Basket rumors

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.

Toney Douglas joins Bnei Herzliya

Bnei Herzliya has officially announced the signing of veteran guard Toney Douglas.

The former Varese playmaker agreed to a two-and-a-half-month contract with an option to extend through the end of the season, joining the Israeli club to help cover for the injury of fellow guard Denver Jones.

Douglas returns to Israel after spending the past three years in Portugal, most recently with FC Porto, where he averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2 steals per game in the FIBA Europe Cup.

Crvena Zvezda to travel to Turkey without Ioannis Sfairopoulos

Tomislav Tomović will lead Crvena Zvezda on Friday against Fenerbahce in the third round of the EuroLeague. This was revealed by Sport Klub.

After two defeats in the EuroLeague, Red Star was also defeated on Monday evening in the ABA Liga by Zadar. This led to questions being raised about coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos.

Although his dismissal is not yet official, the first reports are emerging. The team will not meet the press today and will leave for Turkey without the Greek coach, holding their last training session behind closed doors.

In short, the decision seems to have already been made: we are just waiting for the official announcement of Ioannis Sfairopoulos’ dismissal, with Sasa Obradovic as his designated successor.

Crvena Zvezda set to appoint Sasa Obradovic as new head coach

Crvena Zvezda Belgrade could soon have a new head coach. As previously reported, coach Giannis Sfairopoulos is on the hot seat after three straight losses to start the 2025–26 season.

According to Telegraf.rs, the Serbian club has reportedly chosen Sasa Obradovic for the coaching role — a true legend of the Belgrade team.

As stated in the report, Sfairopoulos is expected to leave his position after the upcoming game against Fenerbahce.

Dubai, Crvena Zvezda reportedly targerts Olivier Nkamhoua

According to La Prealpina, Dubai and Crvena Zvezda have requested information about Olivier Nkamhoua, taking advantage of injuries to Muza and Rivero. However, this interest has not changed Varese’s position.

The club and the player are on the same page: no departure is on the horizon. Nkamhoua remains committed to the project and intends to continue the season in the red and white jersey.

The Finnish forward, born in 2000, scored 23 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in his LBA debut against Dinamo Sassari.

Ioannis Sfairopoulos reportedly set to leave Crvena Zvezda

Crvena Zvezda is reportedly ready to part ways with Ioannis Sfairopoulos after a poor season start. Friday’s game against Fenerbahce could be his last.

According to Mozzart Sport, the Serbian club plans an “amicable separation” with the Greek coach, ending a two-year spell. Losses to Milan, Bayern, and Zadar pushed management toward change.

Potential replacements include Dejan Radonjić and Saša Obradović, both currently free agents. The club is leaning toward a Serbian coach to restore calm and stability.

Crvena Zvezda Signs Donatas Motiejunas on Loan from Monaco

Crvena Zvezda has announced the signing of Lithuanian big man Donatas Motiejunas.

According to the club’s statement, the contract will only become official once the player successfully completes medical examinations scheduled for tomorrow.

AS Monaco, where Motiejunas has played since 2021, specified in its release that the deal is a three-month loan with an option to extend through the end of the season.

 

Crvena Zvezda close to agreement with Donatas Motiejunas

Crvena Zvezda Belgrade seems to have found the right name to replace the injured Rivero, who was forced to leave the EuroLeague opener against Olimpia Milano prematurely.

According to Sport Klub, the Serbian club is on the verge of reaching an agreement for the arrival of Donatas Motiejunas, who has fallen out of coach Vassilis Spanoulis’ rotation at AS Monaco.

Last season, Motiejunas averaged 6.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists over 29 EuroLeague appearances.

Dusan Alimpijevic to replace Pesic as new Serbian national team head coach

According to Meridian Sport, Dusan Alimpijevic will sign a three-year deal to become the new head coach of the Serbian national team, succeeding Svetislav Pesic.

His tenure will run through the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar and potentially the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The Serbian Basketball Federation thanked Pesic, 76, whose contract expired Tuesday. He will remain in an advisory role, supporting the new coach and staff.

Official: Sertac Sanlı joins Dubai Basketball

Dubai Basketball has announced the signing of Turkish center Sertac Sanlı until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old brings with him a wealth of EuroLeague experience and a proven winning mentality. In recent years, he has played at the highest level of European basketball, wearing the jerseys of Anadolu Efes, FC Barcelona, and, most recently, Fenerbahçe Beko.

In last season’s EuroLeague, Sanli averaged 5.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in 13 minutes per game.

 

Crvena Zvedza Reportedly Targeting Keon Johnson After Canaan Injury

According to Basketball Sphere, Crvena Zvedza is considering guard Keon Johnson to strengthen their backcourt following the serious knee injury suffered by Isaiah Canaan.

The 23-year-old former Tennessee standout was recently waived by the Brooklyn Nets after a season in which he averaged 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 24 minutes per game.

An explosive scorer with elite athleticism, Johnson would be making his first appearance on the European stage if the move materializes.

Speedy Smith joins Merkezefendi

Merkezefendi has officially signed point guard Speedy Smith.

The former Louisiana Tech floor general is coming off a season split between Hapoel Jerusalem, where he averaged 7.8 points and 5.2 assists in EuroCup play, and Turk Telekom, posting 6.9 points and 4.4 assists per game.

 

Miikka Muurinen joins Partizan Belgrade, Finnish prospect for Obradovic

It’s official: Miikka Muurinen (born 2007) signs with Partizan Belgrade. The Finnish talent, nicknamed “Slim Jesus,” stood out at EuroBasket.

The club announces he’ll have a significant role under coach Željko Obradovic. With Finland, across 8 games, he averaged 6.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in 11.1 minutes.

From AZ Compass Prep (Arizona), he’s projected as a 2027 Draft pick. After EuroBasket and with EuroLeague, he could be Draft-eligible in 2026.

Maroussi Re-Signs Justin Briggs for Next Season

Maroussi has announced the return of Justin Briggs for the upcoming season.

The 28-year-old big man appeared in nine games for the Greek club last year, averaging 7.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 14 minutes per contest.

Partizan seeks compensation for Frank Ntilikina targeted by Olympiacos

Partizan is unwilling to release Frank Ntilikina without financial compensation, despite Olympiacos’ strong interest. The French guard remains under contract with the Serbian team for the upcoming season.

During the summer, his departure was considered after a disappointing year, but the lack of alternatives led the club to keep him. A renewal until 2027 with a reduced salary was prepared, but Ntilikina did not accept the terms.

Sporting director Zoran Savić is now waiting for Olympiacos’ call to discuss a buyout fee. If the deal is finalized, Partizan will look for a new guard, with the EuroLeague opener scheduled next Tuesday against Dubai.

Source: Mozzart Sport

Louis King joins Xinjiang Flying Tigers

Louis King will continue his career with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, a team competing in the top division of the Chinese league.

The 1999-born player has decided to embrace the Tigers’ project, as reported to Sportando by his agent, George S. Langberg of GSL Sports Group.

During his career, King also had a brief NBA stint with the Detroit Pistons.

Olympiacos reportedly targets Frank Ntilikina

Olympiacos is seriously considering signing Frank Ntilikina from Partizan. The 27-year-old French guard, recognized for his athleticism and defensive skills, played 21 EuroLeague games last season, averaging 17 minutes and 6.1 points, shooting 55% on two-pointers and 37% from three.

He is seen as a potential addition to strengthen the Reds’ backcourt rotation, adding both experience and defensive balance ahead of the upcoming season.

KK Split Signs Zoran Dragic

KK Split has announced the signing of Slovenian guard/forward Zoran Dragic.

Dragic joins the Croatian club after spending last season with Bilbao, where he averaged 8.2 points and 2.1 assists in 21 minutes per game.

Before his stint in Spain, the veteran swingman played three seasons with Cedevita.

Baskonia reportedly to sign point guard Markquise Nowell

Breaking news from Vitoria: Baskonia has reached an agreement with Markquise Nowell, former Toronto Raptors guard. Born in 2000 and standing at 1.75m, the American playmaker holds the NCAA Tournament record with 19 assists in a single game.

In 2023, Nowell was honored with the Bob Cousy Award as the best point guard in Division I. A major addition of vision and talent for the Basque club’s backcourt.

Then there is the present. As a professional, from 2023 to today, he has played one NBA game with the Raptors and 72 in the G League. Last year, in 50 games with Rio Grande, he averaged 16 points and 8.4 assists.

Olympiacos reportedly interested in former Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton

According to Sotiris Vetakis, Olympiacos is considering Dalano Banton to complete the backcourt.

The 25-year-old Canadian is coming off two years with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he averaged 10.9 points and 2.8 assists in 97 games.

Banton is a versatile guard who can also handle the ball and see over the defense with his 6-foot-7 frame.

The Greek team has decided to return to the market after Keenan Evans’ recent injury.

 

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