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Holmes' move to the EuroLeague giants has been one of the summer's major signings in Greece. Coulibaly, who played alongside him during his second NBA season, was quick to underline the respect he holds for the veteran big man. "I love him, I love Rich. He's probably the hardest player I've played with," he said. "I'd love to be with him on the court. I think he's going to fit well with this team. So, good luck to him."
As expected, free agent center Richaun Holmes has officially signed a two-year contract with Panathinaikos, the 2024 EuroLeague champions announced today. According to the Greek club, Holmes’ deal features an option in year two, meaning he could become a free agent again in 2026. He will reportedly be one of the highest-paid players in Europe.
“I came here to win. I’m where I want to be, ready to play and to fight for victories. This is incredible — it’s the first time in my life I’ve experienced something like this. I can’t wait to get on the court,” Holmes said in his first statements as a Panathinaikos player. He emphasized how much it meant to feel truly wanted: “They showed me they really wanted me here, and that meant a lot. This is a huge club, and I want to be part of its legacy.” When asked about his new teammates, he said: “I haven’t had the chance to talk to Jerian (Grant) yet, but I’ve spoken with Nunn and I want to meet coach Ataman as well. I’ve seen videos of the fans online, and I can’t wait to be at the OAKA to experience that atmosphere… I’m ready to fight. Let’s go for the 8th!”
Eurohoops: ☘️🇬🇷 Richaun Holmes touched down in Greece to complete his move to Panathinaikos pic.x.com/1UtfCaQxIO
☘️🇬🇷 Richaun Holmes touched down in Greece to complete his move to Panathinaikos pic.twitter.com/1UtfCaQxIO
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 8, 2025
Michael Scotto: Richaun Holmes has agreed to a deal with Panathinaikos that’ll make him one of the highest-paid players in Europe, sources told @hoopshype. Holmes averaged 7.4 points on 65% shooting and 5.7 rebounds with the Wizards last season. Holmes had interest from multiple EuroLeague teams
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Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens is closing in on a high-impact signing to strengthen its frontcourt, with an experienced NBA center, Richaun Holmes, expected to join the team in the coming days. After nearly three weeks of continuous effort, the Greens are close to sealing the deal, according to SDNA.
NBA veteran big man Richaun Holmes is weighing his next move, with two options on the table: a return to the NBA or a two-year deal with Panathinaikos, according to Eurohoops sources. The 31-year-old power forward/center is reportedly waiting for a guaranteed NBA contract. If that doesn’t materialize soon, he is expected to commit to the Greek champions and join Ergin Ataman’s squad for the upcoming season.
Several European outlets, including BDP and Shot Vetakis, have linked 10-year NBA veteran Richaun Holmes to Fenerbahce and Panathinaikos. The 31-year-old center was released by the Washington Wizards during the offseason and is now a free agent.
Josh Robbins: The Wizards indeed have reached an agreement with restricted free agent Tristan Vukcevic on a two-way contract, a league source confirmed. With this week's trade of Kelly Olynyk, retaining Vukcevic will help the team's big-man depth. But Washington will need to add at least one more big to have enough depth there, and that presumes the team will keep Richaun Holmes.
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Michael Scotto: Sources: Wizards center Richaun Holmes is partially guaranteed $250,000 of his $13.28 million salary for the 2025-26 season, which makes him a prime candidate to be eventually waived or traded, given Washington’s roster logjam. He averaged 7.4 points and 5.7 rebounds last season.
Josh Robbins: The Wizards' injury report for the final game of their season: Saddiq Bey, Malcolm Brogdon, Bilal Coulibaly, Anthony Gill, Richaun Holmes, Corey Kispert, Khris Middleton and Jordan Poole are all OUT. JT Thor is QUESTIONABLE to play because of right knee soreness.
Washington Wizards: Update: Anthony Gill has been upgraded to available for tonight's matchup. Richaun Holmes (right shoulder contusion) and Tristan Vukcevic (left knee contusion) are now OUT.
Josh Robbins: In their newest injury report, the Wizards have downgraded the status of Richaun Holmes (right shoulder contision) and Tristan Vukcevic (right knee contusion) to OUT for tonight's game against the Celtics.
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