Basket rumors

Pallacanestro Trieste officially signs Lajae Jones

Pallacanestro Trieste has officially announced the signing of Lajae Jones, a 2004-born American forward. Jones joins the Giuliani club after building his entire basketball career in the United States, most recently playing for the Florida State Seminoles in the NCAA before being selected by the Golden State Warriors in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The addition brings talent, defensive solidity and high-level experience to Trieste’s roster for the 2026-27 season.

Michael Arcieri: “A combination of talent, strength and versatility”

Trieste general manager Michael Arcieri praised Jones’ all-around profile.

“Lajae possesses a combination of pure basketball talent, physical strength, power and explosiveness, as well as positional versatility that is rarely found in a single player.

“He is the prototype of what has become known as ‘positionless basketball’: a player who impacts the game every single second — on both ends of the floor, under both baskets, in transition and attacking the rim through traffic.

“His selection in June’s NBA Draft is proof of his hard work, dedication and immense basketball potential. His decision to proudly wear the Trieste jersey and continue his basketball dream and development with us is proof of the great trust he has in our team, our staff, our fans and the potential of a truly special 2026-27 season.

“Our collaboration throughout the season with the Golden State Warriors’ staff regarding Lajae’s development represents an incredibly exciting opportunity for our staff and organization.

“His integration into our roster will be natural: he will be a determining factor both in the guard area and under the basket, playing with and without the ball, enhancing his teammates’ qualities on one possession and attacking the rim with relentless power on the next one.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Lajae and his family into our Biancorossa family and extend our warmest Trieste welcome to him.”

From junior college to Florida State

Born on May 21, 2004, in Neptune Beach, Florida, Lajae Leo Jones stands 2.01 meters tall and weighs 100 kilograms.

His college career included four different programs. After his freshman season with the Tarleton State Texans, Jones established himself at Barton Community College, where he won the national JUCO championship and was named Finals MVP.

He then moved to St. Bonaventure, averaging 10.8 points and 5.8 rebounds as a starter during the 2024-25 season, before completing his college career with the Florida State Seminoles in the ACC.

12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds at Florida State

During the 2025-26 season, Jones averaged 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks in 33 appearances.

He ranked among Florida State’s leading rebounders and led the team in blocks per game, while also earning a spot on the All-ACC Tournament Second Team.

Jones also produced a remarkable 36-point performance featuring 10 three-pointers, matching the Seminoles’ program record for three-pointers in a game.

At the end of the season, he was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 54th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and subsequently played in the NBA Summer League.

A versatile 3-and-D prospect

Jones’ profile is highlighted by his defensive ability across multiple positions, from guard to small forward, as well as his ability to make reads in the low post when switching defensively.

He also showed consistency from the perimeter, qualities that made him one of the most highly regarded NBA prospects in the 3-and-D category during his final college season.

His excellent ball control further complements his profile, with one of the lowest turnover rates among players at his position in NCAA Division I.

Pallacanestro Trieste welcomes Lajae Jones and his family and wishes him a successful 2026-27 season in the Biancorossa jersey.

Lindy Waters III joins Beijing Ducks

Lindy Waters III is a new player of Beijing Ducks, as announced by the Chinese team.

Waters III has spent the last five seasons in the NBA. After three years with the Thunder, the guard also played for the Warriors, Pistons, and Spurs.

In 196 games, Waters III has posted career averages of 4.6 points and 1.7 rebounds in 11 minutes.

Maxima Roma Reach Agreement with Former Nuggets Forward Hunter Tyson

According to Superbasket, Maxima Roma has reached an agreement with Hunter Tyson to strengthen their frontcourt.

The 26-year-old power forward was still a free agent after spending three seasons with the Denver Nuggets, who selected him No. 37 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.

A solid three-point shooter, Tyson also played for the Gigantes de Carolina in the BSN last season, averaging 14.3 points (48% FG, 39% 3P, 79% FT) and 4.8 rebounds in 28 minutes per game.

The former Clemson standout is expected to replace Vernon Carey in coach Cotelli’s rotation.

Dimitris Giannakopoulos: I would love to see Nikola Jokic in Panathinaikos’ jersey

If you follow basketball in Serbia and regularly keep up with the EuroLeague, the nickname “Kumara” probably needs no explanation. It refers to one of the most eccentric and charismatic figures in European basketball: Dimitris Giannakopoulos, the owner of Panathinaikos.

Giannakopoulos spoke to Mozzart Sport on the court at OAKA ahead of the friendly tournament featuring Panathinaikos, Partizan Mozzart Bet, Bourg and PAOK.

When he heard that the Serbian outlet wanted to interview him, Giannakopoulos simply smiled and said:

“For my brothers from Serbia, sure…”

“I love Serbia”

The conversation quickly took a more informal tone when the journalists asked him about his nickname among Serbian fans.

“What does Kumara mean?” Giannakopoulos asked, before breaking into laughter.

After the meaning was explained to him, his response was simple:

“That’s good!”

Asked whether he was aware of how closely people in Serbia follow him, Giannakopoulos explained where his connection with the country began.

“When I was studying in London, my roommate was Serbian. Since then, I fell in love with Serbia and made many, many friends. That was long before basketball and long before coach Željko.

“I love Serbia, so I think the feeling is mutual. Yes, I really believe it is. To be completely honest, in Serbia I am a Partizan fan.”

“I knew Željko would return”

One of the main topics was Željko Obradović’s return to Panathinaikos and the enormous expectations surrounding his new tenure.

“I knew deep down that one day it would happen, that he would return here. It is destiny. I am very happy that it happened this year. I hope we have successful results.

“But as I said at the press conference, for me, the season itself is already a success.”

Giannakopoulos was also cautious when discussing the pressure on Obradović and the expectations surrounding Panathinaikos.

“History has shown that it’s not just about how you build the team. There are many things that play a role in winning the title at the end of the season — good health and sometimes luck.

“Yes, having coach Željko always gives you a competitive advantage. Having a good team gives you a competitive advantage. Now, I wouldn’t want to make predictions. But I think Panathinaikos will be one of the main contenders for the title.”

His thoughts on Partizan

Asked about Partizan’s new era and roster reconstruction, Giannakopoulos admitted that he had not followed all of the club’s offseason moves.

“I have to be 100% honest. I didn’t actually follow all the moves that happened this summer. So all I can do is wish them the best. But how could I make a prediction?”

“Stojan Vranković, forever in my heart”

Asked to choose one of the many Serbian players who have left a lasting mark on Panathinaikos, Giannakopoulos initially broadened the criteria.

“Does it have to be Serbian? Can I choose someone from the former Yugoslavia?”

He then immediately named Stojan Vranković:

“Stojan Vranković! Forever, forever and forever in my heart! Yes!”

When names such as Nikola Peković, Dejan Tomašević and Dušan Kecman were mentioned, Giannakopoulos singled out Tomašević.

“Tomašević! Yes! He played with his head. He played with his head. And I respect people, I respect players who use their mind more than their physical abilities.”

“I would love to see Jokic in a Panathinaikos jersey”

Giannakopoulos once again discussed his desire to bring Nikola Jokic to Panathinaikos.

“As far as I’m concerned, I stopped watching the NBA the day Michael Jordan stopped dribbling the ball. Seriously. I started watching the NBA again a little when Jokic went there.

“I believe he is among the 10 greatest players of all time. I would love to see him in a Panathinaikos jersey and I will do everything in my power to try to make it happen.

“The politics surrounding it are difficult, because I don’t think it is a matter for the clubs. I think it is about the fact that the NBA may not allow such a big star to leave.

“But Kumara gets everything done.”

Giannakopoulos reveals his past interest in Partizan

Giannakopoulos also addressed the long-standing reports that he once considered taking over and financially rescuing Partizan.

“I’ll tell you what I remember. It was during the time of Duško Vujošević, I think. Yes, Duško Vujošević, he was the coach then. I apologize if I’m wrong.

“I remember there was a period when Partizan had huge financial difficulties. That was around 10 or 15 years ago, probably in the late 2000s. And there were some discussions. There were discussions about business, investments… As I told you, I love Serbia. It was an idea. I was thinking about it.”

He then explained why the deal never materialized.

“Why didn’t it happen? Because I realized that you can’t take only the basketball club. You have to take swimming, water polo… the entire sports club, the whole organization. And that is a completely different matter.”

Asked what initially prompted him to consider entering Partizan, Giannakopoulos pointed to the club’s fan base and atmosphere.

“It was a proposal they made. I told you, I love Partizan. The fans there are the closest to this… the closest to this atmosphere and to the arena that Panathinaikos has.

“So yes, that was the idea.”

EuroLeague played key role in Thomas Walkup resolution, Chus Bueno says

Thomas Walkup has left Olympiacos to join Dubai Basketball, bringing an end to a saga that had lasted for months.

SPORT24 journalist Harris Stavrou discussed the case on the “ΤΙ ΕΒΑΛΕΕΕ” show following a roundtable with EuroLeague CEO Tchus Bueno, explaining the competition’s reported role in finding a resolution.

“EuroLeague played a very important role”

According to Stavrou, EuroLeague played an important role in finding a solution to the Walkup situation.

“The role of EuroLeague was very important in finding a solution in the Walkup case. Since there had been discussion about the +1 options, Tchus Bueno was very clear that when a contract has been signed with very clear terms by both sides, there is nothing you can do.

“What he told us is that similar cases in the future will lead to significant penalties. EuroLeague will add regulations for similar situations, as well as stricter sanctions for anyone who violates its regulations.”

Hassan Martin joins BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque as medical replacement

BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque have announced the signing of Hassan Martin, a 30-year-old, 2.01-meter American big man, as a medical replacement for Neal Quinn.

Martin will remain with the French club until mid-November, temporarily filling in for the Irish international.

European experience at the highest level

Martin is an athletic, intense and mobile big man who brings significant experience at the highest levels of European basketball.

He played for Olympiacos in the 2021/22 season, before joining Crvena Zvezda Belgrade in 2022/23.

His profile is expected to help the BCM coaching staff maintain the team’s balance during Quinn’s absence.

Martin coming off a season with Manisa

Last season, Martin played in Turkey with Manisa, averaging 5.9 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.

BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque welcomed their new addition: “Welcome to the BCM, Hassan!”

Basketball Löwen Braunschweig sign DeJour Reaves

Basketball Löwen Braunschweig have completed their roster ahead of the 2026/27 easyCredit BBL season with the signing of American point guard DeJour Reaves.

The 24-year-old has already arrived in Braunschweig and has signed an initial contract through the November FIBA window, with the intention of extending the agreement for the remainder of the season.

Reaves led the Atlantic 10 in scoring

Reaves spent last season at Fordham University, where he led both the Rams and the entire Atlantic 10 Conference in scoring, averaging 17.9 points per game.

The 1.83-meter guard scored in double figures in all 31 games, while also serving as Fordham’s primary ball-handler and averaging 3.6 assists.

He particularly showcased his playmaking ability in pick-and-roll situations and in transition. Reaves also made an impact defensively, averaging 1.8 steals per game.

Strong college career

Reaves was rewarded for his 2025/26 campaign with selections to the NABC All-District First Team, the Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team and the Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team.

His production had steadily increased over his previous college seasons. He averaged 14.9 points at the University of Northern Colorado in 2023/24 before raising that figure to 17.3 points at Iona in 2024/25.

In April, Reaves was also invited to a workout with the New York Knicks, the reigning NBA champions.

“I want to do the dirty work”

Braunschweig managing director Nils Mittmann highlighted Reaves’ scoring ability, physicality, playmaking and defensive pressure.

Reaves, whose nickname is “Dae-Dae,” is looking forward to beginning his first professional experience in Europe.

“I’m very excited about this new chapter, because I expect good competition and a lot of physicality in every BBL game. I want to play every game with full energy, fight for every ball and help my team with effort and passion. For me, that means diving on the floor to fight for loose balls, making hustle plays and also doing the dirty work.”

DeJour Reaves – Profile

Born: September 10, 2002
Height: 1.83m
Position: Guard
Nationality: USA

Previous teams:

  • 2021-23: Trinidad State (JUCO)
  • 2023-24: University of Northern Colorado (NCAA)
  • 2024-25: Iona University (NCAA)
  • 2025-26: Fordham University (NCAA)

Zenit Sign Chris Ledlum

Zenit announced the signing of American forward Chris Ledlum.

The 25-year-old has agreed to a contract through the end of the 2026-27 season, with an option for an additional year.

Ledlum spent last season in Germany with Ratiopharm Ulm. He made his EuroCup debut with the German club, appearing in 14 games and averaging 15.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per game.

In the Bundesliga, Chris appeared in 34 games, averaging 15.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.9 steals in 25 minutes per game.

Mark Anthony Ogden Jr. joins Zadar

Košarkaški klub Zadar has announced the signing of Mark Anthony Ogden Jr., a 31-year-old American center standing 208 centimeters tall. Ogden can play both power forward and center.

Ogden arrives from Italy

Ogden spent last season with Dole Basket Rimini in Italy’s Serie A2, winning the Serie A2 Italian Cup in March 2026. He averaged 12.2 points and 8 rebounds per game during the season.

Extensive European experience

Zadar’s new big man has extensive experience in European basketball. During his career, he has played for BC GAU Tbilisi in Georgia, Würzburg in Germany, Stal Ostrów Wielkopolski in Poland, with whom he won the Polish championship, Hapoel Holon in Israel, Oradea in Romania, and Italian clubs Fortitudo Bologna and Brindisi.

Ogden is known as a mobile and athletic big man who can score from both inside and outside positions. He also brings physicality and rebounding ability.

Contract through 2027

Ogden has signed a contract with Zadar through the end of the 2026/27 season.

With his arrival, Zadar has completed its roster ahead of the new competitive season.

Photo: FIBA

NBA expansion to 32 teams gaining momentum for 2028-29, Minnesota goes to East

Momentum is building toward the NBA expanding to 32 teams for the 2028-29 season. According to Shams Charania, Las Vegas and Seattle are the expected destinations for the two expansion franchises. Bids for Las Vegas could exceed $10 billion, while Seattle’s franchise could be valued at around $7 billion. An expansion draft would take place in summer 2028.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are increasingly viewed as the most likely team to move to the Eastern Conference. Geography makes Minnesota the logical choice, while the league could also benefit from balancing the conferences around star power, with Anthony Edwards becoming a major draw in the East.

Jemel Jones joins KK Perspektiva Ilirija

KK Perspektiva Ilirija has announced the signing of Jemel Jones, a 24-year-old American from Chicago.

Jones built his college career at Cal State Bakersfield and New Mexico State, where he stood out primarily for his offensive game and scoring ability.

He is a quality guard with a good feel for the game who will bring energy and offensive firepower to the Slovenian club and could become an important addition to the team’s roster.

Valencia Basket lands Mirotic: “We want to keep competing at the highest level”

No club may have suffered the consequences of the new reality of the European basketball market more than Valencia Basket this summer.

The project that won the Liga Endesa championship and reached the EuroLeague Final Four for the first time in club history was dismantled after several clubs triggered buyout clauses.

Head coach Pedro Martínez left for Real Madrid after a €1 million buyout, while several key players also departed: Jaime Pradilla joined Madrid for €1.5 million, Jean Montero moved to Olympiacos for €500,000 and Brancou Badio joined Panathinaikos for €1.5 million.

Valencia raises buyout clauses and announces Mirotic

To prevent a similar situation from happening again, Valencia has decided to better protect its players, with buyout clauses reaching as high as €6 million.

The club, however, has no intention of lowering its ambitions. On the contrary, Valencia announced the signing of Nikola Mirotic today, adding one of the biggest names available on the European market.

The arrival of the Montenegrin-Spanish forward represents a clear statement of intent from Valencia as it looks to remain competitive at the highest level despite the major changes to its roster this summer.

“The market has changed and we have to protect ourselves”

The new financial reality of European basketball has placed enormous pressure on clubs that cannot match the biggest budgets.

The arrival of Dubai Basketball and Hapoel Tel Aviv, combined with the financial power of owners such as those of Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, has created significant inflation across the European market.

There are clubs for whom, in practice, no buyout clause appears to be truly prohibitive.

Valencia understands that reality and is therefore trying to protect itself by setting significantly higher clauses. Whether even a €6 million buyout will be enough to keep the wealthiest EuroLeague clubs away remains to be seen.

Mirotic becomes the face of the restart

In this context, Mirotic’s arrival takes on even greater significance. After seeing the team that won the Liga Endesa and reached the first EuroLeague Final Four in club history largely dismantled, Valencia has responded by signing an elite-level player.

The message from Valencia is clear: buyout clauses can make it harder for other clubs to take their players, but the real answer to the new market inflation is to keep investing and build a competitive roster.

AEK Athens reportedly in talks to sign Thomas Heurtel

AEK Athens is looking to strengthen its backcourt and has opened talks to try to sign Thomas Heurtel, as reported by SDNA.

The two sides are already negotiating, but no agreement has been reached yet. AEK and Heurtel have reportedly not found an agreement on financial terms, while the 37-year-old French guard is said to be open to a move to the Greek club.

Head coach Dragan Šakota’s team is trying to convince the veteran guard, whose experience could provide valuable solutions for AEK.

Heurtel brings EuroLeague experience

Heurtel has extensive experience at the highest level of European basketball and also played in the EuroLeague last season with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne.

He averaged 9.2 points and 5.4 assists per game for the French club.

Rimas Kurtinaitis resigns as Lithuania head coach

Rimas Kurtinaitis has decided to step down as head coach of the Lithuanian national team. The entire coaching staff will resign alongside him.

The new head coach will be appointed after the election of the new president of Lietuvos krepšinis, and no later than the start of preparations for the next FIBA World Cup qualifying window.

Kurtinaitis took over the national team in October 2024, remaining in charge for nearly two years. Under his leadership, Lithuania finished fifth at last year’s EuroBasket.

Kurtinaitis: “Now is the right time to say goodbye”

Kurtinaitis explained his decision:

“I have decided to say goodbye to the national team. I believe that now is the right time, because the new coaching staff will have enough time to prepare for the upcoming qualifying window.”

The coach revealed that he had already made his decision after the first qualifying stage but was asked to remain in charge for the following window.

“I had made my decision after the first qualifying stage, but I was asked to help the national team and continue working in the next window. I’m happy that we managed to say goodbye with a victory over a strong Bosnia and Herzegovina team.”

Lithuania remain in contention for the World Cup

Kurtinaitis believes Lithuania remains in a competitive position in the World Cup qualifiers.

“That kept us in a competitive position in the World Cup qualifiers. The situation in our group is still manageable, just as it is in many other groups.”

According to Kurtinaitis, Lithuania could potentially need just one win from their two remaining games against Serbia.

“I think that if we beat Bosnia and Herzegovina, who practically no longer have a chance to qualify and will probably also play without their NBA players, and Turkey, who have already qualified for the World Cup, one victory against Serbia in our two remaining games could be enough.”

“That is a completely realistic scenario, similar to the one we had when I took over the national team in 2024 during the EuroBasket qualifiers.”

“I wish the new coaching staff good luck”

Kurtinaitis concluded by thanking his players, staff and supporters.

“I want to wish good luck to the coaching staff that will replace me and to the entire Lithuanian national team.”

“I also sincerely want to thank my players, who came to help at such an important moment for Lithuanian basketball. Thank you to the entire national team staff, the assistants and all the fans who supported the team during this difficult period.”

Napoli Basketball signs Kaleb Tarczewski

Napoli Basketball has announced the signing of Kaleb Tarczewski for the 2026-27 season.

Born in Claremont, New Hampshire, in 1993, Tarczewski is a 213cm center and a product of the University of Arizona, where he played for the Wildcats from 2012 to 2016. In his senior season, he averaged 9.4 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.

Six seasons with Olimpia Milano

After spending the 2016-17 season in the D-League with the Oklahoma City Blue, averaging 9.8 points and 7.2 rebounds, Tarczewski began his long stint with Olimpia Milano, coached by Jasmin Repeša.

In his first season with Milano, he averaged 6.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.

Tarczewski remained with the Italian powerhouse for six seasons, becoming part of a successful era for the club. With Milano, he won two Italian League titles in 2018 and 2022, two Italian Cups in 2021 and 2022, and three Italian Super Cups in 2017, 2018 and 2020.

His best statistical season came in 2018-19, when he averaged 11.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

EuroLeague Final Four experience

Tarczewski was also a regular presence in the EuroLeague with Milano. During the 2019-20 season, he averaged 8.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in the competition.

In 2021, still with Olimpia, he helped the team reach the EuroLeague Final Four.

After leaving Milano as a veteran and setting the club’s record for EuroLeague appearances, surpassing the 100-game mark, Tarczewski moved to Japan.

Three seasons in Japan

The American center spent three seasons with the Gunma Crane Thunders in the Japanese league.

In 2023-24, he averaged 11.5 points and 7.8 rebounds, followed by 10.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists the following season.

Last season, in 2025-26, Tarczewski played for the Yokohama B-Corsairs, averaging 9.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.

He now returns to Italy, joining Napoli Basketball for the 2026-27 campaign.

Marc Stein confirms BC Roma’s interest in Maxi Kleber

BC Roma is actively exploring a deal to sign Maxi Kleber. NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the newly formed Italian club is making a strong push for the veteran German big man.

Kleber, 34, is a free agent after nine NBA seasons and 531 appearances. He most recently reunited with Luka Dončić at the Los Angeles Lakers, with the Slovenian star now co-founding the BC Roma project alongside Donnie Nelson.

His arrival would represent a major statement for Alessandro Magro’s team ahead of its debut campaigns in Italy’s Serie A and the BKT EuroCup.

Lorenzo Brown reportedly on Hapoel Jerusalem’s radar

A possible option for Lorenzo Brown’s future has emerged from Israel, as he has reportedly caught the eye of Hapoel Jerusalem, which has long been in the market for a point guard following Jared Harper’s injury.

Noa Poplinger of Sport5.co.il explains that no official offer has been made yet, but Brown is among the players the club is carefully evaluating.

The Israeli reporter also shared a message she received from an Italian source: “The issue of terminating the player’s contract has not yet been resolved. Milan doesn’t want him, and he wants to find a new destination. The only unresolved issue is financial: the parties have discussed an agreement and may ultimately settle on a 50% pay cut, but for now there’s no news on that front. Olimpia’s roster has been finalized for some time, but the Brown situation remains unresolved.”

Brown previously played in Israel from 2022 to 2024 with Maccabi Tel Aviv, which was likely his best two-year stretch in Europe.

Buducnost open the door to Nikola Mirotic

Buducnost have opened the door to Nikola Mirotic, who remains without a club following the end of his spell with Monaco. President Dragan Bokan confirmed to SportKlub that he met with the player in Montenegro.

“We also discussed Nikola’s future. He told me he is waiting and that his main interest is the EuroLeague,” Bokan explained, while making Buducnost’s availability clear.

No formal offer or concrete negotiations have taken place. “If his ambitions and personal circumstances align, our door is wide open. It would be a great honor to see Nikola wearing the Buducnost jersey.”

Perth Wildcats sign NBA veteran Brandon Knight for NBL27

Brandon Knight joins Perth

The Perth Wildcats have signed Brandon Knight for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season, with the move confirmed by the club and pending NBL approval.

Knight was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and went on to play 451 games during his NBA career.

Nine seasons in the NBA

The 32-year-old spent nine seasons in the NBA, playing for the Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.

Across his NBA career, Knight averaged 14.0 points, 3.9 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game.

His career totals include 451 appearances, 349 starts and 29.3 minutes per game.

Knight arrives after Puerto Rico and Greece

More recently, Knight played in Puerto Rico, representing the Piratas de Quebradillas, Capitanes de Arecibo and Mets de Guaynabo, as well as in Greece with AEK Athens.

One of the highlights of his post-NBA career came in 2023, when Knight won the Puerto Rican League MVP award with Piratas de Quebradillas while leading the competition in scoring at 23.3 points per game.

Wildcats set for NBL27 opener

Perth will open its Hungry Jack’s NBL27 campaign on Saturday, September 19, against South East Melbourne at RAC Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30pm AEST.

Brandon Knight’s NBA statistics

  • 451 games
  • 349 starts
  • 29.3 minutes per game
  • 14.0 points per game
  • 3.1 rebounds per game
  • 3.9 assists per game

Nick Smith Jr. Agrees to Join Real Madrid

The negotiations between Nick Smith Jr. and Real Madrid have concluded positively.

The 22-year-old guard, who has previously played for the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers, has accepted the Spanish club’s one-year offer, according to Michael Scotto.

Smith Jr. averaged 6.2 points in 12 minutes per game with the Lakers last season, while he posted 19.8 points and 5.7 assists per game in the G League with the South Bay Lakers.

 

Real Madrid closing in on Nick Smith Jr. deal

Nick Smith Jr. is reportedly close to joining Real Madrid. The 22-year-old American guard, who stands 1.88 meters tall, is nearing an agreement with the Spanish club for the upcoming season, according to Chema de Lucas.

If completed, the move would bring Smith Jr. to Europe after his NBA experience with the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers. Selected 27th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, Smith Jr. appeared in 31 NBA games during his time in the league.

His arrival would provide Real Madrid with another young option in the backcourt, while giving the club an opportunity to develop and maximize the potential of the 22-year-old guard.

Corriere della Sera | Analysis of the Lorenzo Brown situation: would he like to return to Milan?

“Poeta’s ideas: ‘I hope Olimpia will be boring and winning’ is the headline of Corriere della Sera today. The analysis of the situation is written by Flavio Vanetti. He also addresses the Lorenzo Brown situation.

Let’s read: “Pippo Ricci is the confirmed captain (the only one this time), while the issue surrounding Lorenzo Brown remains in the background. The point guard, who was sidelined last year, has been sending messages on X (‘Free me’); he is referring to the fact that he has not found any suitors and would like to return to Milan, even though the club, while continuing to pay him, has exempted him from team activities?”

There is also a reference to the words of Peppe Poeta: “We will have to be ‘boring’, to be a team against which it will not be easy to play.” Peppe Poeta chose this adjective to describe his new Armani Olimpia, ready to start the season from the starting blocks and discussed by him at the “home” of the Forum in Assago.

 

Maxima Roma, Vernon Carey Jr reportedly nearing contract termination

Vernon Carey Jr may already be on his way out of Maxima Roma. According to Giuseppe Malaguti, as reported by Backdoor Podcast, the club and the player are considering a mutual contract termination.

The 2001-born center, who previously played in the NBA for Charlotte and Washington, was expected to be one of the leading additions to Maxima Roma’s new project.

A separation would force the club to quickly return to the market for another big man. Maxima Roma has not yet issued an official announcement regarding Carey’s future.

Maxima Roma-Napoli Basketball, battle for Maurice Ndour

The market activity surrounding Maxima Roma and Napoli Basketball is busier than ever, and this time the two clubs could find themselves competing for the same player. According to Giuseppe Malaguti, both teams have shown interest in Maurice Ndour, who played for Germani Brescia last season.

However, a deal will not be easy for either club, as several foreign teams are also reportedly interested in the player and ready to add Ndour’s experience and quality to their roster.

Real Madrid loan Eli John Ndiaye to ASISA Joventut

Agreement between Real Madrid and Joventut

Real Madrid and ASISA Joventut have reached an agreement for the loan of Eli John Ndiaye.

The player will remain with the Badalona-based club until the end of the 2026-27 season, Real Madrid officially announced.

Ndiaye will have the opportunity to continue his development with Joventut and gain further experience at a high level, while the Catalan club adds another option to its roster for the new season.

 

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BC Roma Reportedly In Talks With Maxi Kleber

According to Superbasket, BC Roma is trying to pull off a major signing by bringing Maxi Kleber back to Europe. The 34-year-old German big man has spent the last nine seasons in the NBA.

Kleber is currently a free agent after appearing in 43 games for the Los Angeles Lakers last season.

Kleber wrote important pages in Dallas Mavericks history alongside Donnie Nelson and Luka Doncic.

At the new capital-based club, he would replace center Jesse Edwards, who recently left the team following a mutual contract termination.

 

Baskonia Target Alex Len to Bolster Frontcourt

Baskonia has been looking for a center for some time, and according to El Correo, the club’s efforts have focused on Alex Len.

The 33-year-old Ukrainian big man returned to Europe last year after spending 12 seasons in the NBA.

With Real Madrid, Len averaged 4.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 block in 11 minutes per game across the EuroLeague, ACB and Copa del Rey.

 

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