recently signed.
Maccabi Tel Aviv is divided on Wenyen Gabriel’s future. Coach Oded Kattash stated: “I don’t think we’re in a position to release players. On the contrary, we need to expand the rotation.”
However, some in management prefer to save his salary and consider an offer from Panathinaikos, who are interested in the South Sudanese center.
Meanwhile, the club is seeking an experienced European guard, though efforts to find a suitable candidate have so far been unsuccessful.
Ergin Ataman calls the market after Mathias Lessort’s injury: «I don’t know if Mathias will join the team for the final part of the season. Our managers are working in the market and I hope that in 1-2 days, maximum Tuesday, that player will be here in OAKA because we’re playing a very important game this Friday and we need one more athletic center»
«Our GM [Sani Becirovic] is working and I hope tomorrow we’ll have an answer from one of our candidates. At this point, we need a player urgently. We have 3-4 names we’re talking with at the same time».
The arrival of Trevion Williams at Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv could help Panathinaikos: according to Shot Vetakis‘ report on his X account, the Greens’ number one target is Maccabi’s Wenyen Gabriel. The South Sudanese could be on his way out following the arrival of the former Alba Berlin centre in Israel, so the domino effect could already be in action.
Wenyen Gabriel is 27 years old and averages 5.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in the EuroLeague. He could be the man to replace Mathias Lessort following his serious injury.
According to Daniele Labanti, Reyer Venezia has reached an agreement with Virtus Bologna to bring Rayjon Tucker back to the team.
Tucker’s experience in Bologna will end with 3.7 points in just under 10 minutes per game between LBA and Euroleague.
Virtus is expected to return to the market to strengthen the backcourt.
Tucker in 2023/24 produced averages of 14.5 points and 4.1 rebounds between LBA and Eurocup with Reyer Venezia, shooting 49% from the field, 35% from three and 75% from the foul line.
#Virtus 🚨 Dopo la vittoria contro il Barcellona, il secondo regalo di Natale è la cessione definita di Tucker a Venezia. Affare fatto. Ci saranno dunque delle piccole risorse per tornare sul mercato.
👉🏻 @corrierebologna— Daniele Labanti (@DLabanti) December 20, 2024
According to BasketNews, Real Madrid is exploring the NBA market to bolster their roster, with 27-year-old point guard Dennis Smith Jr. among the potential targets. Selected 9th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, Smith Jr. has played 326 NBA games (154 starts), averaging 9.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
Currently playing for the Wisconsin Herd in the G League, Smith Jr. aims to secure an NBA roster spot but could consider a move to the EuroLeague to reignite his career. Real Madrid, struggling with one of their worst EuroLeague starts (8 wins in 17 games), seeks reinforcements to climb the standings.
Theo Maledon is reportedly Real Madrid ‘s main target to strengthen the backcourt, according to Marca.
The French point guard, who recently helped Asvel beat the Blancos with a 23-point, 7-assist effort, is second in Euroleague in PIR and fourth in points per game.
Real Madrid reportedly offered a buyout plus guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes, with the intention of locking up Maledon with a multi-year deal.
The intentions of the 23-year-old Asvel talent, who will surely have a number of options (NBA included…) after such a great season, are still unclear.
Real Madrid is working to add a big man and a guard to the roster, according to reports from Encestando.
In the frontcourt, the Blancos would have strong interest in Bruno Caboclo, but for now Hapoel Tel Aviv has not expressed any intention to let him leave.
In the backcourt, Real Madrid is looking for a replacement for Xavier Rathan-Mayes, who recently fell out of coach Mateo’s rotation.
According to Eurohoops, Bruno Caboclo’s agent has revealed offers from Real Madrid and Panathinaikos for the player, currently at Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Caboclo complains of insufficient minutes (11 minutes in the last EuroCup game), and the agent stated that a transfer could be concluded within 72 hours.
However, Hapoel’s general manager denied having received any official offers.
Napoli Basket is trying to bring Jacob Pullen, a key player in last season’s Italian Cup success, back to town.
The experienced guard is under contract with Verona, where he is producing 17.5 points and 2.6 assists per game in A2.
The news was reported by Andrea Esposito.
UPDATE.
Superbasket reports a deal has been finalized for the trade between Pullen and guard Zach Copeland.
The club today announced the return of another star player from last year, Crotian forward Tomislav Zubcic.
Xavier Rathan-Mayes, a Real Madrid guard, has been excluded from Chus Mateo’s tactical plans after the loss to Zalgiris, following inconsistent performances (averaging 6.7 points and 1.5 assists).
He was benched in the subsequent wins against Breogán and Paris, with Hugo González stepping into his role.
The decision, purely technical, highlights ongoing changes aimed at reviving Real Madrid during a challenging period. It remains to be seen if Rathan-Mayes will regain a spot in the team.
Egor Koulechov is a new player of Hapoel Jerusalem, as announced by the Israeli team.
The 30-year-old guard with Russian and Israeli passport signed a three-month contract.
Koulechov started the season in the VTB League with Avtodor Saratov.
הפועל ״בנק יהב״ ירושלים שמחה להודיע על החתמתו של הגארד/פורוורד איגור קולשוב (30, 1.96) על חוזה לשלושה חודשים עם אופציה עד סוף העונה. קולשוב פתח את העונה הנוכחית באבוטדור סראטוב ברוסיה ויצטרף לאימוני הקבוצה מייד כשתחזור מגרמניה.
מאמן הקבוצה יונתן אלון אמר: ״איגור יוסיף לנו עומק,… pic.twitter.com/BM9lYRWOrF
— Hapoel Jerusalem BC (@JerusalemBasket) December 16, 2024
Jalen Jones is a new Kolossos H Hotels player, as announced by the Greek club.
The forward started the season in the Venezuelan league with the Distrito Capital Spartans, (9.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 18 games).
Galatasaray is close to finalizing the signing of Michael Young to strengthen the frontcourt, according to Eurohoops.
The Pittsburgh product started the season in South Korea with Anyang KGC (6.8 points in 13 minutes per game in KBL).
Young previously defended also the colors of Bursaspor and Kawasaki Brave Thunders.
Nikola Mirotic returns to Barcelona and gives an interview to Jose Huguet of Mundo Deportivo, to whom he told two seasons ago the break with the blaugrana club. Here are some statements.
ON HIS RETURN TO THE PALAU
‘I feel very excited, first of all to return to Barcelona and then because I am coming back to play here’.
ON HIS FAREWELL TO BARCELONA
‘I wasn’t the one making the decisions, people know I wanted to stay but it wasn’t possible. Obviously they had an obligation on my contract, full stop. It’s difficult for many people to understand, but that’s what happened’.
ON THE SUMMER OF FAREWELL
‘I will be very clear and very direct. What had to happen happened. It is very difficult to explain it, the important thing is how it turned out…. I trust God a lot, you know, and I believe that God puts everyone in their place. And I think my place was Olimpia Milano’.
ON HIS CONDITION
‘Is the best Mirotic back? I think so, but it’s thanks to the team and the coach, who put me in the best condition. My numbers count for nothing if the team is not in a good position. I feel physically well and I’m playing the best basketball of my career’.
ON HIS CONTRACT
‘Well, I signed a two plus one, this year I have an option to leave. Maybe in the summer I’m free’.
ON THE FUTURE
‘In life anything can happen. I keep the door open for Barça. Why not?’
Olympiacos has announced the arrival of Nathan Mensah.
The 26-year-old Ghanaian center signed a contract until the end of the season, with an option to extend for another year.
Mensah – 25 games in the NBA with the Hornets in 2023/24- was playing in G League with the Austin Spurs (5.4 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks in 21 minutes per game).
The former San Diego State will bolster the Reds’ frontcourt, now shorthanded after injuries to Wright and Fall.
✍️🏽 Η ΚΑΕ Ολυμπιακός ανακοινώνει την απόκτηση του Νέιθαν Μενσά.#OlympiacosBC #WeAreOlympiacos #TogetherWeFighthttps://t.co/KtOQkzw9Mm
— Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) December 11, 2024
The New York Knicks acquired the draft rights to Nigerian player James Nnaji in a trade involving the Timberwolves and Hornets. Despite speculation, head coach Tom Thibodeau expressed admiration for Nnaji, seeing him as a talent to watch for the future. However, with an already crowded frontcourt rotation, Nnaji’s role with the Knicks remains uncertain and he could serve more as a trade asset.
Currently on loan to Girona, Nnaji is gaining valuable playing time, averaging 7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. His contract with Barcelona runs until 2027, but his NBA future might hinge on his performance in the next Summer League, where Thibodeau has shown interest in seeing him play.
Baskonia’s Nigerian player, Chima Moneke, has addressed the rumors suggesting he might leave the Basque team. Amid an inconsistent season with Baskonia out of the Liga Endesa Playoffs and EuroLeague play-in spots, speculation grew, especially after an ambiguous Instagram post.
Speaking on the Triple Threat Show podcast, Moneke made it clear he intends to honor his contract until the end of the season: “I’m not going anywhere. I have a valid contract until the summer, and I will fulfill it.” He also confirmed that he will explore his options as a free agent only after the season ends.
Chima Moneke: “I’m not going nowhere. I’m finishing my contract with Baskonia. I’ll be a free agent this summer and we’ll go from there.” pic.twitter.com/DlLlIjNKdm
— Dionysis Aravantinos (@AravantinosDA) December 10, 2024
Lavrio has announced an agreement with Kevaughn Allen for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season.
The former Florida guard arrives from BC Athletic Constanta (Romania), where he was producing 15.6 points, 2.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game.
Maccabi Tel Aviv is reportedly in advanced talks with Tyler Cook, according to Matteo Andreani.
The Israeli team is forced to return to the market after the injury to Jasiel Rivero, who will be out for more than a month.
Cook started the season in Turkey with Merkezefendi, scoring 16.8 points (63% FG, 59% FT) with 6.9 rebounds in 28 minutes per game.
Trapani Shark is happy to announce the contract extension of Justin Robinson until June 2026.
Robinson is one of the mainstays of the Trapani Shark’s wonderful season so far, he was voted LBA MVP for the month of November and in the first 10 games he averaged 17 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists.
Napoli Basket announced the arrival of guard Malik Newman.
Newman started the season in CBA with Jilin Northeast, scoring 14.6 points in 23 minutes per game.
With Moses Wright sidelined for the season and Mustafa Fall injured, Olympiacos is seeking reinforcements in the paint. According to “Sport24,” their top target is Trevion Williams of Alba Berlin. Williams, last season’s top rebounder in EuroCup and the Bundesliga, has seen his role diminish with the arrival of David McCormack and may be open to a transfer.
Filou Oostende has announced the signing of E.J. Anosike.
The forward returns to BNXT, where last year in Liege he produced over 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists per game.
Filou Oostende heeft zich versterkt met forward E.J. Anosike. Hij moet de komende maanden helpen de blessures van Joppe Mennes en Pierre-Antoine Gillet op te vangen.
Anosike is geen onbekende en kwam vorig seizoen uit voor Luik. pic.twitter.com/0LxojZLclr
— Filou Oostende (@FILOU_Oostende) December 6, 2024
Virtus Pallacanestro Bologna S.p.A. announces that Luca Banchi has resigned as Head Coach of the First Team at the end of the EuroLeague game with Alba Berlin.
On behalf of the entire club, a heartfelt thank you goes out to Luca for the work he has done in recent months and best of luck for the continuation of his professional career.
Pallacanestro Varese and Gabe Brown have agreed to part ways, the italian team announced.
The forward is expected to join Trapani Shark.
Brown this year produced 11.2 points (39% from long range) per game in LBA.
According to Greek reporter Christhos Tsaltas, several Euroleague teams have reportedly already contacted Reyer Venezia to inquire about Mfiondu Kabengele.
The Italian club, however, has no intention of losing the former Florida State big man, who is expected to stay with Coach Spahija’s group until the end of the season.
Kabengele is currently the best rebounder in both LBA (13.4 per game, plus 14.4 points) and Eurocup (10.4, also 13.4 points pg). In Italy he is also the best by PIR (24.8 per game), while in Europe he is third (21.6 pg) behind Jared Harper and Ante Tomic.
Dusko Ivanovic is the frontrunner to take over as head coach of Virtus Bologna following Luca Banchi’s resignation, as confirmed by Sportando.
My name for the bench of @VirtusSegafredo is Dusko Ivanovic#Devotion #euroleague
— Eurodevotion (@eurodevotion) December 5, 2024
Salgono le quotazioni di Dusko Ivanovic per la panchina della @VirtusSegafredo. Impraticabile la pista Sasa Obradovic, il coach serbo ex Vitoria potrebbe essere disponibile ad accettare un contratto fino al 30 giugno 2025. @EuroLeague.
— SUPERBASKET (@Superbasket_it) December 5, 2024
Born in 1957 in Bijelo Polje, Montenegro, Ivanovic has a decorated coaching career with titles won at Fribourg, Limoges, and Baskonia, his most recent team. The two parties are reportedly working toward an agreement through the end of the season, with an option for an additional year.
The move comes in the wake of Banchi’s departure, and assistant coach Parente is also expected to leave.
