Basket rumors

South East Melbourne Phoenix Release Vrenz Bleijenbergh

South East Melbourne Phoenix announced the release of Belgian forward Vrenz Bleijenbergh.

The 25-year-old joined the NBL after a two-year stint in Turkey with Merkezefendi, where he averaged 11.6 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists during the 2024/25 season.

 

Anadolu Efes close to signing Jordan Loyd

Anadolu Efes has been targeting Jordan Loyd for several days, after the guard delivered an outstanding performance with Poland at EuroBasket 2025.

According to Eurohoops, the deal is now close to completion: the two parties have reached an agreement, and Monaco is expected to receive a buyout to let the player leave.

It is worth recalling that Real Madrid had also tried to sign Jordan Loyd but faced several obstacles along the way.

Nick Calathes linked to Olympiacos after Evans injury

According to Gazzetta.gr, Olympiacos are considering Nick Calathes to strengthen their backcourt following Keenan Evans’ latest injury. The Greek veteran is no longer a key part of Vassilis Spanoulis’ plans at Monaco, and the French club would welcome parting ways with his contract.

Such a move would be shocking, given Calathes’ seven years at Panathinaikos, the eternal rival of the Piraeus side. Another option remains former NBA guard Monte Morris, but at this stage, Calathes seems the more realistic target.

Hapoel Holon Signs Center Nysier Brooks

Hapoel Holon has announced the signing of Nysier Brooks.
The big man arrives in Israel after a season with Samara in the VTB League.

Brooks has previously played also for SIG Strasbourg in France and VEF Riga in Latvia.

Trevelin Queen to join Guandong Tigers

After four NBA seasons, Trevelin Queen is leaving the United States to sign with the Guangdong Tigers in the CBA.

The guard spent the past two years with the Orlando Magic, averaging 4.9 points and 1 steal in 13 minutes during the 2024–25 season.

In Guangdong, Queen will be coached by Bosko Radovic, who is also the head coach of the Montenegro national team.

Spain in search of a new head coach: Pablo Laso and Chus Mateo the frontrunners

Spain must find a new coach for its future after the departure of Sergio Scariolo, and at the moment there are two clear favorites to take the job.

According to Marca, Pablo Laso and Chus Mateo are the leading candidates for the role of head coach of the Spanish national team. Laso parted ways with Baskonia this summer, while Mateo also left Real Madrid.

Reports also mention Xavi Pascual and Jaume Ponsarnau as names to keep in consideration.

Fenerbahce nearing agreement for Horton-Tucker, signing expected soon

Fenerbahce has been close for days to signing Talen Horton-Tucker, the NBA player who also wore the Los Angeles Lakers jersey.

According to Basketfaul, the deal could be finalized by the end of the week, as the parties are believed to have already reached a preliminary agreement.

The only way the move could collapse, according to reports, would be if the player were to receive an offer from an NBA team.

Partizan Belgrade: Isaac Bonga will not go to the NBA next season

Partizan Belgrade fans can breathe a sigh of relief regarding Isaac Bonga. The player, who extended his contract with the black-and-white club this summer, had become the subject of market rumors linking him back to the NBA after his outstanding performances with Germany at EuroBasket 2025 — but that will not be the case.

According to Mozzart Sport, Isaac Bonga’s contract with Partizan included an NBA opt-out clause, which has now expired. As a result, he will remain in Belgrade for the upcoming season.

Bonga was named MVP of the EuroBasket 2025 final against Turkey and was also awarded Best Defender of the tournament.

Anadolu Efes Reportedly Leading the Race for Jordan Loyd

Marc Stein reports that Anadolu Efes is close to reach an agreement with Jordan Loyd.

The guard would join the Turkish club to complete an already deep backcourt, further strengthened by the additions of Weiler-Babb and Cordinier, along with the return of Dozier.

AS Monaco’s intentions regarding the player are still unclear, although the team has recently welcomed back Mike James.

Loyd scored 22.4 points per game at Eurobasket 2025 playing for Poland, shooting 49% from the field, 42% from three-point range, and 87% from the free throw line.

Todd Withers joins Hapoel Holon

Hapoel Holon announced the arrival of Todd Withers.
The forward spent last season in NBL.

Ike Iroegbu signs one-month deal with Valencia Basket

Due to the accumulation of injuries in the guard position, Valencia Basket men’s team has decided to sign American combo guard with a Nigerian passport, Ike Iroegbu (1.88m, Sacramento, California, 03/14/1995, 30 years old) on a one-month temporary contract to strengthen the roster for the remainder of the preseason and the opening stretch of official games. Iroegbu is familiar with the Liga Endesa, having played the last two seasons with Bàsquet Girona, where he averaged 13.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 65 ACB games, with a performance rating of 11.4. He particularly stood out in his first year, finishing as one of the league’s top scorers.

Derthona Basket reached an agreement with Brekkott Chapman

Announcement coming soon from Derthona Basket: the Piedmontese club has reached an agreement with Brekkott Chapman, according to Sportando.

The American big man averaged 14.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists with Kagawa in the Japan League last season.

The Utah and Weber State product has already played in Europe with Wuerzburg, MLP Academic and Oldenburg.

In 2023-2024, he averaged 9.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in the German league.

Jordan Loyd’s future: beyond Real Madrid there is also another EuroLeague club

Jordan Loyd was one of the standout performers at EuroBasket 2025, averaging 22.4 points per game with Poland. His impressive displays have drawn interest from several EuroLeague teams, although Monaco currently seems unwilling to let him go.

According to Greek insider Vetakis, alongside Real Madrid there is also interest from Anadolu Efes in Jordan Loyd. It should be noted, however, that in the ACB, Valencia holds the player’s rights. This means that, in addition to negotiating with Monaco, Real Madrid or any other Spanish clubs would also need to deal with Valencia.

Danilo Gallinari to 3×3? Della Valle’s social revelation

Danilo Gallinari won the championship in Puerto Rico last season, and his presence at EuroBasket 2025 with the Italian national team seemed like it could be his last adventure as a basketball player.

However, through an Instagram story on his account, Amedeo Della Valle may have spoiled what’s next for the “Gallo”: 3×3 basketball. Della Valle posted a photo mentioning Danilo Gallinari with the caption: “Coming soon to 3×3 (and it’s not a joke)… We’re warming up the engines.”

Mike James reportedly remaining with AS Monaco despite EuroLeague, NBA Interest

Despite drawing significant interest from both EuroLeague and NBA teams, Mike James has decided to remain with AS Monaco for the upcoming season.

The news was first reported by Donatas Urbonas, who noted “strong interest” from several EuroLeague clubs. James is said to have resolved all issues with Monaco, including the incident that led to his suspension during the BetClic Elite playoffs.

The 35-year-old playmaker, who recently celebrated his birthday, is under contract with Monaco until 2027.

This season, James will be joined by another former EuroLeague MVP — like him still chasing the ultimate goal of lifting the continental trophy.

Anadolu Efes close to signing Kai Jones

Anadolu Efes Istanbul is set to strengthen its frontcourt and is reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Kai Jones, the former Dallas Mavericks big man who had also been linked for some time to Virtus Bologna.

According to Basketnews, the deal between the parties is expected to include an exit clause tied to the conditions of Vincent Poirier.

In 107 total NBA appearances, Jones averaged 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.

Darion Atkins joins Maccabi Ironi Ramat-Gan

Darion Atkins is a new player of Maccabi Ironi Ramat-Gan, the Israeli team announced.

The former Virginia big man spent last year in the turkish TBL with Sigortam.net ITU Bakiroy, where he produced 14.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 blocks per game.

 

Perth Wildcats Sign Mason Jones

The Perth Wildcats have announced the signing of Mason Jones on a deal for the upcoming NBL season.

Jones played a pivotal role last year in leading the Stockton Kings to the G League championship, earning Finals MVP honors.

The 26-year-old guard averaged 23.6 points, 7.8 assists, and 5 rebounds per game during the season, while shooting an impressive 44.7% from beyond the arc.

Real Madrid Reportedly Eyeing Jordan Loyd

 After an outstanding EuroBasket campaign with Poland, Jordan Loyd could be on his way out of AS Monaco to join Real Madrid, according to Marca, which reports that an agreement between the player and the Spanish giants has already been reached.

However, completing the deal won’t be straightforward. Valencia Basket has now entered the picture, holding Loyd’s ACB rights, meaning any potential transfer would require negotiations not only with Monaco but also with the “taronja”, who are unlikely to make things easy.

The situation is further complicated by Loyd’s stellar EuroBasket performance, where he led Poland to the quarterfinals, averaging 22.4 points per game on excellent shooting percentages.

While Real Madrid appears to be in pole position, several EuroLeague teams are also reportedly preparing to make offers for the 30-year-old guard.

Asked about his future following Poland’s loss to Turkey, Loyd simply replied with a “no comment.”

Napoli Basket Signs Naz Mitrou-Long for Upcoming Season

Napoli Basket has officially announced the signing of Canadian point guard Naz Mitrou-Long for the upcoming season.

The 32-year-old floor general returns to Italy after spending the past two years between Olympiacos and Žalgiris Kaunas.

Mitrou-Long will reunite with head coach Alessandro Magro, with whom he previously enjoyed an excellent 2021-22 season at Brescia.

Stefan Jovic reportedly set for EuroLeague comeback with Bayern Munich

Serbian guard Stefan Jovic is finalizing a deal to rejoin Bayern Munich, BasketNews reports. The 34-year-old, fresh off EuroBasket 2025 where he averaged 3.7 points and 5.5 assists, brings veteran playmaking and leadership.

Bayern moved quickly after losing Rokas Jokubaitis to a long-term injury. Jovic already knows the club well, having won two German league titles and the 2018 Cup during his stint from 2017 to 2019, also earning All-Bundesliga First Team honors.

Last season with Valencia, he posted 4.7 points and 5.1 assists in EuroCup action. Across eight EuroLeague seasons, Jovic has averaged 6.3 points and 4.2 assists in 154 games with Crvena Zvezda, Bayern, Khimki, Panathinaikos, and Valencia.

Source: BasketNews

Mike James and Monaco set for key meeting about the future

The future of Mike James with AS Monaco remains uncertain. According to Sotiris Vetakis, another meeting between the club and the American guard is scheduled, as Monaco has yet to reveal its intentions.

Last season the club suspended James for “violating internal rules,” a move that strained relations. The player feels the team’s treatment towards him was not respectful.

Meanwhile, Vassilis Spanoulis’ squad strengthened its backcourt during the off-season, a sign that James could be on his way out of the Principality.

Vasilije Micic reveals the teams that pursued him: Panathinaikos not among them

Vasilije Micic was the blockbuster signing of the summer in the EuroLeague: the Serbian guard joined Hapoel Tel Aviv on an impressive deal and is ready to return to Europe.

Speaking on the X and O’s Chat Podcast, the Serbian star revealed that six teams reached out to him during the summer — but Panathinaikos, coached by Ergin Ataman, was not one of them.

Micic said: “Regarding Europe, I had no contact with Panathinaikos. I have a great relationship with coach Ataman, but they have a different vision. Some clubs were unable to meet my financial demands. Four teams were strongly competing: Real Madrid, Hapoel, Fenerbahce, and Olympiacos. Additionally, Crvena Zvezda and Anadolu Efes were the first teams to listen to my requests.”

Monaco close to signing David Michineau

Monaco are reportedly close to signing David Michineau, who would further strengthen the team’s backcourt rotation, especially in the French league.

According to Nice Matin, the French guard is now on the verge of joining the Principality club.

Over the course of his career, David Michineau has also played in Italy’s LBA with Napoli Basket.

Kay Felder Signs One-Year Deal with VL Pesaro

Kay Felder has signed a one-year contract with VL Pesaro, the Italian club officially announced.

In his first words as a Pesaro player, Felder expressed his excitement about the new challenge:

“I want to thank VL Pesaro for this opportunity. This will be my first time playing in Europe, and I’m excited to open this new chapter of my career. I’m ready to adapt quickly to European basketball and give the best version of myself to the team.”

The American guard has returned to the United States to complete visa procedures and will rejoin the team in Pesaro once finalized.

Real Madrid Lands NBA Veteran Trey Lyles

 Real Madrid has made a major move by bringing Trey Lyles to Europe for the first time in his career.

The news was first reported by Encestando and later confirmed by multiple outlets, including Marc Stein. According to a report, the agreement is worth over $3 million for the power forward, who was selected 12th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft.

Lyles joins Real Madrid after spending the last three seasons with the Sacramento Kings, where he averaged 6.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season.

Fenerbahçe Officially Signs Armando Bacot

Fenerbahçe has officially announced the signing of Armando Bacot on a one-year contract.

The former UNC big man arrives in Europe after a rookie season with the Memphis Hustle in the G League, where he averaged 16.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.

Before turning pro, Bacot spent five standout seasons at North Carolina, becoming the program’s all-time leader in rebounds and ranking second in scoring.

During his time in the G League, Bacot worked on adding a three-point shot to his game — an element he rarely used in college. It will be interesting to watch his evolution as a shooter with the defending EuroLeague champions.

 

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