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Luka Doncic won't address Lakers extension talks until after Eurobasket
Brian Windhorst: He's playing for the Slovenian national team at the European Championships, frequently called Eurobasket, which is the most one of the most valuable uh tournament for the Europeans outside the Olympics. And he won the Eurobasket for Slovenia earlier in his career, probably the greatest moment of his career. They play six exhibition games leading up to the start on August 27th and that it could they could go as late as September 14th, which means he may not be back into the US if the Slovenians get all the way to the end until late September. And you know, McMahon will tell you that in the past when he's been playing for the national team, he has not done NBA business, including NBA contracts. So, he could certainly pledge his intention to sign with the Lakers. But do not freak out if you do not hear from Luka contractually until September.
Real Madrid targeting Vasilije Micic
Real Madrid has presented a lucrative two-year offer to former EuroLeague MVP Vasilije Micić, who is now seriously considering a return to Europe with the Spanish giants, according to Eurohoops sources. The Serbian guard recently agreed to a buyout with the Milwaukee Bucks — who acquired him in the massive seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston — returning $6.1 million of his $8.1 million contract for the 2025–26 season.
Andrea Bargnani: Playing with Carmelo Anthony was great because I played with Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh, the two true superstars that I played with, maybe Carmelo even more than Bosh famous-wise and player-wise. It was great, I think superstars is is one of the other big difference compared to Europe. In Europe we don't have the superstar level, the superstar kind of player so being next to one of the superstars and playing with them and practice every day was a great experience, because you see what really a superstar is which is something completely different than anybody else. There was a lot of pressure.
For Yabusele, who previously played for the Boston Celtics before returning to Europe with ASVEL and Real Madrid, the move to Madison Square Garden carries more than just basketball significance. “When you look at New York, you can already see how much the franchise has grown in recent years. They’re conference finalists, the team project is clear and very exciting to me. It’s a very good team that plays well together and is playing for a title! That goal was important to me — I want to play for something. Beyond that, New York is a historic team. Playing at Madison Square Garden is every NBA player’s dream — including mine! It’s a special place, and I’m very happy to be there!”
Valančiūnas’ agent did open the door for the player to join Panathinaikos, explaining that for family reasons the player wishes to return to Europe, but he also complicated the situation by guaranteeing the release from the Nuggets without having previously discussed it thoroughly with them. His initiative made the situation harder; with better communication between the player and the Nuggets, it could have been resolved quickly. Panathinaikos was shocked when they realized that Kroenke was not informed about the matter; under these circumstances, it’s not surprising the Nuggets became angry and took the Lithuanian agent’s handling as disrespect.
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Ricky Rubio: I never fell in love with the culture or traditions of the USA
Ricky Rubio: I was one in Minneapolis because it was the YouTube era. And I had to create that character even though I didn’t want to. I never fell in love with the culture or traditions. For me, the impact the U.S. has, both generally and in basketball—they’ve turned the NBA into a show, into a business. They’ve left behind the love of basketball, and that’s also happening in Europe. So what do I take from the U.S.? What I wouldn’t do—not what I would.
It also seemed that this project would be solely developed by FIBA and the NBA. "If the NBA comes to Europe, it will only be with FIBA," said FIBA Board member Darius Gudelis. However, Zagklis confirmed that the EuroLeague is also involved in these discussions. "We sat at the table all three [FIBA, EuroLeague, NBA]—and that is our job: to bring everyone to the table," Zagklis said. "Where this ends up, I cannot tell you because we are still in the process." "But the atmosphere is correct for a professional [dialogue], and then we need to see the next steps in this process. I would definitely stay to that, because anything more concrete that I give you is now perhaps immature—not only for announcement, but immature even for decision," he added.
Jonas Valanciunas will land in Athens, Greece, tomorrow morning to meet with the Greek side, Panathinaikos, and has verbally committed to the European franchise, sources told League Alerts. The Lithuanian National team center, Valanciunas, was traded away from the Sacramento Kings to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Dario Saric on Tuesday. Valanciunas, a 13-year NBA veteran center, desires to ‘feel important’ and is willing to push the Nuggets to free him from his contract post-trade. His contract with Denver is worth $23.4 million over the next two seasons, with no guarantee in the second year. According to Marc Stein, the trade cannot be finalised until this Sunday, which is something to consider regarding the reported European deal.
Jonas Valanciunas could ask for buyout to join Panathinaikos?
Marc Stein: League sources confirm that the lure of a return to Europe holds strong appeal to Jonas Valanciunas … which could lead to him seeking a buyout from his NBA contract to join Panathinaikos as @Urbodo reports. Would scuttle what seemed like such a promising addition for Denver.
Yossi Gozlan: The Bucks only save $1.3 million here, but Vasilije Micic is reportedly heading back to Europe. He's expected to give back a significant amount of his $8.1 million salary in a buyout. That should give the Bucks enough cap space to sign Myles Turner.
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Gerald Bourguet: Frank Kaminsky, who played with Nigel Hayes-Davis at Wisconsin, on the Suns' new arrival: "Hardest worker you'll find out there. He's been one of the best players in Europe the past 2 years. Deserves the opportunity"
“After more than two decades in the game, the moment has arrived to say goodbye to basketball. Not just as a sport, but as a part of who I am. I’m closing this chapter, but my love for the game remains. I didn’t reach the end. I’ve reached the other side of the beginning…” He also touched on his European career. “I’ve had the privilege of playing for clubs that left their mark on both European and NBA basketball. From Mostar and Zrinjski, to Real Madrid and Murcia, then to Cibona and Fenerbahce, I wore every jersey with pride“.
Adam Silver: Basketball hasn’t been nearly as successful in Europe as the size of the market might suggest
Adam Silver: "Yeah, over time—I mean, one of the things we've been looking at at the league—is whether we can help operate a new professional league in Europe. I mean, don’t get me wrong, there’s incredible basketball being played in Europe, and there are some really great teams. Several of our most recent MVPs have come from Europe. But I think, from a commercial standpoint, professional basketball hasn’t been nearly as successful in Europe as the size of the market might suggest. So that’s one path. I wouldn’t call it expansion directly, but it’s building off the NBA brand and potentially doing more in Europe. To your direct question about teams in Europe—I think, over time, it’s definitely possible. Like, I was in Paris last summer for the Olympics. The interest was off the charts. To me, it was the hottest sport there. We were selling out every game—not just the ones involving the USA. The gold medal game was USA vs. France, and the game before that—USA vs. Serbia—was some of the best basketball I’ve ever seen.
In March, QSI revealed it had been approached about the possibility of launching a basketball franchise in Paris and that it had expressed an interest. The approach related to the NBA’s potential expansion into Europe, under the moniker NBA Europe, and plans that have been developed under the leadership of commissioner Adam Silver. The Athletic reported in March that Silver would pitch the NBA Board of Governors with the outline of a plan to launch a new pro basketball league in Europe within the next couple of years. The prospective league had been hoping to attract 16 teams, which would include franchises in markets such as London and Paris, as well as possible defectors from the EuroLeague. Since then, there have been indications from NBA and EuroLeague executives that there may be a way to collaborate. EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas conceded to The Athletic that “it is becoming more obvious that we have to work together”, while NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said the NBA intends to be the “operator” of “the top tier league in Europe.”
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