Basket rumors

Pallacanestro Varese reportedly makes an offer to Uros Trifunovic

Corriere della Sera reports on the transfer market at Pallacanestro Varese. The article is by Flavio Vanetti.

After Ike Iroegbu, the hot name is Uros Trifunovic, who is leaving Maccabi Tel Aviv. According to Vanetti, the red and white club has put a significant offer on the table.

Born in Belgrade in 2000, the 200 cm forward averaged 10.5 points, 2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists with Tofas Bursa in the FIBA Europe Cup last season.

This season, he has played only 4 minutes in the EuroLeague, on September 30 against Efes in round #1, scoring 2 points and missing a three-pointer.

He emerged at Mega Bemax and also played four seasons with Partizan.

Panathinaikos extends Kostas Mitoglou through 2029

Panathinaikos has officially announced the contract extension of Kostas Mitoglou.

The Greek big man — who played for Olimpia Milano during the 2021–22 season — has signed a new deal that will keep him with the club until 2029.

So far in the EuroLeague, Mitoglou is averaging 5.1 points and 3.1 rebounds in 13 minutes per game, while in the Greek League he has totaled 29 points in two appearances.

Real Madrid reportedly signs Alex Len

Real Madrid has signed Alex Len. The center returns to Europe with a multi-year contract and an NBA opt-out clause for next season.

The fifth pick in the 2013 draft, Alex Len averaged 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 12 years in the NBA with the Suns, Hawks, Kings, Raptors, Wizards, and Lakers.

Alex Len played his last game in April, playing 35 games with the Kings and 12 with the Lakers last season.

Jared Butler fails medical tests with Crvena Zvezda

Jared Butler recently reached an agreement to join Crvena Zvezda Belgrade and make his debut in the EuroLeague, but his signing is now in doubt.

According to NOVA, the player reportedly did not pass the medical tests due to a hereditary heart condition — an issue that has previously jeopardized his career, as several NBA teams were hesitant to sign him because of it.

However, it is not entirely ruled out that Butler could still join Crvena Zvezda, as reports indicate he will undergo further medical examinations in hopes of obtaining clearance to be officially registered and take the court.

Paolo Ronci on Pajola, Diouf’s contract: We will definitely try

Paolo Ronci, GM of Virtus Bologna, was a guest on Sport Club on E-TV. Among the topics discussed was the future of Alessandro Pajola and Momo Diouf.

“Renewal? We will definitely try. They are two very important players. There’s no need to say anything about Pajola; he’s our captain. Diouf has also grown very quickly, thanks in part to Virtus. We’ll try, but it’s clear that the better they play, the more interest they’ll attract from other teams. It will depend on us, but also on them.”

Alessandro Pajola’s contract, like Momo Diouf’s, expires on June 30, 2026.

Partizan reportedly close to signing Nick Calathes from AS Monaco

Partizan Belgrade are in advanced talks to sign veteran guard Nick Calathes from AS Monaco, according to BasketNews. Monaco have agreed to part ways with the 36-year-old, who has not featured in any EuroLeague games this season under coach Vassilis Spanoulis.

Calathes, still under contract through 2026, averaged 3.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists last year as Monaco reached the EuroLeague final. He appeared in three French League games this season, logging 12 minutes per game.

Following Carlik Jones’ injury, Partizan accelerated talks, identifying Calathes as a key addition to provide leadership and control. After acquiring Bruno Fernando from Real Madrid, Calathes’ arrival would further strengthen Zeljko Obradovic’s roster.

Brisbane Bullets add sharpshooter Dakota Mathias

The Brisbane Bullets have announced the signing of Dakota Mathias.

The former Purdue guard joins the NBL after a strong G League season with the Indiana Mad Ants, where he averaged 17.9 points (38% from long range on 8.7 attempts), 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.

Mathias will replace Javon Freeman-Liberty.

David Duke Jr. joins Perth Wildcats

The Perth Wildcats have announced the signing of David Duke Jr., a guard/forward with four years of NBA experience.

The Providence product joins Perth after stints with the Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs, and most recently the Phoenix Suns.

Last season in the G League with the Austin Spurs, Duke Jr. averaged 17 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals over 42 games.

Partizan Strengthens Frontcourt with Addition of Bruno Fernando

Partizan has bolstered its frontcourt by signing center Bruno Fernando.

The Angolan big man joins from Real Madrid, with his contract set to become official after completing medical examinations scheduled for tomorrow.

In EuroLeague, Fernando was averaging 4.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in about 10 minutes per game.

 

Partizan Belgrade eyes Cam Payne as replacement for injured Carlik Jones

Partizan Belgrade is looking for a replacement for Carlik Jones after the injury that will keep him off the court for several months.

According to Marc Stein, the Serbian club is among the teams interested in Cam Payne, the NBA point guard who also played in the 2021 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns as Chris Paul’s backup.

Cam Payne is therefore another NBA player who could join the EuroLeague during the 2025–26 season.

Partizan close to signing Bruno Fernando as deal with Real Madrid nears completion

Partizan Mozzart Bet is reportedly on the verge of signing Bruno Fernando, the Real Madrid center who has fallen out of coach Sergio Scariolo’s rotation. After months of searching for a big man, the Serbian champions have reached an agreement with the Angolan player, pending final financial terms with Real.

According to Mozzart Sport, Fernando is seeking a sizable payout before terminating his contract. Once settled, he’ll join Partizan, the reigning ABA League and Serbian League champions, finally filling the interior void left after unsuccessful pursuits of Tyrique Jones.

Fernando (born in 1998 in Luanda) previously played in the NBA with Atlanta, Boston, Houston, and Toronto before joining Real Madrid, where he won the ACB title. This EuroLeague season, he’s averaging 4.4 points and 3.4 rebounds. After landing Fernando, Partizan will also look for a backcourt addition to replace injured guard Carlik Jones.

Everyone’s crazy about Spencer Dinwiddie. Even Bayern Munich is interested

In Europe, it’s the talk of the town. The focus is on Spencer Dinwiddie, eleven NBA seasons, some as a star player for the Brooklyn Nets.

Fresh from an 81-game season with the Dallas Mavericks, Dinwiddie is now a free agent and is considering opportunities in the EuroLeague.

In the last few minutes, Bayern Munich has entered the fray, at least according to BasketNews: Olympiacos, considered the favourite, has not yet confirmed the negotiations. According to Sport24, Anadolu Efes and Olimpia Milano have also evaluated the opportunity, but are not actively in the running.

Spencer Dinwiddie Reportedly in Advanced Talks with Olympiacos

Olympiacos could be the team chosen by Spencer Dinwiddie for his first experience in the EuroLeague.

According to Moshe Barda, the two sides are in advanced negotiations, with the Reds eager to strengthen their backcourt by signing the former Colorado guard.

The Greek team had previously also approached Jared Butler, who, however, seems to have preferred the Crvena Zvezda option.

Spencer Dinwiddie Reportedly Drawing Strong EuroLeague Interest

Spencer Dinwiddie Reportedly Drawing Strong EuroLeague Interest

After being waived by the Charlotte Hornets, Spencer Dinwiddie could continue his career in the EuroLeague.

According to Marc Stein, several top European clubs have expressed strong interest in the 32-year-old point guard.

Last season, Dinwiddie averaged 11 points and 4.4 assists per game for the Dallas Mavericks, who chose not to re-sign him.

The former Colorado guard was released by the Hornets last week despite having a guaranteed one-year deal.

Earlier reports from Serbia suggested a possible move to Anadolu Efes, but Stein later denied those rumors.

Over 11 NBA seasons, Dinwiddie has averaged 13 points and 5.1 assists per game, while committing just 1.6 turnovers.

 

Pallacanestro Varese reportedly targets Ike Iroegbu

Pallacanestro Varese is targeting Ike Iroegbu, according to La Prealpina.

Born in Sacramento in 1995 but of Nigerian nationality, after his experience in Italy with Treviso (averaging 16.4 points), he played two years in the ACB in Girona and was recently released by Valencia.

Obviously, the focus is on the future of Stefan Moody.

Jared Butler reportedly joining Olympiacos

Jared Butler has reached an agreement with Olympiacos and is expected to arrive in Greece on Thursday to begin his first experience in Europe, according to SDNA.

The 25-year-old guard out of Baylor was released by the Phoenix Suns despite an impressive preseason performance, averaging 15.5 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals in just 20 minutes per game.

Butler has appeared in 148 NBA games over four seasons, posting career averages of 6.7 points and 2.8 assists in 13 minutes per contest.

According to Baseline Insiders, the guard will sign a two-year deal worth $3.3 million.

 

Scariolo Drops Bruno Fernando, Real Madrid Looking for a New Center

Real Madrid coach Sergio Scariolo has effectively ruled out Bruno Fernando from his plans. The Angolan center didn’t play against Burgos and won’t be on the roster versus Maccabi, marking a clear split between player and club.

The team has been unhappy with his performance for weeks. Despite his $2 million salary, Madrid is exploring the market for a replacement, though quality options are limited at this stage of the season.

Scariolo reportedly never wanted Fernando since taking over in July. With Tavares as the only true big man and Garuba and Almansa as backups, Madrid prefers a European or Cotonou player, but may consider paying a buyout for someone already in Europe.

Source: Encestando.es

Panionios Athens reportledly targeting Gianmarco Pozzecco for head coach role

According to Corriere della Sera, Panionios Athens has approached Gianmarco Pozzecco for its head coaching position. The Italian coach will hold further discussions today to determine whether the contact could lead to a formal agreement.

For Pozzecco, it would mark a return abroad after previous experiences with France and the Italian national team. The Athenian club sees the energetic coach as an ideal leader to spark a new era of competitiveness and identity.

Source: Corriere della Sera

Pedro Martinez on Nathan Sestina: I’m sure he’ll play better in Milan

Valencia head coach Pedro Martinez commented after the home defeat in the EuroLeague against Hapoel Tel Aviv on the departure of Nathan Sestina, who is set to sign with Olimpia Milano in the coming hours.

‘I’m sure he’ll play better in Milan, in a different role: he’ll feel more confident, more fulfilled, something we couldn’t guarantee him here. I really wish him all the best, he deserves it. Here, he was getting into a situation that was difficult to change.’

Source: RealOlimpiaMilano

Sportando exclusive – Anadolu Efes sporting director denies rumours about Rolands Smits

Rolands Smits is not leaving Istanbul. Anadolu Efes sporting director Ismail Şenol has denied rumours of the Latvian forward’s departure in an exclusive interview with Sportando.

«Rolands Smits is an integral and highly valued member of our team, both on and off the court. He is under contract with Anadolu Efes, and we have absolutely no intention of parting ways with him».

The Latvian forward has averaged 4.5 points and 6 rebounds in the BSL and 5 points and 2.3 rebounds in the EuroLeague so far this season.

Valencia, Nathan Sestina officially part ways

Here we are. Valencia announced at lunchtime that it had parted ways with Nathan Sestina.

The Spanish club spoke of a termination agreement between the parties, and therefore a terminated contract.

A real, definitive green light for the negotiations between Nathan Sestina and Olimpia Milano. Announcement coming soon.

Olimpia Milano in advanced talks with Nathan Sestina

Surprise move for Olimpia Milano on the transfer market. According to Sportando, the red and white club is in advanced negotiations with Nathan Sestina.

Born in 1997 in St. Mary’s, Kentucky, Nate Sestina is currently in Valencia but essentially on the fringes of the rotation, as demonstrated by his three games, only in the EuroLeague, this season with an average of 10.3 minutes, only 3 minutes in the last game against Barcelona.

He arrived in Europe in 2022, where he averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds in the EuroCup with Turk, then moved on to Fenerbahce without making an impact, starting again last year in Valencia.

He played 62 games last season, averaging 6.8 points and 3 rebounds, as well as one assist and 37.2% from 3-point range.

He is a 205 cm forward with a good shot from the arc, and Olimpia Milano’s move suggests they are trying to protect themselves from the Vlatko Cancar situation, with the team in Munich but awaiting new tests, and Zach LeDay also sidelined for 2-3 weeks.

Negotiations between Olimpia Milano, Valencia and Nathan Sestina’s agents are currently underway: the player is undergoing medical examinations, the last hurdle to overcome before signing what is expected to be a one-year contract.

Russell Westbrook has zero interest in playing overseas

Per The Stein Line, Russell Westbrook remains focused solely on continuing his NBA career, with no talks about overseas options.

“There has been zero discussion about him weighing interest to play abroad,” sources said. While he’d draw plenty of offers overseas, Westbrook’s camp is fixated on securing his next NBA opportunity, even if that happens after the season begins on October 21.

Official: Jilin Northeast Tigers sign D.J. Wilson and Dallas Moore

The Jilin Northeast Tigers strengthen the roster with the signings of D.J. Wilson and Dallas Moore.

Wilson, the No.17 pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, spent last year in CBA with Shanghai Dongfang, where he produced 10.2 points and 6 rebounds in 21 minutes per game.

Moore returns to the CBA for the third consecutive season, last year he scored 14.3 points (41% from three) in 21 minutes per game with Shandong.

Dubai reportedly targeting Alba Berlin guard Boogie Ellis

According to Rupert Fabig, Dubai has set its sights on Boogie Ellis, currently playing for Alba Berlin.

The 24-year-old guard impressed early in the season, scoring 27 points in his Basketball Champions League debut, followed by 28 points and 7 assists in the team’s first two domestic league games (36 total minutes).

Ellis is in his first professional season in Europe after appearing in 23 G League games as a rookie last year (10 points and 2.7 assists in 21 minutes).

Just two days ago, Dubai announced another addition to its backcourt rotation.

Harry Giles III signs with Jiangsu Dragons

The Jiangsu Dragons have officially announced the signing of Harry Giles III.

The North Carolina big man returns to the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), where last season he averaged 7.8 points and 5.2 rebounds in just 11 minutes per game with Shanxi Zhongyu.

Prior to that, Giles attempted an NBA comeback, appearing in 23 games across stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.

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