Basket rumors

10/09/202614:01

Martin Sotirov returns to Balkan

Back in green

Balkan BC has announced the return of Martin Sotirov. The Bulgarian guard is already familiar with the club, having played for Balkan during the 2023/24 season.

That year, Sotirov helped the team finish second in the NBL and reach the Bulgarian Cup semifinals.

Back after spells abroad

Following his first stint with Balkan, Sotirov played for Rapid București in Romania and Spartak Pleven last season.

He had already joined the team for summer preparation, and his return to Balkan has now been officially confirmed.

“Welcome home again, Martin!” the club said in its announcement.

 

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10/09/202613:44

Jalen Adams joins Sichuan Blue Whales

Jalen Adams heads back to China

Jalen Adams has reached an agreement with the Sichuan Blue Whales, returning to the Chinese Basketball Association.

The move marks a return to China for Adams after previous CBA stints with Qingdao and Liaoning. He played several games for the Liaoning Flying Leopards in March 2024.

Another CBA chapter

The 1995-born American guard has built an international career across Europe, Australia and China.

Adams also enjoyed a successful spell in the NBL with the Sydney Kings, winning the Australian championship in 2022 before returning to the CBA.

He previously played for Qingdao in China and later joined Liaoning in 2024.

Adams will now begin a new chapter with the Sichuan Blue Whales.

10/09/202612:49

Reyer Venezia looks to US market for Rice replacement

According to La Nuova Venezia, Reyer is primarily monitoring the US market for a temporary replacement for Sir’Jabari Rice, who is expected to miss two to three months with a fractured fifth metatarsal.

“We monitor the market throughout the entire season,” president Federico Casarin said. “We will evaluate which direction to take, considering that we already have six foreign players, and what opportunities are available in Rice’s position.”

Neven Spahija’s team will face Dolomiti Energia Trentino tonight at 8 p.m. in the Garda Elite Ball semifinal. Rice will be unavailable, while Ky Bowman and Kyle Wiltjer return. The game will be streamed on Agenzia FotoLive’s YouTube channel.

10/09/202611:41

Keye van der Vuurst signs with Esenler Erokspor

Van der Vuurst joins Esenler Erokspor

Keye van der Vuurst has reached an agreement with Esenler Erokspor Basketbol, continuing his career in Turkey.

The Dutch point guard returns to Turkish basketball after previously playing for Büyükçekmece Basketbol on loan from Joventut during the 2025/26 season.

The end of his Joventut spell

Van der Vuurst recently parted ways with ASISA Joventut, having made 14 official appearances for the Spanish club.

Joventut thanked the Dutch guard for his professionalism and wished him the best for the next chapter of his career.

Back to Turkey

Van der Vuurst now gets another opportunity in Turkish basketball with Esenler Erokspor, bringing experience from the Spanish top flight and his previous spell in Turkey.

10/09/202611:37

Mike D’Antoni in talks to join BC Roma

D’Antoni in talks with BC Roma

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mike D’Antoni is in talks to join BC Roma.

The former Olimpia Milano point guard and longtime NBA head coach has reportedly been brought into the project by Bryan Colangelo, with the two sharing a long-standing friendship.

D’Antoni would add another major basketball name to an ambitious project that aims to bring Rome back to the forefront of European basketball.

Colangelo and Mullin join the Advisory Board

Colangelo and Chris Mullin have officially joined the club’s Advisory Board, chaired by the former executive of the Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers.

The project already includes Donnie Nelson, honorary president Valerio Bianchini and special advisor Sergio Scariolo.

“There is a unique opportunity to build something important and lasting,” Colangelo said.

BC Roma targeting NBA Europe

The ownership group intends to develop BC Roma both on and off the court, with the long-term ambition of positioning the club as a candidate for the future NBA Europe project.

The potential addition of D’Antoni would further strengthen the basketball credentials of an organization that has already assembled an impressive group of experienced figures from the NBA and European basketball.

10/09/202611:07

ASISA Joventut and Keye van der Vuurst agree to terminate contract

Van der Vuurst leaves Joventut

ASISA Joventut and Keye van der Vuurst have reached an agreement to terminate the contract that linked the Dutch guard with the club.

Van der Vuurst made 14 official appearances in the green-and-black jersey during his time with Joventut.

Joventut wishes him the best

The club thanked the player for his professionalism and wished him the best for the next chapter of his career.

“From ASISA Joventut, we would like to thank the player for his professionalism and wish him the best of luck in his future,” the club said in its announcement.

10/09/202610:58

Valtur Brindisi signs Kendrick Ray

Kendrick Ray joins Valtur Brindisi

As announced by Valtur Brindisi, the club has reached an agreement with Kendrick Ray. The 188 cm American guard will join the team once he completes the necessary visa procedures.

Ray brings extensive international experience to Brindisi, having played in 11 different countries throughout his career.

EuroLeague and EuroCup experience

Ray has also competed at the highest level of European basketball, playing in the EuroLeague with Maccabi Tel Aviv and in the EuroCup with Promitheas and Reyer Venezia.

In 2018, he was named Czech League MVP after an outstanding season with Nymburk.

12.6 points per game with Mykonos

During the 2025/26 season, Ray averaged 12.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game with Mykonos, helping the Greek club reach the playoffs.

This summer, he also played four games in Canada with the Edmonton Stingers.

Ray will now begin a new chapter of his career in Italy with Valtur Brindisi.

09/09/202618:48

Luka Božić officially signs with Guangdong Southern Tigers

Božić heads to China

Luka Božić is officially a new player for the Guangdong Southern Tigers. The Chinese club announced an agreement with the Croatian forward, who will now complete the registration process with the CBA before being cleared to play.

Božić, born in 1996, is coming off an impressive season with Granada in Liga Endesa, averaging 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists over 34 games.

A new chapter for the two-time ABA League MVP

The move represents Božić’s first experience in Asia after spending his career primarily in European basketball.

He made his biggest impact with Zadar, winning the ABA League regular-season MVP award twice. He has also played for Bjelovar, Pula, Zagreb, Budućnost, Široki, Lleida and Granada.

Despite Granada’s relegation, Božić was one of the standout players in Liga Endesa last season and finished among the league’s most productive performers.

He will now begin a new chapter in China with the Guangdong Southern Tigers.

09/09/202616:17

AlUla officially signs Mitch Creek, David Michineau and Elijah Stewart

AlUla adds three experienced players

AlUla has officially announced the signings of Mitch Creek, David Michineau and Elijah Stewart.

Creek, the 34-year-old Australian forward, joins AlUla after spells with U-BT Cluj-Napoca and the Vancouver Bandits. He will now continue his career in Saudi Arabia.

He will be joined by Elijah Stewart, who has also previously played for U-BT Cluj-Napoca and most recently featured for Bnei Herzliya and Unics Kazan.

The third addition is French guard David Michineau, who brings further international experience to AlUla.

The Saudi club has therefore added three players with significant experience across European and international basketball as it continues to build its roster.

09/09/202611:04

Brandon Knight emerges as Perth Wildcats target for NBL27

One name to watch in the Perth Wildcats’ search for an import point guard ahead of NBL27 is Brandon Knight.

According to sources cited by ESPN, the Wildcats held talks with the 6-foot-2 guard, who spent nine seasons in the NBA, at the conclusion of last season.

Perth has shown interest

Knight is reportedly among the players being considered by Perth as the team looks to strengthen its backcourt ahead of the upcoming season.

The 34-year-old spent the majority of his career at the highest level of the NBA, playing for several franchises before continuing his career overseas.

The Wildcats have reportedly shown interest in Knight, making him a name to monitor as Perth continues to shape its roster for NBL27.

09/09/202610:58

Gary Browne joins KK Bosna BH Telecom

KK Bosna BH Telecom has officially announced the signing of Gary Browne, a Puerto Rican point guard and national team player.

Second-best assist man in Puerto Rico

Last season, Browne finished as the second-best assist provider in the Puerto Rican league, averaging 6.5 assists per game.

The 31-year-old also contributed 10.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.

 

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Championship success with Vaqueros

Browne spent the previous season with the Vaqueros de Bayamón, helping the team win the Puerto Rican championship.

KK Bosna BH Telecom has therefore added an experienced international player who has already proven himself at the highest level of Puerto Rican basketball.

09/09/202610:54

Reyer Venezia, Sir’Jabari Rice out for at least two months: now the club must decide

The diagnosis is now known, and Reyer Venezia must turn its attention to the next steps. Sir’Jabari Rice is expected to miss at least two months, creating a significant void in the backcourt. The American had been selected as the starting shooting guard and the team’s primary offensive reference.

Super Cup and early-season games without Rice

Reyer will have to face the Italian Super Cup and a significant portion of the opening stretch of the Serie A and EuroCup seasons without Rice.

Glynn Watson, Ky Bowman and Leonardo Candi can absorb additional minutes and responsibilities, but none of them offers exactly the same qualities as Rice, particularly when it comes to attacking the rim and creating his own offense.

Reyer could return to the market

For that reason, a return to the market is a concrete possibility. President Federico Casarin, sporting director Alessandro Frosini and head coach Neven Spahija will now have to decide which path to take.

Reyer could opt for a short-term replacement until Rice returns, or target a player capable of remaining part of the rotation even after the American guard makes his comeback.

It will be a delicate decision for Venezia, as the club looks to maintain immediate competitiveness without disrupting the balance built during the offseason.

09/09/202610:52

Leandro Bolmaro: “We are hungry and ready to make the playoffs. New contract? Not my business

Leandro Bolmaro spoke to ANSA’s Luca Guazzoni about Olimpia Milano’s ambitions for the new season, the team’s defensive identity and the possibility of extending his contract with the Italian club.

“We are hungry and ready to make the playoffs”

Bolmaro believes Milano has the talent and competitiveness to be a dangerous team in the EuroLeague, although building the right chemistry will take time.

“We are very hungry. We have to work together and be patient because it isn’t easy to connect everyone, but we are ready to make the playoffs. It won’t be easy, there are many strong teams, but if we can all connect and know how to react to different situations, to wins and losses, I think we are a dangerous team for the playoffs. Playing in the playoffs is what we want.”

“Defense has to be our identity”

The Argentine also emphasized the importance of defense as the foundation of Olimpia’s game.

“Defense is very important for the team, because that’s where you can really start to connect. Everyone is happy when we play good defense, everyone enjoys the energy, and then it’s easier to play offense because you can turn that energy into something.”

Bolmaro believes that defensive intensity must become a defining characteristic of the team.

“I think that has to be our identity. Then, on offense, we need to play together. It’s a team with a lot of hunger and competitiveness, and that’s very important over so many games. The schedule is very long, but as a player you always want to play, so it’s good for us.”

“The contract is not my business”

Bolmaro was also asked about the possibility of extending his contract with Olimpia Milano, but the Argentine preferred to leave that matter to his representatives.

“That’s not my business, I just play. If you want to talk to my agents… I just want to play. We’ll see what happens.”

09/09/202610:50

Langston Galloway signs with Pallacanestro Trieste

Pallacanestro Trieste has officially announced the signing of Langston Galloway. The 1991-born, 188 cm guard arrives from Esenler Erokspor, returning to Italy after previous spells with Pallacanestro Reggiana and Trapani Shark.

Extensive NBA experience

Galloway played 452 NBA regular-season games, averaging 8.1 points per game while shooting 36.8% from three-point range.

In 2021, he reached the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns. He also enjoyed a highly productive stint in Italy, averaging 16.6 points per game with Pallacanestro Reggiana during the 2023/24 Serie A season.

Trieste praises Galloway’s scoring ability

Trieste general manager Michael Arcieri highlighted the veteran guard’s offensive impact.

“His elite scoring ability and offensive talent put enormous pressure on any defense.”

Head coach Francesco Taccetti also emphasized Galloway’s experience and basketball IQ, qualities that Trieste hopes will make him an important addition to the roster.

08/09/202620:12

Beau Beech joins Zastal Zielona Gora

Zastal Zielona Gora announced the signing of Beau Beech.

The 32-year-old sharpshooting forward spent last year in Croatia with Zadar, where he averaged 8.5 points per game last season while shooting 39% from three-point range.

08/09/202619:11

Giannoulis Larentzakis leaves Olympiacos after six seasons, joins AEK Athens

Giannoulis Larentzakis will leave Olympiacos after six seasons to join AEK Athens.

The 32-year-old guard had fallen out of the Reds’ rotation last season, making just 21 total minutes of EuroLeague action.

Coach Bartzokas confirmed his departure during the Team’s Media Day.

Meanwhile, Olympiacos also reached an agreement with AEK Athens to use the SUNEL Arena until the Peace and Friendship Stadium is ready.

08/09/202614:30

Thomas Walkup: here is how much Dubai paid for the Olympiacos star

Thomas Walkup’s move from Olympiacos to Dubai Basketball came with a significant financial investment, although the figures appear to be lower than initially reported in Greece.

According to BasketNews, the buyout fee was around €1.55 million, with Walkup himself covering half of the amount. His new contract is reportedly worth approximately €2.15 million gross per year. Initial reports in Greece had placed the buyout at €2.3 million and his annual salary close to €3 million.

Those are still superstar-level figures for a player whose value comes primarily from elite defense, leadership and his ability to make those around him better, rather than from being a go-to offensive star capable of changing games on his own.

07/09/202622:07

Zalgiris Kaunas, message to Isaiah Thomas: What do you think of Zalgirio Arena?

Isaiah Thomas has recently opened the door to the possibility of playing in Europe after his NBA career, expressing his desire to spend at least one season overseas and experience European basketball. His comments have apparently caught the attention of Zalgiris Kaunas.

The Lithuanian club responded on social media with a rather intriguing message to the former NBA All-Star: “What about coming courtside to Zalgirio Arena to experience the peak atmosphere of European basketball?” The comment may simply have been a playful invitation, but it has inevitably fueled speculation.

There is currently no indication of negotiations between Isaiah Thomas and Zalgiris, and the club’s message should not be interpreted as confirmation of any potential deal. Still, the idea is certainly intriguing: Thomas playing in the EuroLeague, perhaps in front of the passionate crowd at Zalgirio Arena. The Lithuanian club has clearly thrown the suggestion into the mix.

07/09/202621:06

From Spain | Nikola Mirotic considering retirement after just one season in Monaco?

Nikola Mirotic may have played the final games of his professional career with AS Monaco. According to Spanish outlet La Razón, retirement is reportedly among the options being considered by the 35-year-old forward.

Nothing has been decided yet, but the possibility comes after a complicated 2025-26 campaign, which also saw Mirotic miss an extended period toward the end of the season. The former EuroLeague MVP remains under contract with Monaco until 2027, although his future with the club is uncertain.

Joventut Badalona reportedly showed interest in signing him, while Malaga and Baskonia were also linked with the veteran. However, none of those options materialized. Joventut eventually decided to pursue a different direction. Mirotic must now determine whether to continue his career elsewhere or bring an end to his professional basketball journey after just one season in the Principality.

06/09/202617:16

Napoli Basket closing in on Mouhammadou Jaiteh return to Italy

Napoli Basket are reportedly close to completing a major move to strengthen their roster, with Mouhammadou Jaiteh nearing a return to Italy. According to PianetaBasket, the deal is in its final stages and could see the French center join Napoli on loan from Dubai Basketball, where he is under a multi-year contract.

Jaiteh joined Dubai last summer but suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury in September, forcing him to miss the entire season.

The move would mark a return to Italy for the experienced big man, who previously played for Torino during the 2018/19 season and Virtus Bologna from 2021 to 2023. With Virtus, Jaiteh returned to the EuroLeague and averaged 12.8 points and 7.6 rebounds over 21 games during the 2022/23 campaign.

06/09/202611:08

Amari Bailey agrees to join Hapoel Jerusalem, expected to be loaned to Hapoel Beer Sheva

Hapoel Jerusalem has reached an agreement with Amari Bailey, according to Tomer Givati.

The 22-year-old guard is set to sign a multi-year contract and will most likely be loaned to Hapoel Beer Sheva for the 2026/27 season.

Hapoel Jerusalem remains active on the market as it looks to replace Jared Harper, who is expected to miss between three and five months due to injury.

06/09/202609:16

Rade Zagorac joins Zadar

Rade Zagorac will play for Zadar during the 2026/27 season, according to Meridian Sports.

The 31-year-old wing joins the Croatian side after spending last season in Turkey with Buyukcekmece, where he averaged 6 points and 2.4 rebounds in 13 minutes per game in the BSL.

Selected No. 35 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, Zagorac signed a multi-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies ($2.3 million guaranteed), but was released before making his NBA debut.

04/09/202614:39

David Rivers: “Dejan Bodiroga was close to joining Olympiacos”

David Rivers has revealed a fascinating transfer story involving Dejan Bodiroga and Olympiacos. The former player explained that the Serbian star came very close to joining the Piraeus club at a time when the team was already capable of competing at the highest level.

“I heard about the possibility of Dejan Bodiroga joining us, and it would have happened. At that particular time, we were already in a position to compete with anyone, even NBA teams,” Rivers told Basketball Sphere.

According to Rivers, Bodiroga’s arrival would have been “the icing on the cake” for the team. However, he admitted that he still does not know why the deal ultimately did not happen.

04/09/202614:24

EuroLeague SuperCup in Abu Dhabi at risk as safety concerns emerge

The inaugural EuroLeague SuperCup, scheduled to tip off in Abu Dhabi in two weeks, is facing uncertainty and could ultimately be canceled due to safety concerns.

According to Harris Stavrou of Sport24, doubts have emerged in recent days over whether the tournament will go ahead as planned in the UAE. EuroLeague has already announced the tickets, participating teams, dates and matchups, while media accreditation has also been opened, but the situation is reportedly still unclear.

At least two participating teams are said to have reservations regarding safety amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Dubai is among them, with the club having started its preseason preparations in Turkey rather than the UAE. A final decision on whether the SuperCup will take place is now expected in the coming days.

03/09/202620:58

Bennie Boatwright joins Fujian Sturgeons

Bennie Boatwright has joined the Fujian Sturgeons, as announced by the Chinese club.

The 30-year-old power forward returns to CBA, where he played for Shanxi Zhongyu during the 2023/24 season.

Last season, Boatwright split his time between South Korea and the Philippines, averaging 31 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game for the San Miguel Beermen.

03/09/202620:12

Official: Markel Brown returns to Napoli Basketball

Napoli Basketball announces the signing of Markel Brown for the 2026-2027 season. Born in Alexandria, United States, in 1992, Brown is a 192 cm shooting guard and was one of the key players in Napoli’s great Coppa Italia win during the 2023–2024 season.

A product of Oklahoma State University, he made his first NBA appearance in the 2014–2015 with Brooklyn Nets, where he played for two seasons. In 2017–2018, after an excellent first part of the season in the G League with the Oklahoma City Blue, scoring 17.4 points per game, and with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, where he averaged 15.9 points per game, he returned to the NBA, with the Houston Rockets.

In 2018–2019, he made his first European experience with Darüşşafaka in Turkey’s top league, averaging 10.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. With the Turkish team, he also played in the EuroLeague, top continental competition. After another G League season, again in Oklahoma, Brown returned to Europe in the 2020–2021, playing for Hapoel Eilat in Israel, where he averaged 12.9 points per game. He moved to the Belgian league, joining Giants Antwerp, averaging 13.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game, while also competing in the FIBA Europe Cup.

In the 2022–2023 season, he enjoyed an outstanding season with Varese, establishing himself as one of the best players in the league. He scored 16.9 points and 4 rebounds per game, helping the club reach the postseason. After starting the season in Spain with Girona, Brown joined Napoli for the first time in the 2023–2024 season. He averaged 12.2 points per game and helped the team win the Italian Cup. Over the last two seasons, he has played for Pallacanestro Trieste, reaching the playoffs in consecutive seasons. In the 2024–2025 season, he averaged 15.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. He also made his mark in the Basketball Champions League, averaging 12.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in European competition.

03/09/202619:38

Bruno Caboclo set to return to Hapoel Tel Aviv

After leaving Hapoel Tel Aviv last season, Bruno Caboclo is set to return to the Israeli team. According to Sport5.co.il, the Brazilian big man has reached an agreement with the team coached by Dimitris Itoudis.

The contract will be for one season, with an option for a second. Caboclo is expected to earn approximately $1.5 million per season.

Caboclo left Hapoel Tel Aviv last January to join Dubai Basketball.

At Hapoel Tel Aviv, the 30-year-old Brazilian will complete the team’s center rotation alongside Dan Oturu and Tai Odiase.

03/09/202612:16

Sekou Doumbouya signs with San Pablo Burgos

Sekou Doumbouya (December 23, 2000, Conakry, Guinea) has joined Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos for the 2026/27 Liga Endesa season.

The 2.06-meter big man already has experience in Spain’s top division, having spent one season with MoraBanc Andorra.

From France to the NBA

Doumbouya began his professional career in France, playing for Pôle France, Poitiers and Limoges CSP between 2015 and 2019.

In 2019, he moved to the United States, where he played in the G League with the Grand Rapids Drive and in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons.

During the 2021/22 season, he continued his career in North America, splitting his time between the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA and the South Bay Lakers in the G League. The following season, he joined the Delaware Blue Coats.

Return to Europe

After his time in the United States, Doumbouya returned to France, spending one season with Chorale Roanne in the top division.

He then signed with MoraBanc Andorra, averaging 11.3 points and 4.5 rebounds for 10.1 evaluation credits in Liga Endesa during the 2024/25 season.

Last season, Doumbouya played in Japan with the Koshigaya Alphas.

San Pablo Burgos welcomed Doumbouya and wished him the best of luck in this new chapter of his career.

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