Basket rumors

Spain confirms: Sylvain Francisco to Barcelona

Barcelona has reportedly begun rebuilding its roster, starting with Sylvain Francisco, who is said to be the first signing already agreed upon, even though the contract has not yet been signed. Encestando, based in Spain, confirms our prediction from a few weeks ago. The French point guard, currently playing for Zalgiris, is said to be ready to sign with the Blaugrana for two years at the end of the season.

The work would continue with the search for two centers with different characteristics than Fall and Willy Hernangómez, and more mobile than Vesely, all three of whom are due to expire in June. Also in the crosshairs is a “four” to support Shengelia and a perimeter player to join Punter, Brizuela, and Parra, while Clyburn’s permanence is considered likely thanks to his 1+1 contract.

Francisco is already familiar with the Liga ACB from his experience at Manresa (2021-22), after years in France and spells at Peristeri and Bayern Munich, before the last two seasons at Zalgiris. The article describes him as one of the sensations of the Euroleague, with 17 points and 6.5 assists on average, and also mentions Luwawu-Cabarrot (Baskonia) as another French player in Barça’s orbit.

Kessler Edwards joins Hapoel Tel Aviv

Kessler Edwards is a new player of Hapoel Tel Aviv, as announced by the Israeli club.

The forward has signed a deal until the end of the current season.

After 178 NBA games in four years, Edwards was playing in the G League with the Grand Rapids Gold (14.1 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game).

Coach Dimitris Itoudis had this to say: “Kessler joins us to add size and athleticism. He can play the 3 and 4 positions, and we look forward to seeing him integrate into the team and adapt to our style of play.

We have spoken with him and expect him to bring his enthusiasm, defensive intensity, and athleticism to the court. On offense, his ability to open up the floor and score from beyond the arc will help the team.”

 

Hapoel Tel Aviv Opens Talks with Mike James for Next Season

Hapoel Tel Aviv is active on the market ahead of the EuroLeague final stretch, but behind the scenes the ambitious Israeli club is already working on plans for next season.

According to Walla Sport, the team has made initial contact with the representatives of Mike James, the star guard who is widely expected to leave AS Monaco after five seasons.

Pursuing the EuroLeague’s all-time leading scorer would not bode well for the confirmation of Dimitris Itoudis as head coach. James left CSKA Moscow following a dispute with Itoudis and later stated that he had lost respect for the Greek coach.

Hapoel Tel Aviv already has several players under contract for next season, including Vasilije Micic, Elijah Bryant and Antonio Blakeney.

Hapoel Tel Aviv closing in on Kessler Edwards: late push before EuroLeague registration deadline

Hapoel Tel Aviv is moving aggressively ahead of the EuroLeague player registration deadline, and BasketNews reports the club is nearing an agreement with Kessler Edwards.

The move was also described as being finalized by Noa Poplinger (Sport5), with Edwards coming off a strong G League season for the Grand Rapids Gold.

A former NBA rotation piece with Brooklyn and stints in Sacramento and Dallas, Edwards would bring size and switchability, plus two-way production highlighted by rebounds, defensive activity and three-point shooting.

Source: BasketNews / Sport5

Joan Plaza Appointed as New Head Coach of Casademont Zaragoza

Joan Plaza is the new head coach of Casademont Zaragoza, as announced by the Spanish club.

The experienced coach — 491 ACB games over 16 seasons — has signed a contract through the end of the current campaign, with an option for the 2026/27 season included for both parties.

The team currently sits 15th in the ACB standings, with six wins in 20 games.

Dubai BC pushes the market: Andreas Obst deal reportedly close

Dubai BC are set to double down in the EuroLeague market, aiming to build a title-chasing roster for next season after already being one of last summer’s most active teams.

Following the reported pre-agreement for Elie Okobo, the next target is Andreas Obst: the report says an agreement is very close, with the German shooter set to be out of contract with Bayern Munich in June.

Obst, who turns 30 in July, is averaging 15.5 points in EuroLeague play while hitting 41% from three, attempting around eight threes per game—elite efficiency on high volume for one of the competition’s top specialists.

Source: Encestando.

Barcellona targets Sylvain Francisco for the next season

Barcelona is trying to get its hands on Sylvain Francisco. According to Sportando, the Zalgiris point guard is the Blaugrana’s main target for next season.

Francisco, who is averaging 16.9 points and 6.7 assists in the EuroLeague this season, has an option with the Lithuanians for next season, but will be a free agent in the summer.

The French player would therefore be the first major addition for Xavi Pascual in the 2026-2027 season.

Panathinaikos close to signing Nigel Hayes-Davis

Stunning news coming out of Greece: Panathinaikos is reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Nigel Hayes-Davis, who is set to leave the NBA after becoming a free agent.

According to Gazzetta.gr, the club led by Dimitris Giannakopoulos has made significant progress in negotiations with the former Fenerbahce forward, overtaking Hapoel Tel Aviv in the race for his signature.

Reports suggest that Panathinaikos has offered a two-and-a-half-year deal worth €12.2 million, while Hapoel Tel Aviv’s proposal stands at €11 million for the same duration.

Historic moment for Italian Basketball: NCAA set to tip off 2026-27 season in Rome

Huge news for basketball in Italy: the NCAA is set to land in Rome for an official game, specifically the opening matchup of the 2026-27 season. According to CBS Sports, Villanova and Notre Dame will square off in the first game of the upcoming college basketball season in the Italian capital.

The two programs are in the final stages of finalizing the agreement. The game is expected to be played at PalaTiziano on November 1, 2026. While there is no official announcement yet, both schools are determined to move forward and make the event a reality.

Executives from both programs have reportedly been in contact with Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova alumnus, making direct involvement from the Pontiff a real possibility.

Nigel Hayes-Davis still undecided: SPORT24 explains why his decision is taking time

Nigel Hayes-Davis has yet to make a final decision on where he will continue his career after being waived in the NBA, a topic discussed on SPORT24’s “BIG 4 by Betsson.”

Konstantinos Melayies said Hayes-Davis informed teams “yesterday” that he hasn’t decided yet, adding that, based on what he’s heard, the player hasn’t fully processed the NBA cut and that major offers remain on the table, with money waiting until Feb. 25.

Melayies also stated Hayes-Davis effectively ruled out Panathinaikos after a call with Ergin Ataman and a discussion about the club’s plan. Spyros Kavaliëratos added that as long as a player hasn’t signed, he remains available.

Promitheas Patras sign Dae Dae Grant to strengthen the backcourt

Promitheas Patras are boosting their guard rotation by signing Dae Dae Grant (1.87m), according to SPORT24. The 25-year-old American is set to provide additional depth at the point guard spot.

Grant most recently played for Trabzonspor in Turkey, and the club has already said goodbye on X, thanking him for his contribution and wishing him success in his next step. He also spent five seasons in the NCAA earlier in his career.

This season, Grant averaged 5.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists across 14 appearances.

Source: SPORT24

Fenerbahce set to submit improved offer for Nigel Hayes-Davis, per Turkish report

According to Turkish journalist Ersan Sendal, Fenerbahce is expected to submit an improved proposal for Nigel Hayes-Davis in the coming hours. The club is trying to convince the 31-year-old 2025 Final Four MVP to return.

Hayes-Davis is said to be nearing an agreement with Hapoel Tel Aviv, which has reportedly put a €10 million offer on the table for 2.5 years. He left Fenerbahce in the summer of 2025 after a historic treble.

This season he played for the Suns, averaging 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds in 7.2 minutes across 27 games. Reports add he wants to become the highest-paid player in EuroLeague, surpassing the €5M earned by Vasilije Micic at Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Virtus Bologna reportedly targets Rasheed Bello

Virtus Bologna remains active in the transfer market, with Rasheed Bello being the latest name to join Marcus Carr. Walter Fuochi reports on this in La Repubblica.

The American point guard, who is 183 cm tall and was born in 2003, is enjoying his rookie season in Europe with Antwerp. Bello has averaged 5 points and 3.7 assists in the BCL, 15.5 points and 5 assists in the FIBA Europe Cup, and 15.5 points and 5.4 assists in Belgium, where he shoots 35.6% from three-point range.

On 21 September, against Reggiana, he scored 9 points and made 4 assists in the BCL qualifying round.

Hapoel Tel Aviv push for Nigel Hayes-Davis: $10M offer and “24 hours to decide”

After the loss to Hapoel Jerusalem, Hapoel Tel Aviv are still focused on a major market move: Nigel Hayes-Davis, formerly a key piece at Fenerbahçe and recently waived in the NBA.

Reports say Hapoel have put a $10 million, two-and-a-half-year proposal on the table, with Hayes-Davis expected to choose between them and Fenerbahçe. Club sources added: “Our offer is higher — he has 24 hours,” while the Itoudis connection is seen as a key factor.

Hayes-Davis left the EuroLeague as a champion with Fenerbahçe, then sought an NBA foothold but struggled for minutes: 27 games, just over 7 minutes per night, 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds, before being moved to Milwaukee and waived.

Source Sport5

Panathinaikos rejected by Nigel Hayes-Davis as EuroLeague suitors line up

Panathinaikos have been pushing for days to sign Nigel Hayes-Davis, former EuroLeague MVP and currently an NBA free agent. According to the Greek club’s owner, however, the player has turned down the offer.

Dimitris Giannakopoulos shared the update on Instagram, seemingly bringing an end to the Greens’ pursuit of Hayes-Davis. The forward remains a key name to monitor on the EuroLeague market, with Hapoel Tel Aviv and Fenerbahce also among the teams reportedly interested in landing the superstar.

As for Panathinaikos’ own market plans, another player to keep an eye on is Dario Šarić, who is also expected to leave the NBA in the coming days.

Hapoel Tel Aviv: tensions rise between Vasilije Micic and coach Itoudis’ staff

Hapoel Tel Aviv are going through a downturn after an outstanding first part of the season. The Israeli club have now suffered four consecutive defeats, and issues appear to extend beyond the court as well.

According to Sport5, the club is reportedly dissatisfied with the performances of Serbian star Vasilije Micic so far, as he is averaging 11.5 points and 4.2 assists per game in EuroLeague play.

Furthermore, the report states that significant tensions have emerged in recent weeks between Micic and the coaching staff led by Dimitris Itoudis. These internal frictions have contributed to the decline in form of both Hapoel Tel Aviv and the Serbian guard in particular.

Nigel Hayes-Davis set for EuroLeague return? Three teams and a record-breaking contract await

Nigel Hayes-Davis is currently an NBA free agent and could now decide to return to the EuroLeague, at least temporarily, bringing his overseas experience to a close.

According to Eurohoops, three teams are closely monitoring the situation: Fenerbahce, the club he left to pursue his NBA opportunity, Panathinaikos, and Hapoel Tel Aviv.

All three teams are said to have already contacted the player. Hayes-Davis is reportedly aiming to become the highest-paid player in EuroLeague history, surpassing the $5.6 million earned by Vasilije Micic.

Nigel Hayes-Davis waived by The Milwaukee Bucks: when his EuroLeague return can be decided

The Milwaukee Bucks have waived Nigel Hayes-Davis, putting EuroLeague clubs on alert.
The key factor is the waiver process timeline before any potential move back to Europe.

Once waived, Hayes-Davis stays on NBA waivers for 48 hours.
During that period, any NBA franchise can claim him, which would immediately keep him in the league.

If the 48-hour window passes without a claim, he becomes a free agent.
That’s when a return to the EuroLeague can realistically be pursued.

Hapoel Tel Aviv reportedly questions Dimitris Itoudis’ position

Is Hapoel Tel Aviv considering dismissing Dimitris Itoudis? The news comes from Israeli media, cited by the Greek website SDNA.

The fourth consecutive defeat in the EuroLeague is reportedly leading some club executives to question the position of the Greek coach, who led the team to victory in the 2025 EuroCup and subsequent promotion to the EuroLeague.

Meanwhile, the schedule is packed: on Sunday there is the match against Hapoel Jerusalem, and on Friday 13th there is the clash with Zalgiris in the EuroLeague.

Patty Mills exploring EuroLeague options ahead of the Feb. 25 registration deadline

Patty Mills is exploring his next options and views the EuroLeague as a potential destination for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, sources told BasketNews.
Per the report, the 37-year-old has been offered to multiple EuroLeague clubs in recent weeks.

With teams allowed to register new players until February 25, the EuroLeague is described as a realistic market for Mills.
He is seeking a return to the court after appearing in 29 NBA games in 2024-25 with The Utah Jazz and The Los Angeles Clippers.

BasketNews also highlights Mills’ international impact, noting his 16.5 points per game at the Paris 2024 Olympics for Australia.
The report recalls his 26-point outing in the quarterfinal against Serbia as a standout performance.

Hapoel Tel Aviv in talks for Guerschon Yabusele, per Sport5

Sport5 reports that Hapoel Tel Aviv are in negotiations with Guerschon Yabusele over a potential deal.
The forward is described as a high-profile target, with multiple European clubs keeping close tabs on his case.

The report frames it as a “big move” Hapoel want to complete in the next few days.
It also notes Panathinaikos AKTOR among the teams linked to the former Real Madrid Baloncesto player.

This season with the New York Knicks, the 30-year-old is listed at 2.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 0.4 assists across 41 games.
Those figures are included in the story as the market chatter continues.

Source: Sport5

Bayern Munich reportedly make a major offer to Ibon Navarro for next season

Bayern Munich looks ahead after parting ways with Gordon Herbert. To close out the season, the bench has been entrusted to Svetislav Pesic, who was already in Bavaria between 2012 and 2016.

Looking ahead, there is reportedly an important proposal on the table for Ibon Navarro, currently under contract with Unicaja Malaga. The offer is reportedly for three years and includes a €300,000 buyout to release the coach. This is according to Eurodevotion.

The Andalusian club, historically strict on buyouts, remains key in evaluating the departure of its iconic coach. Navarro, also celebrated at the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena, must decide whether now is the right time to make the leap to the Euroleague after recent rumours of interest.

Panathinaikos, Ataman on the brink: exit scenario after Aris loss

Reports in Greece suggest Panathinaikos have entered a tense phase after the loss to Aris Thessaloniki, with doubts tied to a poor 2026 run and a 3-4 stretch in the EuroLeague since the turn of the year. Friction with several players and public criticism from the coach are also cited as key factors.

Even the recent EuroLeague win over ASVEL Villeurbanne reportedly failed to calm the situation, as the on-court performance raised fresh questions. Owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos had been the main backer of the coach, but his post-game stance is described as noticeably harsher toward both players and staff.

A “mutual” split is now portrayed as a concrete possibility, with Ataman said to be weighing his future despite having another year on his deal. If a change happens soon, Christos Serelis is mentioned as the leading interim option ahead of Tuesday’s EuroLeague game vs Real Madrid Baloncesto (03/02, 21:15) at the OAKA Olympic Indoor Hall.

Source: Gazzetta

Sadık Emir Kabaca joins Tofas

Sadık Emir Kabaca is a new player of Tofaş, the Turkish club announced.

The 25-year-old big man started the season with Casademont Zaragoza. Previously, Kabaca spent four years with Galatasaray, where he averaged a career-high 11.9 points per game during the 2022/23 season.

 

Unicaja Malaga Reportedly Signing Justin Cobbs

Unicaja Malaga reached an agreement with Justin Cobbs, the experienced American point guard with Montenegrin passport, currently with Manisa.

The news was reported by Chema De Lucas.

Cobbs is set to help the Andalusian club cope with the injury to Alberto Díaz.  During his stint in Turkey, he was averaging 10.6 points and 3.6 assists per game in the BSL, along with 9.9 points and 3.1 assists per contest in the Basketball Champions League.

Jaxson Hayes close to Slovenian citizenship to play with Luka Doncic

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes is reportedly close to securing Slovenian citizenship and could join Luka Dončić on the Slovenian national team for FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Hayes is finalizing the paperwork to obtain a Slovenian passport and become the team’s naturalized player, potentially strengthening Slovenia’s roster alongside Dončić in qualifying windows leading up to the 2027 World Cup.

The report comes from BasketNews and highlights a significant potential boost for the Slovenian side.

Olimpia Milano, Poeta on Lorenzo Brown: “He’s out of the technical project”

Lorenzo Brown’s situation dominated the postgame discussion after Olimpia Milano vs Partizan. The guard was not included in the 12-man roster, a decision that effectively closes his chapter with the club.

Head coach Peppe Poeta made the stance clear: “Together with the club, we decided he’s out of the technical project.” The statement reshapes Milano’s backcourt picture and immediately fuels roster-related scenarios.

On the market, Poeta added that the club will stay attentive but must be selective due to limited flexibility: “We’re alert, but having only one registration slot makes us think very carefully about our choices.”

Daniele Baiesi on Armoni Brooks’ future: He hasn’t made a decision yet

Armoni Brooks

Daniele Baiesi, sporting director of Olimpia Milano, answered journalists’ questions after the match against Partizan.

Among the topics discussed were Armoni Brooks and contract renewal negotiations: ‘He has not yet made a decision about his future. I spoke at length with his agent, as I did with the agents of the other players whose contracts are expiring and whom we want to keep. The names? I can’t reveal them now.’

These words were reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Reyer Venezia market move: Chris Horton likely to leave as the club searches for a new big man

Chris Horton is expected to leave Umana Reyer Venezia. As reported by Giuseppe Malaguti of La Nuova, the 1994-born big man is nearing his exit, while the Italian side continues to explore the market for a new frontcourt addition.

Horton joined Venezia in the summer after two seasons with Trapani Shark. This season, he has averaged 8.7 points and 5.9 rebounds in 23.6 minutes per game in Serie A. In the EuroCup, he posted 8.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 22.4 minutes.

Venezia are now linked to several potential options to reshape the big-man rotation and fill the vacancy expected in the frontcourt.

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