Basket rumors

29/01/202610:09

Saliou Niang: I could escape to the NBA. I think about the present, not the future

Saliou Niang, forward for Virtus Bologna, spoke to Il Resto del Carlino. Here are some of his comments.

ON VIRTUS AND THE NBA

‘If I ever go there, I know I’ll have to improve and grow. Virtus offers me all that, including the Euroleague. And then we’re talking about a club with history, tradition and ambition.’

ON THE 3-POINT SHOT

‘I don’t even try to shoot from three? That’s true too. I lack confidence. It’s a mental thing.’

ON HIS CONTRACT

‘It’s a two-year contract, but I have the option to leave after one season, only for the NBA. But I’m happy here. I’m thinking about the present, not the future.’

ON THE ITALIAN CUP

‘Paolo Ronci gave me his word: if we win the Italian Cup, he’ll wear a black and white jersey. And it won’t be Virtus’s…’

28/01/202621:24

Aleksa Radanov joins Partizan

Partizan have bolstered their roster with the signing of Aleksa Radanov.

The Serbian wing began the season with Bayern Munich, but saw limited action, logging just 19 total minutes across six BBL games.

Radanov is expected to join the team after tomorrow night’s game against Olimpia Milano.

(via Euroleague)

Radanov was deregistered before the January 5 deadline, making him eligible to play for Partizan as soon as he is registered.

28/01/202620:59

Aris Betsson Extends Amine Noua Through 2029

Aris Betsson has officially announced a contract extension for Amine Noua, keeping the French forward in Thessaloniki until 2029.

Noua quickly won over the club with his strong performances during his first two and a half months in Greece.

In domestic competition, he is the team’s leading scorer with 17.8 points per game and also its top rebounder at 6.6, shooting an impressive 46% from three, 83% from the free-throw line, and 50% on two-pointers.

In EuroCup, Noua has averaged 14.7 points and 6.2 rebounds, while shooting 41% from the field, 38% from beyond the arc, and 79% from the foul line.

28/01/202616:55

RealOlimpiaMilano | Update on Lorenzo Brown’s situation

Lorenzo Brown’s stint with Olimpia Milano appears to be coming to an end. According to information obtained by ROM, the Spanish guard’s future lies away from the Milanese club.

In the preview of the game against Partizan Belgrade, the following was reported regarding the point guard’s status: “Meanwhile, Lorenzo Brown, as first reported by ROM, is no longer part of Olimpia Milano’s technical project.”

27/01/202611:45

Crvena Zvezda on Devonte’ Graham: “There are procedures”, club statement expected

Crvena Zvezda beat Vienna 108–98, but the main talking point remains Devonte’ Graham, who is reportedly close to leaving the club. At the press conference, Saša Obradović did not answer questions on the guard, with PR Igor Vujičin stepping in to say the club will speak when there is something concrete.

“I will speak as someone from the club. We have nothing to deny or confirm, there are procedures. As a club, we will speak when we have something concrete. There is no mystery, Graham was not in the 12, like many tonight, by the coach’s decision”.

Obradović focused on the game and the broader context after travel and fatigue, saying they did enough to win and were pleased it ended without injuries. He also dismissed the noise around the team: “This is all a process… I don’t pay attention to social media… If I dealt with that, I would lose focus on the game and the team”.

*Source: Mozzart Sport

27/01/202609:30

Mike James reportedly set for 2026 free agency after renegotiating AS Monaco contract

BasketNews sources say Mike James will hit 2026 free agency, one year earlier than expected. His 2024 extension through 2026-27 was reportedly renegotiated and shortened.

That leaves James eligible to sign a new deal with AS Monaco or test the market in summer 2026. The move reshapes the upcoming EuroLeague free-agency landscape, with other notable names expected to be available such as Shavon Shields, Daniel Theis, and Josh Nebo.

Even with his age-36 season approaching next offseason, James is producing at an elite level: 16.6 points and a career-high 6.4 assists, with 18.3 PIR in 30 minutes. Since 2021-22 he has appeared in 180 of Monaco’s 183 EuroLeague games and has led the club to four straight playoff runs, including two Final Fours and last season’s run to the Final.

Source: BasketNews

26/01/202620:55

Crvena Zvezda’s Devonte’ Graham left out again: a split could be near

By head coach Saša Obradović’s decision, Devonte Graham is not in the squad again for the ABA League game vs BC Vienna at “Pionir.”
It’s his fifth consecutive absence, and the sixth time in the last seven games he has been left out.

His most recent outing was on Jan. 12 against Bosna: 12 minutes, no points, one rebound and four assists.
Sport Klub says discussions with the club are well underway regarding a possible separation.

Graham arrived in the summer as a major signing, but has struggled to adapt to European basketball after an early injury setback.
Obradović previously said: “He got his chance and wasn’t productive the way we expected… we should support him.”

Sport Klub

26/01/202616:32

NBA Europe takes shape as financial projections are shared

One week after the London meeting, the NBA is pushing forward with its NBA Europe project, preparing to share financial projections with some of the world’s leading investment groups. According to the Financial Times, the process involves granting access to data rooms and financial plans related to the future competition.

Among the groups reportedly given access to the documents are Blackstone, CVC, RedBird and General Atlantic, alongside BlackRock, BC Partners and Oaktree. Investors are currently assessing the possibility of providing financial backing to the franchises of the new European league.

Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized that in Europe the NBA is open to types of investors not permitted in the United States, due to different regulations and traditions. The Financial Times also reports that more than 300 expressions of interest have already been submitted, with non-binding bids expected by the end of March and franchise valuations estimated between $500 million and $1 billion. The project could also involve major clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Fenerbahçe and Panathinaikos.

23/01/202608:47

Zenit: Aleksandar Djordjevic turns down initial offer

Aleksandar Djordjevic has declined Zenit Saint Petersburg’s initial offer, per Artem Komarov.
That development leaves the talks unresolved and keeps the situation open.

Komarov had previously reported Zenit were in discussions with Djordjevic for the head coach position.
The former Serbia and China national team coach has been out of coaching since 2024 and was described as the closest option.

Zenit still have several other names on their shortlist, according to the same report.
Two of those candidates are also Serbian coaches.

21/01/202619:58

Braian Angola joins ASVEL

Braian Angola is a new ASVEL player, the French club announced.

The 31-year-old Colombian guard is set to make his EuroLeague debut after spending several seasons competing in the EuroCup and the Basketball Champions League.

Angola, who has signed a contract through the end of the season, arrives from Gran Canaria, where he was averaging 13.2 points per game on 47% shooting from three-point range, along with 3.3 assists, in BCL.

21/01/202615:01

Brian Angola set to join ASVEL Villeurbanne and return to EuroLeague

Brian Angola is expected to continue his career in the EuroLeague with ASVEL Villeurbanne. According to SDNA, the 32-year-old is set to relocate to France and sign with the Lyon-Villeurbanne club.

This season, Angola played for Gran Canaria, averaging 8.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 19.5 minutes across 15 league games. In six BCL appearances, he posted 13.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 19.7 minutes.

Angola’s resume includes stops at Ostenda, Partizan, Ness Ziona, AEK, Galatasaray, Karşıyaka, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Türk Telekom, after his college run at Florida State.

Fonte: SDNA

20/01/202617:22

Andreas Obst EuroLeague market jewel, Bayern Munich at risk of losing him this summer

Andreas Obst could change teams over the next summer. The Bayern Munich sharpshooter is expected, according to Basketnews, to seek the most lucrative contract of his career after an excellent season so far.

Reports suggest that Bayern Munich is at serious risk of losing the German player, who is reportedly attracting interest from several EuroLeague teams, as his contract is set to expire.

Obst’s summer contract could easily exceed €1.5 million per season. This season, he is averaging 14.2 points per game, shooting 40.3% from beyond the arc.

20/01/202617:05

NBA Europe: Manchester still considered, City and United unlikely to be involved

NBA Europe continues its search for agreements with clubs from major European markets with strong global recognition in football. Manchester is undoubtedly a key city for the new project backed by the league overseen by Adam Silver, who would welcome the presence of a franchise in Manchester with the support of either City or United.

According to Frank Dallers of City AM, Manchester could still become part of the NBA Europe project, albeit without the involvement of Manchester City or Manchester United.

Ben Pierson, chairman of Manchester’s current Super League Basketball team, told City AM: “The Sherwood group have been in discussions with JPMorgan and the NBA since the very beginning of the process. We have the financial resources to submit a bid independently, if it makes sense. But we have also been approached by several groups who understand that we are the operating company in the city. If you are a basketball team branded in blue, you lose half the city because Manchester United fans won’t attend your games.”

According to BBC Sport, neither Manchester City nor Manchester United have shown interest in joining the NBA Europe project.

20/01/202616:02

Joventut Badalona extend Henri Drell Until End of June

Club Joventut Badalona have officially exercised their option to extend the contract of Henri Drell, keeping the Estonian forward with the club until June 30, 2026.

Drell joined Joventut last September on a temporary deal, which was later renewed through January 2026. His seamless adaptation to the team and consistent performances have now earned him a further extension, ensuring he will finish the season with the Penya.

The Estonian has appeared in 22 official games for Joventut and is currently enjoying the best statistical season of his professional career in the Liga ACB. Thanks to his versatility — capable of playing both at the forward (3) and power forward (4) positions — Drell will continue to be an important tactical asset for the Badalona side.

17/01/202622:09

Gran Canaria reportedly signs Kassius Robertson

Gran Canaria signs Kassius Robertson. Chema de Lucas reports from Spain.

The Canadian guard, born in 1994, started the season with Kuban, averaging 8.3 points in the VTB.

16/01/202622:27

Ataman reacts harshly to Bayern Munich loss, orders punitive practice for Panathinaikos

Panathinaikos suffered a tough defeat in the EuroLeague matchup against Bayern Munich, and head coach Ergin Ataman did not let his players off the hook.

According to SDNA, the Greens’ coach took the team straight to OAKA after returning to Athens for a video session reviewing the game against Bayern, followed by a “punitive” practice.

Kendrick Nunn, Dinos Mitoglou, and Nikos Rogkavopoulos did not take part in the practice due to their respective injuries.

14/01/202619:25

Jacob Gilyard joins Gravelines-Dunkerque

Shortly after parting ways with Cantù, point guard Jacob Gilyard has signed with Gravelines-Dunkerque on a deal through the end of the season.

Gilyard wrapped up his stint in LBA averaging 10.3 points, 5.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game, while shooting 36% from the field.

 

14/01/202616:48

Ja Morant Breaks Silence on Trade Rumors: “I Have to Live With It”

Ja Morant offered brief but telling comments about his future with the Memphis Grizzlies, acknowledging ongoing trade speculation and admitting that it is something he simply has to accept.

Speaking to reporters during Memphis’ European trip, Morant responded cautiously to questions about potential trade talks, saying that he has to “live with it.” According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Grizzlies are entertaining trade offers for Morant for the first time since he became the franchise cornerstone. Multiple teams are monitoring the situation, with rival executives believing Memphis would prioritize draft picks and young players in any potential deal.

Return still uncertain amid injuries

Morant said Wednesday that he will “hopefully” play this week in Europe, as the Grizzlies face the Orlando Magic in Berlin and London. If he does, it would mark his first game action since January 2. During practice, Morant was seen in an animated exchange with teammate Vince Williams Jr., highlighting the intensity surrounding the team amid the rumors.

The 26-year-old guard has missed five consecutive games due to a right calf contusion and has appeared in only 18 games this season overall. His limited availability has been caused by a series of injuries, as well as a one-game suspension following a postgame exchange with head coach Tuomas Iisalo in November.

Contract situation adds another layer

Morant remains under contract with Memphis through the 2027–28 season, but his long-term future is far from settled. He is eligible this summer to sign an extension worth up to three years and $178 million, a decision that could heavily influence both the Grizzlies’ strategy and the league-wide trade market.

For now, Morant is focused on returning to the court. But with Memphis openly listening to offers, his short answer says it all: the uncertainty is real, and he knows he has to live with it.

14/01/202616:15

From Spain | Real Madrid close to joining NBA Europe

The balance of power in European basketball is approaching a decisive moment. With key strategic decisions looming, the long-running tension between the EuroLeague and the NBA is intensifying as the American league prepares to launch a new European competition in 2027.

According to AS, Real Madrid are determined to accept the NBA’s proposal and leave the EuroLeague to join what is provisionally known as NBA Europe. While no contract has yet been signed, talks between the club and the NBA are advanced and ongoing. The alliance, if completed, would dramatically alter the European basketball landscape.

NBA Europe: a new map for continental basketball

Taking advantage of NBA regular-season games scheduled in Europe, the league has held meetings with investors and potential partner clubs to outline the structure of the new competition. The plan foresees a 16-team league: 12 permanent license holders and four teams qualifying each season.

Real Madrid are not only among the invitees — they are viewed as the flagship club of the project. The NBA also aims to expand into football-centric cities with limited basketball tradition, such as Rome, Manchester and Paris (via PSG), while targeting major markets like London and Berlin. Conversely, traditional basketball strongholds such as Greece and Serbia would likely play a reduced role.

The project is being developed in collaboration with FIBA, which has been in open conflict with the EuroLeague for control of European basketball for nearly a decade. This alignment would allow FIBA to keep the Basketball Champions League relevant, with its champion potentially qualifying for NBA Europe, presenting the new league as less closed than the EuroLeague.

EuroLeague’s counter-move and the clubs’ divide

In parallel, the EuroLeague has been working with its shareholder clubs on a long-term framework covering 2026–2036, following the signing of a major commercial deal. An informal deadline of January 15 was set for clubs to confirm their commitment.

Several teams have already signed 10-year agreements, including Baskonia, Anadolu Efes, Bayern Munich, Žalgiris, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Olimpia Milano, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos and CSKA Moscow (despite their suspension due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine).

Attention has focused on four undecided clubs: FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Fenerbahçe and ASVEL. Barcelona have opted to stay with the EuroLeague for now, though with an exit clause. Fenerbahçe and Real Madrid are more inclined toward the NBA project, while ASVEL — long linked to the NBA through club president Tony Parker — are reconsidering and may yet renew with the EuroLeague.

A historic shift on the horizon

For Real Madrid, the potential move represents not only a sporting revolution but also a fundamental business shift. Financial structure, global exposure and long-term growth are at the heart of the NBA proposal, which the club is analyzing in detail. Despite the lack of formal signatures, the intention in Madrid is clear: to cross over — and to lead the new era of European basketball.

For now, the tug of war between NBA and EuroLeague remains open. But the next few months could define the continent’s basketball future for decades to come.

14/01/202612:03

Promitheas replace Paulicup with Grant Golden: ex-AEK big man returns to Greece from Manresa

Promitheas are set to cover the departure of Paul Paulicup to Manresa by bringing in a familiar name: Grant Golden.
The text says coach Kouro Segkoura’s team identified the former AEK big man, who had been playing in Manresa, as the chosen replacement.

The move is portrayed as an informal swap between the two clubs, with Golden having appeared in 15 Liga Endesa games.
In Spain’s top league, he posted 7.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

In EuroCup with Manresa, Golden averaged 8.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists across 13 games in 16:53 per game.
The report also recalls his 2024-25 season with AEK in the Basketball Champions League: 10.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists over 17 games.

13/01/202620:32

Torrey Craig Close to Joining Sydney Kings for Remainder of NBL Season

Torrey Craig is in advanced negotiations to sign with the Sydney Kings for the remainder of the 2025–26 NBL season, sources told ESPN.

Craig is expected to join the Kings as a replacement for Bul Kuol, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury earlier this month. The Kings must register a new player before their January 15 game against the Brisbane Bullets to meet league requirements, making Craig’s signing imminent.

The 35-year-old forward has significant experience in Australia, having played three NBL seasons between 2014 and 2017 with the Cairns Taipans and Brisbane. During the 2016–17 campaign, Craig averaged 15.2 points per game and was named NBL Best Defensive Player.

Craig later built a strong NBA career, appearing in 458 games across eight seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and Boston Celtics. His most productive NBA season came in 2022–23 with Phoenix, where he averaged 7.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, shooting 39.5% from three-point range.

To be eligible for the NBL playoffs, Craig must appear in seven regular-season games, meaning he would need to suit up by the Kings’ January 25 matchup against the Adelaide 36ers.

Coached by Brian Goorjian, the Kings currently sit third on the NBL ladder at 15–9, having won eight of their last ten games.

13/01/202620:27

Petkimspor Sign Jaylon Brown

Aliağa Petkimspor have completed the signing of Jaylon Brown, adding the American guard to their roster.

Born in 1994 and standing 1.83 meters tall, Brown is well known in Turkish basketball for his previous stints with Pınar Karşıyaka and Bursaspor. He most recently played in China with the Liaoning Flying Leopards, before returning to Turkey for a new chapter with Petkimspor.

13/01/202620:23

Ben Bentil Signs with Formosa Dreamers, Heads to Taiwan

Ben Bentil has officially signed in Taiwan, reaching an agreement with the Formosa Dreamers. It marks a new chapter — and a third experience in Asia — for the 30-year-old forward, who will compete in a championship he has never played in before.

Bentil’s career path has been uneven in recent months. After a brief and low-profile stint with ASVEL, the Ghanaian big man joined Mersin last summer in an attempt to relaunch his career in the Basketball Champions League.

That experience, however, ended prematurely, forcing Bentil to look for a new opportunity. Taiwan now represents a fresh start, as he aims to regain continuity and confidence in a new environment.

13/01/202620:09

Slovenia Extends Aleksander Sekulić as Men’s National Team Head Coach

The Executive Board of the Basketball Federation of Slovenia has unanimously approved the proposal to extend Aleksander Sekulić as head coach of the Slovenian men’s national team for the next two years.

The decision confirms Sekulić in the role until the end of 2027, representing his fourth mandate on the bench of the national team. Appointed head coach in November 2020, he has since become the longest-serving coach in the history of Slovenia’s senior men’s program.

Sekulić first joined the national team staff in 2006 and served primarily as an assistant coach until 2020. As head coach, he has led Slovenia to all three major international competitions: the Olympic Games (Tokyo 2021), the FIBA World Cup (2023), and two EuroBasket tournaments (2022 and 2025).

Together with his staff, Sekulić will soon reconvene the national team as qualification games for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar resume. Slovenia has already opened the qualifying campaign with a narrow overtime loss to Estonia and a win over Sweden, with upcoming games against Czechia, Estonia, and Sweden scheduled over the next qualification windows.

13/01/202620:05

Fenerbahçe Beko Extend Head Coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius on a Three-Year Deal

Fenerbahçe Beko have officially reached a three-year agreement with head coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius, securing the future of one of the key figures behind the club’s recent historic successes.

The extension underlines Fenerbahçe’s ambition to continue competing at the highest level, with Jasikevičius remaining at the helm of a team pursuing major goals both domestically and in European competitions.

The club expressed its best wishes for a successful partnership moving forward, hoping the new deal will bring further victories and championships in the coming seasons.

12/01/202619:06

EuroLeague ready for a legal battle with NBA Europe?

Important rumors are emerging regarding the creation of NBA Europe, a European basketball league managed by the NBA. According to Aris Barkas of Eurohoops, a legal battle between the two organizations could be on the horizon.

As reported, EuroLeague would be ready to initiate legal action against the NBA for having opened talks with clubs that had already committed to a ten-year agreement with EuroLeague.

12/01/202616:23

Bruno Caboclo nearing Hapoel exit: Dubai emerging as frontrunner

Caboclo is closing in on his next move as his departure from Hapoel Tel Aviv gets closer, with Dubai Basketball viewed as the top option.
Sources say there’s interest across multiple markets, but Dubai has moved to the front.

The move is tied to Sertaç Şanlı nearing an exit from Dubai, opening a spot for Caboclo in the frontcourt.
Because he hasn’t been registered in the EuroLeague, Caboclo remains eligible for an in-season switch even after Jan. 5.

The 30-year-old has not played a EuroLeague or Israeli league game this season due to health issues.
He last featured for Brazil at the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup (gold, All-Star Five) after averaging 7.4 points and 3.7 rebounds for Hapoel in last season’s EuroCup.

12/01/202616:21

Sertaç Şanlı set for Beşiktaş reunion as talks near completion

Beşiktaş have reached the final stages of negotiations to bring Sertaç Şanlı back to Istanbul, with an announcement expected soon.
The 34-year-old center would move from EuroLeague side Dubai to the club’s EuroCup and domestic rosters.

Finalizing the transfer before Tuesday’s EuroCup registration deadline would keep Şanlı eligible for the rest of the season.
In EuroLeague play, he has averaged 2.4 points and 1.0 rebounds across seven bench appearances.

Source Eurohoops

11/01/202615:29

London Lions adds Chaundee Brown Jr. and Nigel Hawkins

The London Lions have announced the arrivals of Chaundee Brown Jr. and Nigel Hawkins.

Brown Jr started the season with the New Taipei Kings, while Hawkins was playing in Cyprus with Anorthosis Ammohostou  – 22.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3 assist in FIBA Europe Cup-.

 

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