Basket rumors

Baxi Manresa signs Danish forward Gustav Knudsen

Baxi Manresa has secured the signing of Gustav Knudsen, a 22-year-old, 2.02m Danish forward, who arrives from Spirou Charleroi. A locally trained player, Knudsen made his ACB debut in 2020 with Casademont Zaragoza.

After winning two consecutive Danish league titles with Bakken Bears — being named Finals MVP in both 2023 and 2024 — he averaged 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds this season in the FIBA Europe Cup with Charleroi. He brings size, versatility, and familiarity with Spanish basketball, making him a valuable addition to Manresa’s rotation.

Xevi Pujol leaves Manresa to become Baskonia’s new sporting director

Xevi Pujol, the architect behind Baxi Manresa’s recent success, has parted ways with the Catalan club to become the new sporting director of Baskonia. The announcement comes as a surprise, just three weeks after he signed a contract extension. Manresa has scheduled a press conference on Friday to explain the move.

At just 35, Pujol is widely regarded as one of the brightest young executives in Spanish basketball. He was instrumental in discovering talents like Chima Moneke, Sylvain Francisco, Ismael Bako, and Derrick Alston Jr.. Having progressed through Manresa’s system, he became sporting director in the 2020-21 season, helping the club reach the Basketball Champions League final, the Copa del Rey, the Liga Endesa playoffs, and winning the 2021 Catalan League.

Barcelona had shown interest in signing him as a scout last season, but the offer was not in line with his profile and responsibilities at Manresa, prompting him to stay — until now.

Source: Mundo Deportivo

San-en NeoPhoenix Retain David Nwaba, Yante Maten for 2025–26 Season

The San-en NeoPhoenix have announced that David Nwaba and Yante Maten will remain with the team for the 2025–26 season.

Nwaba was the team’s top scorer, averaging 17.3 points along with 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Maten contributed with 14.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.

San-en finished the B.League season in third place with 50 wins in 64 games.

Official: Anadolu Efes re-signs PJ Dozier for two seasons

Key piece confirmed for Anadolu Efes: PJ Dozier has agreed to stay in Turkey for the next two seasons.

Efes beat out competition from Hapoel Tel Aviv and other EuroLeague teams to retain the American guard.

Dozier joined from the NBA mid-season and played a crucial role in helping Efes secure a last-minute EuroLeague playoff spot.

In 18 minutes per game, the 28-year-old former South Carolina swingman averaged 8.3 points and 2.9 assists, shooting an impressive 51% from the field, 51% from three, and 87% from the free-throw line.

Official: Nikola Milutinov signs multi-year contract extension with Olympiacos

Olympiacos officially announces Nikola Milutinov’s contract extension for the next three seasons.

The big man is staying with the Reds, turning down lucrative offers from Panathinaikos and Olimpia Milano.

 

Bruno Caboclo’s farewell post surprises Hapoel Tel Aviv, but he’s staying

Bruno Caboclo posted a thank-you message that sparked speculation, but Hapoel Tel Aviv officials confirmed: “He’s in our plans for next season.” The forward still has a valid deal with the club.

With Motley and Oturu already signed, and Ginat and Segev in the frontcourt, Caboclo’s role could diminish, but he’s still part of the EuroLeague roster.

Meanwhile, Hapoel is working on securing Sofia as its new home venue after the Cyprus option fell through. The 12,000-seat Sofia Arena is the top candidate.

Source: Walla

Crvena Zvezda reportedly close to signing Ebuka Izundu

Ebuka Izundu, 28, is nearing a deal with Crvena Zvezda, per BasketNews. The Galatasaray center led the Basketball Champions League in efficiency and double-doubles, despite limited minutes.

Izundu averaged 9.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and shot an elite 72.9% from inside the arc. He stood out in the semifinal vs. Tenerife with 21 points and 10 boards, earning a 28 efficiency rating.

With Crvena Zvezda, Izundu brings elite efficiency and rebounding to the EuroLeague stage, marking a key step in his career.

Source: BasketNews

Nikola Milutinov extends with Olympiacos for next three seasons

In the night Nikola Milutinov made his decision. The Serbian big man back remains at Olympiacos after the Greek club’s latest bid. The rumours that came in the night from Greece have been confirmed to Sportando and realolimpiamilano. The deal is done.

There are no more doubts. Nikola Milutinov has agreed with Olympiacos on a three-year extension for a total of €7m. The player’s will was decisive: his agency, Octagon, had a total agreement with Olimpia Milano, but a choice of heart prevailed for the serbian player.

Everything has happened in the last 24 hours. From the certainties of Milan to the entry on the scene of Panathinaikos, but during the night the site sport24, very close to the Greek club, spoke of a new change of course after the last direct raise of the Angelopoulos family. The news was also reported by Eurohoops. Although for the latter site, the final decision had not yet been made. According to Sportando, however, everything is definite.

We read: ‘According to SPORT24, Milutinov’s astronomical contract will reach €7m for the next three years. Olympiacos has thus demonstrated its willingness to keep him on its roster as the team’s main centre, granting him a significant increase (over €500,000 more per year) compared to his previous contract. Milutinov also showed his love for the team by saying “no” to the 9 million euros Panathinaikos had offered him for the same period.

So everything ends with an important contractual increase and the “no” to Panathinaikos and especially Olimpia Milano, which had been close to a positive closure of the negotiation for some time. For many days Nikola Milutinov was convinced he would play next season at the Forum, then the change of direction, as said, the result of his will alone.

Ettore Messina therefore finds himself in the role with Josh Nebo and Ousmane Diop. Let’s see what “plan B” will be after this incredible epilogue.

Olympiacos Targeting Devin Booker

Olympiacos has entered advanced talks with Devin Booker, reports Arel Ginsber.
Booker, who posted 14.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for Bayern Munich in this year’s EuroLeague, is one of the hottest frontcourt names on the market.

Sources indicate that the final agreement could depend on whether Nikola Milutinov stays or leaves the club.

EuroLeague teams reportedly monitoring Tai Odiase

According to Basketnews several EuroLeague teams are closely monitoring Tai Odiase.

The big man enjoyed a strong season in Turkey with Bahcesehir.

In EuroCup play, Odiase averaged 12.7 points (61% FG, 76% FT), 5.2 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 26 minutes per game.

 

Panathinaikos reportedly makes a monster offer to Nikola Milutinov

A dramatic twist in the Nikola Milutinov transfer saga. According to George Zakkas of SDNA, a site with close ties to Panathinaikos, the club owned by Dimitris Giannakopoulos has made a stunning offer: a three-year deal worth €9 million net.

This massive offer—€3 million per season—far exceeds what Olimpia Milano can afford. Milutinov was reportedly close to a verbal agreement with the Italian club, but the Greek side’s proposal now puts everything in doubt.

As SDNA reports, “Giannakopoulos wants to give Ergin Ataman all the tools to build a championship roster and bring Panathinaikos back to the top.” The move mirrors the high-profile switch of Kostas Sloukas two years ago from Olympiacos to Pao.

Eurohoops has also confirmed the offer, stating: “Sources confirm Panathinaikos has made a €9 million net proposal to bring Milutinov to its frontcourt, while also weakening Olympiacos.”

Meanwhile, gazzetta.gr claims that Milutinov did not meet with Olympiacos officials today, and that his agent is currently not in Greece. A final decision may not come within 24 hours after all.

Source: SDNA, Eurohoops, Gazzetta.gr

Jan Vesely towards a farewell to Barcelona. Partizan follows the situation

Jan Vesely will leave Barcelona according to Eurohoops, which confirms Sportando’s anticipation of Toko Shengelia’s arrival in the blaugrana.

According to Sportando, the Czech centre’s future could be at Partizan Belgrade, where he already played at the beginning of his career, from 2008 to 2011.

Jan Vesely has produced an average of nine points with 3.6 rebounds this EuroLeague season.

Barcelona’s basketball team in free fall: “Abandoned by the club”

Barcelona’s basketball team just ended a second straight season without titles, and Mundo Deportivo’s columnist Xavier Bosch is blunt: “The club has abandoned its team, and the results show it.”

With a short roster and injuries to key players like Laprovittola and Vesely, the Barça finished the year with 35 losses in 79 games. A humiliating loss in Game 2 at Palau drew boos and chants against GM Navarro.

Coach Peñarroya admits it was a “very tough season,” but club officials still gave it a pass. Bosch’s verdict: “Tomorrow, we talk about Navarro.”

Not only Fenerbahce for Vasa Micic. Olympiacos remains in the running. The situation

Greek journalist Sotiris Vetakis, during last night’s live broadcast for Scoriakas with the bet365 partnership, spoke about Vasa Micic’s future with some interesting points.

It is not possible for us to give you the exact transcript, but it is a lucid clarification of the affair. In recent days the player’s agent, Igor Crespo, has been in Phoenix to understand the player’s future.

Micic still has one year left on his $8 million contract, the franchise has a club option that expires on 29 June. Therefore, by the end of the month, a clear definition must and will be reached.

Vetakis notes that there is an offer from Fenerbahce at stake, but evidently problems must have arisen, a gap between supply and demand, given that until a few days ago the announcement seemed imminent.

‘The negotiation remains open’, and this does not close the door to Olympiacos, which remains in the running for the Serbian player.

Nikola Milutinov nearing Olimpia Milano deal

These are crucial hours for Nikola Milutinov’s future. According to multiple sources, including ROM and Sport24, the Serbian center is on the verge of joining Olimpia Milano.

Milano has offered a two-year deal with an option for a third. This would be their third major move after Ellis and Guduric, aiming to reshape the roster for next season.

Olympiacos made a last-minute attempt, partially due to Fall’s injury, but failed. Tensions with Bartzokas have pushed Milutinov away, with Milano now clearly in pole position.

Hours of waiting on the Mike James-Munich front. Olympiacos observes the situation

Mike James could leave Monaco. According to BasketNews, a meeting between the player and the Monaco management is scheduled for Monday, it is not clear whether today or next week.

Meanwhile, according to reports from Greece, Olympiacos is monitoring the situation. The Greeks had already followed Mike James last summer, now with Vasa Micic heading to Fenerbahce a new assault would be possible.

Mike James considering Monaco exit despite contract through 2027

Mike James is reportedly exploring an exit from AS Monaco, despite being under contract until 2027. According to BasketNews, the EuroLeague star was fined and suspended indefinitely just before the French League semifinals, following an alleged incident that may have involved police intervention.

Sources close to the situation claim James denies any wrongdoing and feels the club acted without sufficient evidence. The EuroLeague Players Association (ELPA) has intervened on his behalf, and legal steps could be taken to terminate the deal.

James averaged 15.9 points and 5.8 assists in the 2024–25 EuroLeague season across 41 games.

Jaylen Nowell to sign with Shanxi

Jaylen Nowell signs in China with Shanxi.

The 1999 class guard comes from a 24.5 point average season in the G League with the Capital City Go-Go with 4.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

Barcelona Confirms Joan Penarroya Will Remain as Head Coach

FC Barcelona ended a disappointing year with an ACB quarterfinal loss to Unicaja Malaga, adding to early exits in the Copa del Rey and EuroLeague. Still, GM Juan Carlos Navarro confirmed that Joan Penarroya will stay on as head coach: “We’re already working on signings. I’m convinced he should stay.”

Unicaja’s coach Ibon Navarro also praised Barcelona, highlighting their fight through injuries and consistency throughout the season.

Source: Basketnews

Bahcesehir Close to Signing Former NBA Guard Malachi Flynn

Bahcesehir is nearing a deal to sign Malachi Flynn, a 27-year-old point guard coming off five NBA seasons.

According to Sport24, the two sides are in advanced talks on a one-year deal worth over $1 million.

Flynn, who scored 50 points in an NBA game with the Detroit Pistons in April 2024, this season made four appearances for the Charlotte Hornets.

The former San Diego State standout was named to the G League First Team after averaging 22.6 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game with the Austin Spurs.

Fabian White Jr and Christian Bishop join Galatasaray

Galatasaray has reached agreements with Fabian White Jr. and Christian Bishop, two American forwards who impressed in the Basketball Champions League this season, per Eurohoops sources.

White averaged 15.9 points and 5.2 rebounds with Manisa and had standout performances against Galatasaray in the Round of 16, averaging 22 points and 6.5 boards. Bishop joins from Nymburk after posting 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Both are expected to strengthen the Turkish club’s frontcourt.

Following their BCL Final Four appearance, Galatasaray is clearly building a deeper roster to aim higher next season.

Source: Eurohoops

Scottie Wilbekin to re-sing with Fenerbahce: the details

Agreement reached between Scottie Wilbekin and Fenerbahce. The Turkish-passported point guard remains in Instabul with a 1+1 contract.

This season Scottie Wilbekin played only 2′ in the EuroLeague, getting seriously injured during the first round against Olympiacos.

Fenerbahce reportedly close to sign Vasilije Micic

Vasilije Micic is reportedly nearing a return to the EuroLeague, with Fenerbahce close to securing the Serbian guard, according to Chema de Lucas.

The 2021 EuroLeague MVP and two-time Final Four MVP would reunite with coach Sarunas Jasikevicius, who coached him in Zalgiris, and pair up with Wade Baldwin IV to form one of the league’s most dangerous backcourts.

After two seasons in the NBA with the Thunder, Hornets, and Suns, where he averaged 6.8 points and 3.9 assists, Micic seems ready to rejoin the European elite. Fenerbahce, fresh off their title in Abu Dhabi, looks determined to remain on top.

Monaco reportedly to sign Kevarrius Hayes to replace Mam Jaiteh

Monaco are reportedly close to signing Kevarrius Hayes to replace Mam Jaiteh, who is leaving for Dubai BC.

The former Asvel pivot, currently at Paris, would remain in France after a 6.5-point, 4.6-rebound EuroLeague season.

Jean Montero expected to stay in Valencia despite EuroLeague interest

Jean Montero is expected to sign a new deal with Valencia Basket, BasketNews reports. Despite strong EuroLeague interest and a €1 million buyout clause, the 21-year-old guard seems set to stay in Spain.

Montero had a breakout season, winning Rising Star honors in both EuroCup and Liga ACB, averaging 16.5 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in domestic play.

A major playoff performance—36 points and 10 rebounds against Gran Canaria—further solidified his value. A contract extension with a salary raise is now close to completion.

Joffrey Lauvergne to Leave ASVEL: “The Club Never Showed Any Interest in Keeping Me”

Veteran big man Joffrey Lauvergne has confirmed he will leave ASVEL at the end of the 2024–25 season. His goal now is to finish on a high note with a French championship.

In an interview with Le Progrès, Lauvergne said: “The club never showed any interest in keeping me.” After joining ASVEL in 2022, the former NBA center is ready to close the chapter and hopes for a perfect ending.

With a Game 1 win over Monaco in the semifinals, ASVEL remains in the hunt. “We have enough talent and team chemistry to make it,” Lauvergne stated, staying focused despite his imminent departure.

Source: Le Progrès

Besiktas Extend Head Coach Dusan Alimpijevic Through 2027

Dusan Alimpijevic will remain as head coach of Besiktas through the end of the 2026/27 season, as announced by the Turkish club.

This season, the Serbian coach led Besiktas to the Round of 16 in the EuroCup and will face Anadolu Efes in the BSL playoff semifinals starting Friday.

Alimpijevic also guided the team to a second-place finish in the regular season, with a record of 23 wins in 30 games.

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