Basket rumors

01/07/202609:43

Nick Weiler-Babb’s future heats up as ASVEL open talks

Nick Weiler-Babb’s future is becoming a major EuroLeague storyline. According to Eurohoops, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, ASVEL Villeurbanne are exploring a move for the Anadolu Efes guard despite his contract with the Turkish club.

Weiler-Babb, an American player with a German passport, is reportedly already in negotiations with the French side. Barcelona are also in the background, having shown interest as they prepare for major changes in their backcourt.

The 1995-born guard was named EuroLeague Best Defender last season. He averaged 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 11 PIR per game.

01/07/202609:19

Shaquielle McKissic signs with Türk Telekom after six seasons at Olympiacos

Shaquielle McKissic is a new Türk Telekom player. The Turkish club announced the signing of the American swingman, who will wear the Ankara team’s jersey next season.

McKissic brings speed, energy and major international experience. He previously played in Italy with Pesaro before spending six seasons with Olympiacos.

With the Greek powerhouse, McKissic won the latest EuroLeague title while averaging 4.3 points per game in the competition. He will now begin a new chapter in Turkey.

30/06/202616:15

Galatasaray closing in on Sehmus Hazer after Anadolu Efes exit

Sehmus Hazer is expected to remain in Istanbul while changing clubs this summer. According to BasketNews, the Turkish international guard has exercised the exit clause in his contract with Anadolu Efes and is set to join Galatasaray.

The 27-year-old is reportedly close to signing a two-year contract that includes an opt-out clause after the first season, with terms that would make him one of the three highest-paid Turkish players in the domestic league.

Hazer has steadily established himself as one of the country’s top guards, impressing both at club level and with the Turkish national team thanks to his versatility and two-way impact.

30/06/202615:10

Barcelona close to signing EuroCup standout Umoja Gibson

Barcelona are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign Umoja Gibson following his impressive EuroCup campaign with Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana.

According to BasketNews, the 27-year-old guard is nearing an agreement with the Spanish powerhouse after establishing himself as one of the competition’s top performers. Although American-born, Gibson holds a Bulgarian passport, allowing him to count as an EU player under ACB regulations.

He narrowly missed a spot on the All-EuroCup Team after averaging 15.9 points, 4.9 assists, 2.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals and a 17.2 PIR while shooting 38% from three-point range.

29/06/202622:53

Reyer Venezia close to signing Sir’Jabari Rice

Reyer Venezia are close to completing a double signing in their backcourt. According to Giuseppe Malaguti of Sportando, the Italian side has all but finalized deals for Glynn Watson and Sir’Jabari Rice.

Rice, a 1998-born guard, is coming off an impressive season split between Nymburk and Andorra, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills.

By adding Watson and Rice, Venezia aim to build a dynamic and versatile perimeter rotation for the upcoming campaign. Both guards can handle the ball, create offense for themselves and teammates, and fit the up-tempo style the club wants to play next season.

29/06/202622:39

Olimpia Milano reportedly monitoring Simone Fontecchio

“Olimpia Milano monitoring Fontecchio.” That is the headline chosen today by ANSA in its report on the official signing of Jason Burnell by the Italian club.

The news agency also recalls a recent market detail: head coach Peppe Poeta and Simone Fontecchio were together on the Greek island of Paros for the wedding of former Olimpia Milano forward Bruno Cerella.

Not only that. Poeta was also pictured in a photo with the caption “I love him”, referring to Fontecchio, which ANSA interpreted as “a clear sign of Milano’s intentions in the transfer market.”

Simone Fontecchio therefore remains one of the biggest names linked with Olimpia Milano, which continues to build its roster after announcing the signing of Jason Burnell.

29/06/202621:26

Pedro Martínez set to replace Sergio Scariolo as Real Madrid head coach

Pedro Martínez is reportedly on the verge of becoming the new head coach of Real Madrid. According to Marca, the Spanish powerhouse is prepared to pay his €1 million release clause to Valencia Basket and offer him a three-year contract.

Martínez would replace Sergio Scariolo on the Real Madrid bench ahead of the new season. The veteran coach is coming off a remarkable campaign with Valencia, leading the club to its first-ever EuroLeague Final Four appearance while also winning the Spanish Super Cup and Liga Endesa title.

His attractive playing style and extensive experience made him one of the most sought-after coaches in European basketball.

29/06/202620:13

Maxi Kleber eyes EuroLeague return after nine NBA seasons

Maxi Kleber appears ready to return to Europe after nine NBA seasons. According to BasketNews, the 34-year-old German forward-center is actively exploring the European market, with the EuroLeague emerging as the most likely destination for the next chapter of his career.

Kleber finished the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers after spending eight years with the Dallas Mavericks, helping Dallas reach the 2024 NBA Finals.

He averaged 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 11 minutes per game last season. Before moving to the NBA, Kleber played for Würzburg, Obradoiro, and Bayern Munich, earning All-EuroCup Second Team honors during the 2016-17 campaign.

29/06/202617:50

Valencia Basket part ways with Darius Thompson after contract termination

Valencia Basket has officially announced that it has reached an agreement with Darius Thompson to terminate the remaining two years of his contract. His future is with Olimpia Milano.

The American point guard with an Italian passport leaves the club after being part of the roster that secured the first domestic double in the history of Valencia’s men’s first team: the Liga Endesa and the Endesa Supercopa.

Valencia thanked Thompson for his professionalism, commitment and work throughout his time with the club.

Thompson joined Valencia Basket in the summer of 2025 from Anadolu Efes Istanbul and made 76 appearances in the orange jersey.

He averaged 8.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 8.9 PIR, while shooting 36.6 percent from three-point range.

29/06/202610:24

Nikola Mirotic expected to leave Monaco: Efes, Fenerbahce, Partizan and Tel Aviv options mentioned

Nikola Mirotic is expected to leave Monaco this summer. According to BasketNews, the club’s financial crisis could lead to several high-profile departures, including the veteran Montenegrin forward.

Mirotic joined Monaco from Olimpia Milano with the goal of helping the club chase its first EuroLeague title, but the season became complicated by financial issues, Vassilis Spanoulis’ departure, injuries and a shortened rotation.

The forward averaged 11 points and 3.4 rebounds in 19 minutes per game across 31 EuroLeague appearances, shooting 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range.

Among the most intriguing destinations are the Istanbul powerhouses: Anadolu Efes, Fenerbahce and even Besiktas, which could try to make a statement signing after securing a EuroLeague spot.

Partizan Belgrade is another name to monitor, especially after Mirotic came close to joining the Serbian club three years ago before eventually signing with Milan. Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv are also mentioned as teams capable of meeting his financial demands.

A more romantic but purely hypothetical option would be a hometown return to Buducnost Podgorica, the club from Mirotic’s birthplace. It would be a poetic final chapter, although for now it remains a long shot.

29/06/202610:16

Real Madrid could move on from Scariolo, Itoudis emerges as top target

Sergio Scariolo’s future on the Real Madrid bench may no longer be guaranteed. According to Mundo Deportivo, the return of Juan Carlos Sánchez as the strong man of the basketball section has not fully removed doubts about the Italian coach’s position.

A trophyless season and conversations with players have reportedly led Real Madrid to seriously consider a coaching change, despite Scariolo still having two years left on his contract and the significant compensation that would come with a dismissal.

According to Encestando, Paco Redondo, former assistant to Pablo Laso and Chus Mateo, is one possible replacement. However, Mundo Deportivo reports that Dimitris Itoudis is the preferred option, with early contacts already taking place. The Greek coach is currently with Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Real Madrid are also active on the player market. Marca mentions French forward Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot, from Baskonia, and American guard with Slovak passport David DeJulius, from UCAM Murcia, as targets for the Spanish powerhouse.

29/06/202609:16

Virtus Bologna, Carr and Bello to lead the new coaching staff: Baldasso set to sign

Virtus Bologna is undergoing a transformation, starting with the point guard position. According to QS Resto Bologna, the black-and-white club is set to rely on a North American duo consisting of Marcus Carr and Rasheed Bello, with Davide Casarin poised to carve out a role among the perimeter players.

Carr, a Canadian coming off a stint in Würzburg, is now in the final stages of negotiations and could round out a point guard rotation that has already been reshaped following Bello’s arrival. Alex Mumbrú’s new direction thus marks a clear departure from the years of the Italian duo Pajola-Hackett, although Daniel Hackett has been confirmed in a role more focused on leadership, defense, and experience.

On the perimeter, only the official announcement for Tommaso Baldasso is pending, while under the basket, Kevin Kokila will split minutes with Aliou Diarra and Momo Diouf. The starting guard, a forward, and the sixth Italian player still need to be determined.

For the forward position, Virtus is looking for a player capable of complementing Derrick Alston Jr., alternating between the three and four positions. Mumbrú and Paolo Ronci continue to work on a roster that is taking shape with a clear philosophy: more athleticism, more versatility, and a new playmaking style.

29/06/202609:07

Real Madrid make huge push for Jaime Pradilla in €11 million operation

Real Madrid are making a major push to sign Jaime Pradilla. According to Marca, the Spanish powerhouse is ready to pay his €1.5 million buyout clause to Valencia Basket and offer the player a five-year contract.

The total operation would reportedly reach around €11 million, a massive investment for Real Madrid’s basketball section and one personally approved by president Florentino Perez.

Pradilla, 25, was one of the key players in Valencia Basket’s outstanding season, which included the Supercopa, the Liga Endesa title and a EuroLeague semifinal run. The final decision, however, belongs to the player, as Valencia are reportedly willing to match both the salary and the length of Real Madrid’s offer.

His profile is especially appreciated by Sergio Scariolo, who knows him well from the Spanish national team and views him as an ideal fit because of his age, talent, versatility and Spanish passport.

Last season, Pradilla averaged 10.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 0.9 steals in Liga Endesa, while adding 6.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists in EuroLeague.

28/06/202616:44

Lakers showed interest in Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware before Austin Reaves deal

The Los Angeles Lakers showed interest in Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware before the latest market developments.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, before Herro joined the Milwaukee Bucks in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade and before the Lakers agreed to a four-year, $185 million max deal with Austin Reaves, Los Angeles had trade discussions involving Herro and Ware.

The potential deal would have included multiple first-round draft picks. The Lakers eventually moved forward by securing Reaves on a new max contract.

28/06/202616:11

Aaron Gordon linked to Celtics, Blazers and Heat trade interest

Aaron Gordon is among the names being monitored on the NBA trade market.

According to HoopsHype, the Miami Heat considered the Denver Nuggets forward as a contingency plan if they were unable to land Giannis Antetokounmpo via trade.

The Portland Trail Blazers have also expressed trade interest in Gordon if they fail to land Jaylen Brown, their preferred target. The Boston Celtics have also reportedly kept tabs on Gordon from afar.

28/06/202616:08

Partizan reportedly have exit clause in Shake Milton’s contract

Shake Milton appears to be on his way out of Partizan Belgrade.

According to Sport Klub, following information also reported by Mozzart Sport, Milton’s contract includes a clause that would allow Partizan to terminate the deal in a relatively painless way.

The key date would be July 10: by paying Milton $1 million, the club could release him without having to cover his full $1.6 million salary.

Partizan would be giving up a player with significant upside, but according to the report the club no longer wants to take the risk of keeping him, regardless of his potential to become one of the top guards in Europe.

28/06/202614:44

Real Madrid consider Paco Redondo as possible Scariolo replacement

Sergio Scariolo’s future as Real Madrid head coach remains uncertain despite having two more years left on his contract.

According to Javier Maestro, after Juan Carlos Sánchez returned to lead the basketball department and Sergio Rodríguez and Martynas Pocius stepped down, the club is now approaching key decisions. A trophyless season and internal issues with the Italian coach are reportedly weighing on the evaluation.

If Real Madrid decide to part ways with Scariolo, Paco Redondo is currently viewed as the leading candidate for the bench. Redondo previously spent ten years with the club as an assistant to Pablo Laso and Chus Mateo and is now working with the Spanish Federation.

On the market, Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot is also under consideration. The French wing is out of contract with Baskonia and has reportedly received strong offers from Barcelona and ASVEL, while Fenerbahce are also interested.

28/06/202611:26

Official: Bonzie Colson returns to Maccabi Tel Aviv

Maccabi Tel Aviv have officially signed forward Bonzie Colson to a two-year contract, marking his return to the club after a successful spell at Fenerbahce Beko, where he won the 2025 EuroLeague.

Colson previously spent two seasons with Maccabi, becoming a key fan favourite and helping the team win two domestic league titles and a State Cup, while also coming close twice to reaching the EuroLeague Final Four under coach Oded Kattash. His return is described as a “full circle” moment both for the player and the club.

“I am incredibly happy and grateful to be reunited with my Maccabi family,” Bonzi Colson commented on the official website. “From the moment I left, this club, the fans and the city of Tel Aviv have always had a special place in my heart. I want to thank the owners, the management and the professional staff for trusting me and for making this return possible. I am excited and ready to start working and creating more special memories together. See you soon”

 

28/06/202611:16

D.J. Stewart Jr joins Baskonia on Two-Year Deal

Baskonia have secured the services of D.J. Stewart Jr. on a two-year contract.

The 26-year-old guard becomes the first signing of coach Paolo Galbiati’s new project.

Stewart Jr. has spent the last three seasons with Cedevita Olimpija.

In last season’s EuroCup, the Mississippi State product averaged 13.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals (against 1.1 turnovers), shooting 53% from the field, 40% from three-point range and 74% from the free-throw line.

28/06/202610:52

Reyer Venezia Reportedly Close to Signing Glynn Watson

Reyer Venezia are reportedly finalizing the signing of Glynn Watson, according to BasketNews.

The 29-year-old point guard out of Nebraska is expected to replace RJ Cole, who is set to join Olimpia Milano, in coach Neven Spahija’s backcourt.

Watson made his EuroLeague debut with ASVEL last season, averaging 14.2 points, 3.1 assists and 25 minutes per game while shooting 45% from the field, 42% from three-point range and 83% from the free-throw line.

He finished among the EuroLeague’s top 20 scorers, and among the competition’s most prolific three-point shooters .

Only Facundo Campazzo matched his efficiency from beyond the arc among the top 30 players in three-pointers made.

28/06/202609:00

Tony Parker Reveals ASVEL’s First Five Signings for 2026-27 Season

During an interview with L’Équipe following the announcement of his appointment as ASVEL’s new head coach, Tony Parker revealed the club’s first five signings for the upcoming season.

Parker described former Zalgiris guard Sylvain Francisco as his top target, calling him the ‘franchise player’ he wanted to build around and praising the guard’s “French DNA.” He also highlighted the arrival of veteran center Daniel Theis, emphasizing the leadership and experience he will bring to the locker room.

The ASVEL legend went on to describe Armoni Brooks as one of the EuroLeague’s top guards before confirming that the club has also completed deals for Nick Weiler-Babb and Both Gach.

ASVEL will have a €20 million budget dedicated exclusively to player salaries.

 

27/06/202608:43

Anthony Lamb signs with Turk Telekom

Anthony Lamb has joined Turk Telekom Ankara for the upcoming season, as announced by the Turkish club.

The forward arrives in the BSL after spending last year with Hapoel Jerusalem, where he averaged 7.8 points, 5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game across the Winner League and EuroCup.

27/06/202608:31

Brancou Badio Reportedly Set to Join Panathinaikos

The new Panathinaikos led by coach Željko Obradović has reached an agreement with Valencia to bring Brancou Badio to Greece.

According to Sportal, the Greek club has finalized a deal for the 27-year-old Senegalese guard, who was one of the standout performers in Valencia’s impressive season.

Panathinaikos are reportedly paying a significant buyout to secure Badio’s release from the Spanish club.

In the EuroLeague, Badio averaged 11.2 points and 2.2 assists in 20 minutes per game, establishing himself as one of Valencia’s key contributors throughout the campaign.

26/06/202619:26

Sergio Scariolo’s future at Real Madrid no longer certain

Sergio Scariolo’s continuity as Real Madrid head coach is no longer as certain as it seemed a few weeks ago.

According to Nacho Duque of Marca, changes in the basketball department’s front office have altered the situation. The return of Juan Carlos Sánchez to a leading role, together with the departures of Paco Robles, Sergio Rodríguez and Martynas Pocius, has put the matter back in play.

Scariolo had initially been backed by Florentino Pérez despite a trophyless season. The Italian coach still has two years left on his contract, and a potential dismissal would carry a significant cost, reportedly around five million euros.

Another possible move being discussed inside the club is the return of Alberto Herreros, who could once again take charge of signings, with Rudy Fernández working alongside him in a supporting role.

26/06/202619:07

Besiktas close to two-year extension with Dusan Alimpijevic

After securing a spot in the 2026-27 EuroLeague, Besiktas are close to reaching a new agreement with Dusan Alimpijevic.

According to Semih Tuna of Eurohoops, the Turkish club is nearing a two-year contract extension with the Serbian head coach. Alimpijevic’s current deal was set to expire in the summer of 2027.

Alimpijevic joined Besiktas in the summer of 2023 and has led the Black Eagles to six finals in three seasons: two Turkish League Finals, one EuroCup Final, two Turkish Cup Finals and one Presidential Cup Final.

26/06/202615:36

Umana Reyer Extends Head Coach Neven Spahija Through Fifth Consecutive Season

Umana Reyer Venezia is pleased to announce the contract extension of head coach Neven Spahija, who will lead the men’s first team for a fifth consecutive season.

Having joined the club in February 2023, Spahija has brought his extensive international experience to the organization, instilling a strong technical and competitive identity while guiding the team to an exciting Italian League Finals appearance.

To date, the Croatian coach has already led Reyer in 197 official games.

The confirmation of Coach Spahija represents a clear sign of continuity, stability, and confidence in the path the club has undertaken, fully aligned with the organization’s ambitions.

“I am very happy and proud to continue this journey with Umana Reyer. I would like to thank the ownership and management for renewing their trust in me,” said Spahija. “This is a very important club that continues to grow every year and can count on extraordinary fans. The season that has just ended brought us great satisfaction, but at the same time it showed us that we now have even greater responsibilities for the future. The Italian league is becoming increasingly competitive, with many strong teams making significant investments, but I am convinced that by working together with ownership, management, and the entire staff, we will be able to build the best team possible and continue along the path we have started.”

At the same time, Umana Reyer also confirms the entire coaching staff alongside the head coach for next season: assistant coaches Emanuele Molin and Alberto Billio, as well as player development coach Veljko Perovic.

The head coach expressed great satisfaction regarding the continuity of the staff:

“I am also very happy to continue this project together with the coaching staff, medical staff, and all the professionals who work every day for Reyer. Over these years, we have built a group of highly valuable people whom I deeply respect, and I believe that continuity in our work is one of the most important elements in continuing to grow and face new challenges.”

26/06/202612:43

Ettore Messina leaves Olimpia Milano after seven years

Ettore Messina is leaving Olimpia Milano after seven years. According to ANSA, Messina himself announced the decision during the EuroLeague board meeting.

His tenure with the 32-time Italian champion club now comes to an end. Messina had already stepped down as head coach last November, while remaining with the organization in an executive role.

During the Messina era, Olimpia Milano won 10 trophies, including 4 Italian league titles.

26/06/202611:11

Jean Montero hints at Valencia exit: “Our paths may part”

Jean Montero has hinted that his future may be away from Valencia Basket after leading the club to the second Spanish League title in its history.

During the trophy celebrations at Roig Arena, with fans chanting for him to stay, Montero said: “I’ve given everything I had for the club, for all of you, for the love of the sport, of basketball.”

Then came the key line: “Valencia will always live in my heart, and even though our paths may have to part, Valencia will always be in my heart.” The 22-year-old enjoyed a standout EuroLeague season, averaging 14.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.1 steals, while also winning the Rising Star award.

26/06/202609:41

Unicaja Malaga closing in on Cameron Hunt

Cameron Hunt is close to joining Unicaja Malaga as the Spanish club moves forward in negotiations for the 2026-27 season.

According to La Opinión de Málaga, the deal is entering its final stages. Hunt still has one year left on his contract with Joventut Badalona, but his agreement includes a $200,000 buyout clause, around €175,000, which Unicaja is willing to pay.

The American guard, who had also been on Virtus Bologna’s radar, has reportedly placed Malaga at the top of his preferences. Last season with Joventut, he averaged 15.6 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists in ACB, plus 13.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists in BCL.

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