Basket rumors

25/08/202617:45

EuroLeague, three Italian clubs among 11 candidates for new franchises

A total of 11 clubs have submitted EuroLeague franchise proposals worth nearly €700 million in affiliation fees, ahead of the planned expansion beginning with the 2027-28 season. The candidates include three Italian clubs: Virtus Bologna, Napoli Basketball and Maxima Roma.

The complete list, initially reported by Eurohoops and now confirmed by Alessandro Luigi Maggi, features Crvena Zvezda, Partizan Belgrade, Dubai Basketball, Valencia, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Paris Basketball, Virtus Bologna, Maxima Roma, Napoli Basketball, PAOK and London Lions.

EuroLeague has stated that up to eight of the 11 candidates could receive long-term licenses and join the 13 current shareholders. The goal is to have 21 franchises in a 24-team competition from the 2027-28 season, with a final decision expected by the end of September.

The situation in Rome is particularly noteworthy. Paul Matiasic’s Maxima Roma pursuing a EuroLeague franchise could leave the NBA Europe path open for BC Roma SPQR. The overall picture remains complex, however, as a potential partnership between the NBA and EuroLeague Basketball has not yet been definitively ruled out.

25/08/202612:19

Leandro Bolmaro still eyes NBA return: “I work every day to get back”

Leandro Bolmaro continues to pursue his dream of returning to the NBA. Selected in the 2020 Draft and featured in 49 games with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz, the Argentine left the league in 2023: “I work every day to get back to the NBA.”

Bolmaro: “I now play with confidence”

His latest season with Olimpia Milano ended with the Italian championship and awards as the league’s best sixth man and best defender of the playoffs. “It was a very positive season, especially mentally. It gave me a different way of seeing things.”

“Before, I didn’t believe I was capable of certain things. Today, that is no longer the case,” Bolmaro told TNT Data Sports, with his comments reported by Uno Contra Uno. An NBA return remains a goal to pursue through consistency and daily work.

24/08/202621:40

Zalgiris Kaunas nearing extension with Nigel Williams-Goss

Zalgiris Kaunas is nearing a new agreement with Nigel Williams-Goss, according to BasketNews sources. The American point guard was one of the key players during the Lithuanian club’s EuroLeague playoff run last season and could now extend his stay in Kaunas for another three years.

Williams-Goss is currently under contract with Zalgiris for at least one more season, with a mutual option to extend the deal through 2028. However, the new agreement could keep the 31-year-old guard with the Lithuanian powerhouse until 2029, providing further continuity to Zalgiris’ roster for the upcoming seasons.

24/08/202620:47

Baskonia expected to sign Kenneth Faried

Kenneth Faried has reached an agreement with Kosner Baskonia, according to Chema De Lucas. The 36-year-old, 2.03-meter American forward-center is set to return to Spain and continue his European career with the Basque club.

Faried has a long NBA background and extensive international experience, including a previous stint in Italy with Pallacanestro Reggiana. He also made a major impact in the EuroLeague with Panathinaikos, where he was named November MVP.

Faried was also part of the United States team that won the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.

23/08/202608:35

Pallacanestro Trieste reportedly targeting Theo Pinson

Pallacanestro Trieste may have found another addition for the 2026-27 season. According to Raffaele Baldini, the Italian club are targeting 6-foot-6 American wing Theo Pinson.

Born on November 5, 1995, Pinson is currently 30 and will turn 31 during the upcoming season. The North Carolina product gained extensive NBA experience before moving to Puerto Rico.

Pinson played 12 games for Guaynabo in 2026, averaging 10.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and one steal in 31.4 minutes per game.

22/08/202622:34

Javonte Cooke reportedly joining Beijing Royal Fighters

Javonte Cooke has reached an agreement with the Beijing Royal Fighters, according to Hoops Rumors.

The 27-year-old wing spent the 2025-26 season as a Two-Way player with the Portland Trail Blazers, making 19 appearances.

Cooke also played in the G League with the Rip City Remix, where he averaged 20.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

22/08/202621:15

AEK Athens extends Dimitris Flionis through 2029

AEK Athens have extended Dimitris Flionis’ contract through 2029.

The point guard and team captain has been with the club since the 2021-22 season.

Last season, Flionis averaged 5.1 points and 2.8 assists in 19 minutes per game across the Greek league and the Basketball Champions League.

22/08/202620:08

Jordan Hall to sign with MKS Dabrowa Gornicza

MKS Dabrowa Gornicza reached an agreement with Jordan Hall, according to Karol Wasiek.

The former Spurs forward returns to Europe after a brief stint with Napoli and Hapoel Holon during the 2024-25 season.

Last season, Hall played for the Texas Legends and Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League, averaging 10.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

22/08/202619:46

Dalano Banton reportedly attracting interest from several EuroLeague teams

According to Encestando, several EuroLeague teams are showing interest in Dalano Banton, the 26-year-old Canadian guard coming off five seasons between the NBA and, primarily last year, the G League.

The reporter mentions Spanish teams, Olympiacos and Besiktas among the possible destinations for the former Nebraska player, a strong athlete with good size for his position and excellent court vision.

Banton made a name for himself in the G League during the 2025-26 season with the Texas Legends, averaging 24.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game.

22/08/202619:26

Isaiah Canaan joins Trabzonspor

Isaiah Canaan is officially a new Trabzonspor player, the Turkish club announced.

The 35-year-old guard arrives in Turkey after spending the past two seasons with Crvena Zvezda, a spell that was heavily affected by a knee injury that essentially forced him to miss the entire 2025-26 season.

21/08/202619:50

Rolands Smits Reportedly Joining Ningbo Rockets

Experienced Latvian power forward Rolands Smits has reached an agreement with the Ningbo Rockets.

The news was reported by Donatas Urbonas.

The 31-year-old is set to leave the EuroLeague after eight consecutive seasons in the competition — four with Barcelona, two with Zalgiris Kaunas and two with Anadolu Efes — to begin a new chapter in the CBA.

Smits averaged 6.7 points (50% FG, 32% 3P) and 3.1 rebounds in 19 minutes per game last season.

21/08/202619:27

Hugo Besson reportedly joining ASVEL: Waters and Dossou-Yovo Also in Talks with French team

ASVEL continues to work on its roster for the upcoming season after the well-known setbacks that forced the club to part ways with several key players signed earlier this summer.

According to BeBasket, the French side has reached an agreement with Hugo Besson, who is set to return to France after three seasons abroad. The guard spent last year in Turkey with Tofas, averaging 11.9 points in 23 minutes per game across the BSL and BCL.

Besson had initially joined Olimpia Milano’s preseason camp as a training camp addition.

At point guard, ASVEL is reportedly pursuing Tremont Waters. The 28-year-old Puerto Rican has already played in France and spent last season in the BSN with the Gigantes de Carolina, averaging 16.6 points, 6.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game.

For the frontcourt, ASVEL has shown interest in French power forward Mathis Dossou-Yovo, who averaged 17.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game with Nanterre 92 in the last BetClic Élite season.

21/08/202614:45

Olympiacos reports Dubai over “illegal” approach for Thomas Walkup

Olympiacos have sent a letter to Dubai Basketball and the EuroLeague, accusing the Emirati club of making an illegal approach for Thomas Walkup.

The American point guard, who holds a Greek passport, has requested his release from the Greek club and has taken his case to the BAT in an attempt to become a free agent. Walkup still has one year remaining on a contract worth around €1 million, with no buyout clause. He also failed to attend scheduled medical tests and has been called to a disciplinary hearing.

Olympiacos have made it clear that they do not intend to release him and claim Dubai contacted the player while he remains under contract.

20/08/202621:42

JD Notae signs with Kids&Us Manresa

Kids&Us Manresa has officially announced the signing of JD Notae.

The guard moves to Spain following his departure from Trabzonspor.

Notae will reunite with Timmy Allen at Manresa, having already shared the court with the forward last season at Trapani.

 

20/08/202621:07

Patricio Garino Joins Phoenix Hagen

Phoenix Hagen has announced the signing of Patricio Garino.

The experienced Argentine wing moves to the BBL after two seasons in Madrid with Movistar Estudiantes, where he averaged 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 steal in 23 minutes per game during the 2025-26 season.

 

20/08/202620:05

Slask Wrocław Lands Veteran Guard Anthony Hickey

Slask Wrocław has announced the signing of Anthony Hickey.

The 33-year-old point guard played 12 games in the Italian league for Udine last season, averaging 12.9 points, 4.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game.

Hickey, who has signed a one-year contract, previously helped Udine earn promotion from Italy’s second tier, averaging more than 14 points and 5 assists per game.

20/08/202619:38

Olympiacos Adds Guard Nikos Plotas On Multi-Year Deal

Olympiacos strengthened its group of Greek players with the signing of Nikos Plotas.

The 22-year-old guard averaged 5.3 points in 16 minutes per game for Promitheas last season and has signed a contract with the Reds through 2031.

Plotas is Olympiacos’ fourth addition of the summer, following the arrivals of Miller-McIntyre, Montero and Ndiaye.

 

19/08/202620:50

Javonte Smart Returns to Europe, Signs with U-BT Cluj

U-BT Cluj has completed its roster with the signing of Javonte Smart.

The 27-year-old combo-guard returns to Europe after his EuroLeague experience with Crvena Zvezda during the 2024-25 season.

Alongside his G League career — spending the last two seasons with the Osceola Magic — Smart also played in the CEBL, the Canadian league, with the Ottawa BlackJacks in 2025 and 2026. In his debut season with the team of the Canadian capital, Smart was the competition’s leading scorer, averaging an impressive 25.9 points per game.

Before joining the Romanian club, Smart played another 22 CEBL games this summer, continuing to produce at a high level with averages of 23.8 points and 6.9 assists per game.

Smart has also made 12 appearances for Team USA, averaging 15.2 points and 3 assists.

19/08/202619:37

Myles Cale joins ASVEL

ASVEL announced the arrival of Myles Cale for the upcoming season.

The American swingman joins Villeurbanne after a year with FC Barcelona, ​ ​where he debuted in the EuroLeague and confirmed his ability to play at the highest European level.

Previously Cale played in Italy with Dolomiti Energia Trento.

19/08/202617:30

Partizan Belgrade: Jabari Parker’s future remains a problem

Jabari Parker’s future continues to be a major issue for Partizan Belgrade. According to Serbian media, the Belgrade club is looking for a way to move on from the American forward, who is not part of new head coach Juan Peñarroya’s plans.

Parker’s contract, worth around €2.5 million, represents a significant burden on Partizan’s budget, but no agreement has been reached yet over either a termination or a transfer.

Parker, who is returning from his loan spell at Joventut Badalona, is therefore expected to join the team for preseason preparations as scheduled. Talks are ongoing, but there has been no concrete progress so far.

19/08/202615:07

AS Monaco: Mashburn project collapses again, Ronaldinho takeover revived

Another dramatic twist has emerged in AS Monaco’s ownership saga. Former NBA All-Star Jamal Mashburn’s takeover project has collapsed again after his Helen Holdings investment fund failed to provide the €10 million financial guarantee requested by the CNOSF to ensure the club’s future in professional basketball. Mashburn withdrew at the last moment, having already stepped away from the project once before.

The situation has now revived the takeover plan involving Ronaldinho. The Brazilian football legend is reportedly ready to invest in the club and provide financial backing for its revival, with the goal of keeping Monaco at the highest level of French basketball. Monaco has asked the CNOSF to postpone its crucial hearing until August 25 in order to finalize the new ownership agreement.

19/08/202614:28

Olimpia Milano-Lorenzo Brown: Working Toward an Agreement, Situation Update

Lorenzo Brown is not attending Olimpia Milano’s training camp. The player continues to train individually in Georgia, while the issue of his potential departure from the club remains open. As of today, the main aspects of the situation are clear. Brown is not part of new Olimpia Milano head coach Peppe Poeta’s plans, and the player, together with his agency, has reiterated his desire to find a new team for the upcoming season.

The main issue remains financial. The two sides are discussing a termination agreement that could amount to around 50% of the salary Brown is due to receive for the 2026-27 season. Such a solution would allow Olimpia Milano to free up salary space, while giving the player greater freedom to explore the market. However, no agreement has been reached yet. Brown remains under contract with the club but is not taking part in the work that began with the team at the Secondary Arena of the Forum. His preparation is therefore continuing away from Milan, while the parties wait for concrete developments.

The situation is expected to remain open. If there are no new developments, the two sides could revisit the matter in around a month, when the European market picture may be clearer.

For Olimpia Milano, this is one of the final situations to resolve on the outgoing side. The roster is essentially built, the season has begun on the court, and the Brown situation remains in the background: a contract to resolve, a new destination to find, and a financial agreement to reach.

18/08/202621:52

Maxima Roma Signs Mirza Alibegović on a Two-Year Deal

Maxima Roma has announced the signing of veteran guard Mirza Alibegović on a two-year contract.

The 34-year-old brings extensive experience from across Italian basketball, having played for Pesaro, Pistoia, Brindisi, Mantova, Brescia, Torino, Capo d’Orlando, Tortona and Cremona. He helped Brescia and Cremona earn promotion to Serie A in 2016 and 2023, respectively.

Alibegović spent the last three seasons as captain of APU Udine, leading the team to promotion to Serie A in 2025. Last season, he averaged 12.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, shooting 35.7% from three-point range.

“I’m joining this ambitious new project with great enthusiasm. I’m convinced this is an important step in my career, allowing me to compete at the highest level in Italy and Europe,” Alibegović said. “Playing in Rome is an additional motivation to always give my best. We are a completely new team and our goal will be to get people passionate about our colors.”

With Alibegović arriving from Udine, Maxima Roma adds a proven and experienced Italian perimeter player to its roster.

18/08/202621:10

Shaq Buchanan Joins Panionios

Shaq Buchanan is the newest addition to Panionios, as announced by the Greek club.

The guard joins after splitting last season between Israel and Poland. With Elitzur Netanya, he averaged 11.4 points, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game, before moving to Anwil Wloclawek, where he posted 14 points and 1.9 assists per game.

Buchanan also has NBA experience, having appeared in two games with the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2021-22 season.

18/08/202620:50

ASVEL Signs 19-Year-Old Point Guard Marc-Owen Fodzo Dada

Marc-Owen Fodzo Dada is the newest addition to ASVEL, as announced by the French club.

The 19-year-old point guard joins from Nancy, where he averaged 6.1 points and 1.8 assists in 13 minutes per game in the French league last season.

Coach Parker’s club has been very active on the market recently, with the arrival of TyTy Washington reportedly now just a matter of time.

 

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