Basket rumors

28/05/202621:08

ASVEL’s Strong Offer for Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot Revealed

According to Encestando, ASVEL has reportedly made an extremely strong financial offer to Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, worth around €7 million over two years.

Backed by new investors, the French club has begun targeting high-profile players and is aiming to significantly strengthen its core, with a particular focus on increasing the number of French talents in the roster.

ASVEL has already secured the signing of Armoni Brooks, who has agreed to a two-year deal worth €4.6 million in total.

28/05/202607:57

Barcelona line up Xevi Pujol as Juan Carlos Navarro’s replacement

Barcelona have reportedly chosen Xevi Pujol as the replacement for Juan Carlos Navarro in the club’s basketball front office.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana have already reached an agreement with the current Baskonia technical secretary, who still has two years left on his contract.

Pujol, 36, made his name at Baxi Manresa, helping build a team that reached the Basketball Champions League final and discovering players such as Sylvain Francisco and Chima Moneke. He then moved to Baskonia, where the team won the Copa del Rey under Paolo Galbiati.

His expected arrival would be part of a major restructuring at Barcelona following Xavi Pascual’s decision to leave at the end of the season and the club’s move to end Navarro’s spell in the front office.

27/05/202620:03

Olympiacos and New York Knicks could meet in historic friendly game

Olympiacos B.C. continued celebrating its EuroLeague triumph off the court as the trophy was brought to the offices of the Tsakos family, partners of the club since the beginning of the 2025-26 season. General manager Nikos Lepeniotis delivered the trophy, while Nikos and Panagiotis Tsakos congratulated Giorgos Bartzokas and club owners Giorgos and Panagiotis Angelopoulos for the historic achievement.

During the meeting, Panagiotis Tsakos revealed that the “ArrenA” water brand will become the naming sponsor of the new SEF arena. He also discussed the possibility of a future friendly game between Olympiacos and the New York Knicks, either at Madison Square Garden or in the new home of the Greek giants.

27/05/202615:49

Aris pushing for Vassilis Spanoulis with ambitious European project

Aris Betsson are planning their next step with a major target in mind: Vassilis Spanoulis. According to Spyros Kavalieratos on SPORT24, the Thessaloniki club are putting strong pressure on the Greek national team coach.

The project presented to Spanoulis is described as ambitious, with Aris aiming to return to the European spotlight and build a team able to compete in EuroCup and in the Greek league. SPORT24 reports that the budget could increase significantly, with an initial target around €5 million.

Kavalieratos said Spanoulis is seriously considering the proposal, also because of his relationship with Nikos Zisis and the Aris environment. EuroLeague options remain in the background, including Crvena Zvezda and Barcelona. If Spanoulis does not accept, Aris are still expected to target a major foreign coach.

27/05/202615:06

Jonas Valanciunas drawing EuroLeague interest from Panathinaikos, Zalgiris and Fenerbahce

Jonas Valanciunas is becoming one of the most intriguing names between the NBA and EuroLeague. According to SPORT24, Panathinaikos, Zalgiris Kaunas and Fenerbahce are monitoring the Lithuanian center’s status after his 2025/26 season with the Denver Nuggets.

Valanciunas’ contract for 2026/27 is not guaranteed, with the Nuggets’ deadline moved from June 29 to July 8. If Denver keeps him, he will earn $10 million next season; if he is released, he will become free without entering the waiver list.

SPORT24 notes that a release appears logical, as Denver needs to reduce its payroll. Valanciunas, however, does not seem eager to leave the NBA without financial guarantees, meaning the three EuroLeague clubs can only wait for now.

27/05/202611:18

Armoni Brooks to ASVEL: deal done after turning down Olimpia Milano, Partizan and Fenerbahce

Armoni Brooks will play for ASVEL next season. More precisely, for the next two seasons. Olimpia Milano are now coming to terms with the outcome of a long and exhausting negotiation that never truly reached the decisive stage.

The key moment came between autumn and winter, when Brooks had already raised his value with strong performances in both LBA and EuroLeague. His negotiating power increased, the demands became much higher, and Partizan pushed hard with a major two-year offer while Milano remained limited by budget constraints.

In the final stretch, ASVEL emerged with a two-year proposal worth €4.6 million. In recent hours, Fenerbahce also entered the race, an actor never previously mentioned, but Brooks made his choice: no to Milano, no to Partizan, no to the Turkish club. Yes to ASVEL, for the contract and a family-friendly environment.

Source: RealOlimpiaMilano

27/05/202611:09

Trey Lyles drawing major interest as Real Madrid fear losing him

Trey Lyles is becoming one of the biggest names on the European market. The Canadian forward, who helped Real Madrid reach the EuroLeague final, is out of contract this summer and has drawn interest from several major clubs.

According to Sport5, Real Madrid fear that rival offers could be far higher than theirs. Fenerbahce and Hapoel Tel Aviv have reportedly submitted official proposals, with the Israeli club offering close to $4 million per season.

Lyles is still expected to give priority to an NBA return. He averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in EuroLeague this season, shooting 45.9% from three-point range.

26/05/202620:00

Brooks heading to ASVEL Villeurbanne, Partizan deal collapses

Armoni Brooks appeared set to sign with Partizan, but ASVEL reportedly entered the race at the last moment and changed the outcome. According to Mozzart Sport, the current Olimpia Milano guard is expected to continue his career in Villeurbanne next season.

Partizan pushed hard to finalize the agreement and even held additional meetings, yet Brooks ultimately informed the Serbian club through his agents that he would accept ASVEL’s offer instead.

The American shooter is coming off an excellent EuroLeague campaign, averaging 13.1 points per game. His arrival would mark the beginning of a new ambitious era for ASVEL and president Tony Parker.

26/05/202617:24

Aris pushing hard to land Vassilis Spanoulis as head coach

Aris Betsson are determined to take a major step forward following the arrival of Richard Siāo, and Vassilis Spanoulis has emerged as their main coaching target for next season.

According to SPORT24, the Thessaloniki club have presented Spanoulis with a very attractive package, enough to make the Greek coach seriously consider taking over Aris.

Spanoulis, who led Monaco to its first-ever EuroLeague final, is also being monitored by several high-level clubs. If he accepts, he would be handed the keys to the project and work closely with GM Nikos Zisis.

26/05/202616:46

Zalgiris breakout star Azuolas Tubelis nearing record extension

Zalgiris Kaunas are close to securing Azuolas Tubelis on a new contract through 2029. According to BasketNews, the three-year agreement would prevent him from moving to another EuroLeague club at least until 2028, while still including NBA exit opportunities in the summers.

Tubelis is coming off a strong debut EuroLeague season, averaging 12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 12.7 PIR per game. Several EuroLeague powerhouses reportedly showed major interest and were prepared to pay a €1 million buyout.

The new deal is expected to make Tubelis the highest-paid player in Zalgiris history. The Lithuanian club are also working on Sylvain Francisco’s extension, continue to pursue Jonas Valanciunas, and are nearing agreements with Marius Grigonis and Marek Blazevic.

26/05/202616:17

Mike James threatens to boycott Game 2 against Bourg-en-Bresse

More tension around AS Monaco. According to L’Équipe, Mike James has planned not to travel with the team for Game 2 of the quarterfinal series against Bourg-en-Bresse, scheduled for Wednesday.

The American guard, who had served his suspension and was expected to return, has reportedly decided not to play for financial reasons, following a similar situation involving Élie Okobo late in the regular season.

According to the French newspaper, Monaco were still trying on Tuesday at midday to persuade James to change his stance and travel with the group to Bourg-en-Bresse for the second game of the series.

26/05/202615:22

Dainius Adomaitis emerges as main candidate for Rytas Vilnius job

Dainius Adomaitis has emerged as the main candidate to take over Rytas Vilnius. According to 15min, the Lithuanian club is considering bringing him back as head coach.

Adomaitis has coached Alvark Tokyo since 2022 and already has previous experience with Rytas. He coached the Vilnius club in 2014 and again from 2018 to 2020.

For Rytas, it would be an experienced and familiar option, with a coach who already knows the club, the environment and Lithuanian basketball.

26/05/202615:01

Milos Teodosic reportedly set to return to Crvena Zvezda in front-office role

Milos Teodosic is reportedly set to return to Crvena Zvezda. According to Meridian Sport, the former guard will not come back as a player, but is expected to join the club’s front office.

After talks with president Zeljko Drcelic, both sides reportedly aligned quickly on a shared vision. His official title has not yet been finalized, but Teodosic is expected to take on an important role in the sporting sector.

Teodosic, 39, ended a 21-year playing career and previously played for Crvena Zvezda from 2023 to 2025. His resume includes the 2010 EuroLeague MVP award, the 2016 EuroLeague title and six All-EuroLeague selections.

26/05/202612:28

Panathinaikos in talks with Brancou Badio

Panathinaikos are reportedly in talks with Brancou Badio. The Senegalese guard has emerged as a target for the Greek club as they look to strengthen their backcourt.

Badio averaged 11.2 points during the EuroLeague season, establishing himself as one of the most intriguing guards on the market.

He also made a strong impression against Panathinaikos in EuroLeague Playoff Game 5, scoring 20 points against the Greens.

26/05/202611:01

Jonas Valanciunas confirms EuroLeague talks, but Denver holds the key

Jonas Valanciunas has confirmed talks with EuroLeague clubs ahead of next season. The Lithuanian center said there had been discussions with “one team, another team, and the Lithuanian club,” but stressed that the final decision belongs to Denver.

Valanciunas explained that everything depends on the Nuggets’ plans for his contract, with clarity expected in the first week of July. “I want to play, I want to enjoy the game, and I want to win. My heart is in basketball, not in a specific city or team,” he said.

He also ruled out forcing a move or announcing an NBA retirement in order to return to Europe. “I signed the contract myself, so I have to fulfill it,” Valanciunas added. According to the report, Zalgiris Kaunas have made a strong two-year offer.

26/05/202610:49

Barcelona consider Zeljko Obradovic as coaching option

Barcelona are considering Zeljko Obradovic as a coaching option. According to El Punt Avui, the Catalan club have put the name of the most successful coach in EuroLeague history on the table.

Obradovic, a nine-time EuroLeague champion as head coach, is expected to decide in the coming days whether he wants to return to coaching after resigning from Partizan on November 25. In recent weeks, he has reportedly drawn interest from EuroLeague clubs.

For Barcelona, a potential Obradovic appointment would be a major response after Xavi Pascual’s departure to Dubai, giving strength and credibility to the club’s new basketball project.

26/05/202610:40

Galatasaray reportedly to sign Dyshawn Pierre

According to Turkish media reports, Dyshawn Pierre’s future lies in Turkey, where he will once again team up with Gianmarco Pozzecco, just as they did during their time at Dinamo Sassari.

The 1993-born forward, after five seasons with Fenerbahce, moved to Russia, where he is averaging 10.5 points and 4.7 rebounds with UNICS. The player is reportedly now in talks with Galatasaray for next season.

26/05/202608:36

ASVEL set to land Frank Ntilikina and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot

ASVEL is planning an ambitious offseason ahead of the upcoming season. According to Shot Vetakis, the French club has finalized the signings of Frank Ntilikina and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot.

Luwawu-Cabarrot is coming off a standout season in the EuroLeague with Baskonia: 18.3 points per game, 3.4 rebounds, and 41.2% from three-point range in 36 games. Ntilikina, on the other hand, finished the season with Olympiacos averaging 4.5 points in 16.9 minutes and did not see any playing time during the Final Four.

According to Donatas Urbonas, ASVEL has also reportedly put a very significant offer on the table for Sylvain Francisco, another high-profile French player for the club’s new project, as well as for Armoni Brooks of Olimpia Milano.

25/05/202616:01

Dante Maddox shines in Belgium with 37 points as Milano-Derthona future takes shape

Dante Maddox keeps sending strong signals. Aalst defeated the more highly rated Filou Oostende 101-97 in Game 2 of the semifinals, tying the series, with the future Olimpia Milano player taking center stage.

Maddox delivered a dominant all-around performance: 37 points in 41 minutes, shooting 4/8 from two, 5/8 from three and 9/16 from the free-throw line, while adding 6 rebounds and 5 assists. It was a major display in a high-stakes game, confirming the value of a player Milano have long targeted.

According to RealOlimpiaMilano, Maddox’s future is already outlined: he has reached a multi-year agreement with Olimpia Milano and will play next season on loan at Bertram Derthona Tortona. The official announcement is expected after the end of the season.

25/05/202615:16

Valencia Basket face a hot market after Final Four as Olympiacos target Braxton Key

The EuroLeague market is already heating up around the Final Four, and Valencia Basket are facing a new situation. Juan Carlos Villena notes that this is the first time the club comes off a major EuroLeague season while having a lower budget than several rivals.

Several key players are attracting richer offers: Jean Montero, Brancou Badio, Sergio De Larrea, Kameron Taylor and Braxton Key. De Larrea’s case is more complex, as his future is also tied to the upcoming NBA Draft process.

According to the report, Gonzalo Corbalán will play for Valencia Basket next season, with an agreement already closed. Meanwhile, Olympiacos, after securing Montero, are also very interested in Braxton Key, whose market value has risen after his strong playoff performances.

25/05/202614:56

Jean Montero-Olympiacos, Eurohoops confirms Sportando’s report

The Jean Montero-Olympiacos track is gaining further momentum. After Sportando’s earlier report, Eurohoops now confirms that the Piraeus club is finalizing a deal to bring the Dominican guard from Valencia Basket to Greece.

Sportando had reported in recent days that Valencia offered Montero an extension worth around $2 million, but that Olympiacos were in advanced position to sign him. According to Eurohoops, the player turned down Valencia’s offer through 2028, while the buyout of under €1 million is not expected to block the move.

Montero is coming off a standout EuroLeague season, averaging 14.4 points, 4.7 assists, 3.0 rebounds and a 17.8 PIR in 23.3 minutes. Named Rising Star, All-EuroLeague First Team member and Playoffs MVP, he is now close to joining the newly crowned European champions.

25/05/202614:48

Olympiacos, Bartzokas expected to stay after EuroLeague triumph

Georgios Bartzokas is expected to remain on the Olympiacos bench after winning the EuroLeague title. According to SDNA, the Greek coach’s stay is now considered certain.

A final agreement is not yet in place, but it is reportedly only a matter of time before the details regarding salary and contract length are completed. Bartzokas and the Angelopoulos brothers had already held an informal discussion during the season.

The coach’s current deal expires this summer, but the European title, achieved after four unsuccessful attempts, has strengthened both sides’ desire to continue together. The new agreement is expected to cover at least the next two seasons.

25/05/202611:26

Xavi Pascual, Dubai not alone: Hapoel Tel Aviv and Panathinaikos also interested

Xavi Pascual’s future remains one of the hottest coaching topics in EuroLeague. After reports linking him with a possible exit from Barcelona, Basketball Sphere denies that an agreement with Dubai has already been reached.

According to the report, Dubai’s offer would not be worth €12 million over three years, but €6 million net in total, equal to €2 million per season. However, Dubai are not the only club interested in Pascual.

Hapoel Tel Aviv and Panathinaikos are also mentioned as possible suitors, reportedly with financially stronger offers than Dubai’s. Much will depend on Pascual’s meeting with Joan Laporta, with even a surprising Barcelona stay not completely ruled out.

25/05/202611:10

Barcelona, Juan Carlos Navarro could leave if Xavi Pascual exits

Juan Carlos Navarro’s future with Barcelona appears increasingly tied to Xavi Pascual’s situation. According to Lluís Canut of Mundo Deportivo, Joan Laporta now practically considers Pascual’s continuity on the Blaugrana bench as lost.

Navarro is described as one of the key figures behind Pascual’s return to Barça, together with Mario Fernández. For that reason, if the coach leaves, Navarro and Fernández are also expected to depart, in a wider picture of instability around the basketball section.

Barcelona must now decide who will lead the next phase of the project. After a season marked by unfulfilled promises and internal tension, Navarro’s possible exit would be another major development for the future of Barcelona basketball.

25/05/202611:04

Dušan Alimpijevic has a €150,000 EuroLeague exit clause in his Beşiktaş contract

Dušan Alimpijevic reportedly has a €150,000 EuroLeague exit clause in his contract with Beşiktaş. According to Ertan Süzgün, several teams are interested in the Serbian coach.

Alimpijevic is coming off a strong season with Beşiktaş, which ended in the EuroCup final against Bourg. The coach was also named EuroCup Coach of the Year for the second time in his career.

Beşiktaş, meanwhile, remain focused on the court. Their Turkish playoff quarterfinal series starts tomorrow against Galatasaray, coached by Gianmarco Pozzecco.

25/05/202608:58

Shaq McKissic on his future: “Legacy matters more than money” as he praises Bartzokas

Shaq McKissic spoke to BasketNews after Olympiacos Piraeus won the EuroLeague title by defeating Real Madrid 92-85. The veteran guard pointed to sacrifice as the foundation of the team’s success: “A lot of players, at different stages, had to take a step back, but that is how you win a championship.”

McKissic also credited Georgios Bartzokas, revealing the special bond he shares with the Olympiacos coach. “Hearing that from the coach means a lot,” he said, after explaining that Bartzokas told him he would always be welcome back. “That man has been through everything. Seeing him win this title is incredible.”

As for his future, McKissic kept every option open. The 35-year-old, currently on an expiring contract, said his body feels great but that he is focused on enjoying the moment. “I focused more on legacy and on being a very important instrument,” he said, making it clear that Olympiacos means more to him than money.

24/05/202620:12

ASVEL enters race for Sylvain Francisco with major offer

ASVEL Villeurbanne has reportedly entered the race for Sylvain Francisco, one of the standout EuroLeague players this season with Zalgiris Kaunas.

According to BasketNews, the French club is preparing a major financial offer, potentially higher not only than Zalgiris’ but also than those of several of Europe’s wealthiest teams.

ASVEL is aiming to significantly increase its budget and is also targeting other high-level French players, including Frank Ntilikina of Olympiacos.

Francisco, named to the All-EuroLeague First Team, is still prioritizing the NBA and has asked European clubs to wait until the end of the season before making a decision.

24/05/202617:32

Andrea Calzavara set to sign multi-year deal with Olimpia Milano

Olimpia Milano is set to sign a multi-year contract with 24-year-old point guard Andrea Calzavara, a source told Alessandro Maggi.

Calzavara is expected to remain on loan at APU Udine for the upcoming season.

The agreement follows a similar structure to the one already finalized for Dante Maddox, underlining the club’s strategy of identifying young talent to invest in for the future.

Calzavara completed his first LBA season averaging 8.5 points and 2.8 assists in 20 minutes per game.

24/05/202616:55

Zalgiris Kaunas reportedly close to Marius Grigonis return

Zalgiris Kaunas is on the verge of bringing back a major name in Lithuanian basketball, as 31-year-old guard Marius Grigonis is set to leave Panathinaikos AKTOR after four seasons.

The news was reported by Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.

Following a 2024/25 campaign in which he managed just six appearances due to injury, Grigonis has been used sparingly this season by Ergin Ataman in the EuroLeague, averaging only five minutes per game. His role was different in the Greek domestic league, where the guard posted 10.1 points and 2.6 assists in 23 minutes across eight appearances.

Grigonis is therefore very close to returning to the club where he developed as a player, and where he previously spent three seasons from 2018/19 to 2020/21, before moving to CSKA Moscow.

24/05/202614:16

Crvena Zvezda officially parts ways with Sasa Obradovic

Crvena Zvezda has officially announced the departure of head coach Sasa Obradovic.

The Serbian club also confirmed that Milan Tomić will lead the team for the remainder of the current season.

Obradovic had returned to the Crvena Zvezda bench at the beginning of the 2026/27 season, replacing Ioannis Sfairopoulos.

 

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