Kristaps PorzingisHis NBA career may be over, but he could have a future in the EuroLeague if he gets his health issues under control, writes Piyus Sapetka BasketNews. Porzingis recently announced that he away from basketball to focus on overcoming persistent illness. He is under contract with Warriors for $20 million this season and has $3 million guaranteed for 2027/28, but he indicated he is open to considering a buyout.
Sopietka suggests he might be more comfortable playing in Europe, where the schedule is less hectic. Euroleague teams play only 38 regular season games, although there are also national championships, cups and other competitions. Coming to Europe will also allow Porzingis to be closer to his family in Latvia.
Sapetka notes that Parzingis spoke about a potential future in the Euroleague in an interview with BasketNews in January.
“Who knows? Of course, I always keep it open. I love European basketball, I love the Euroleague.” Porzingis said. “…There are so many great places to live and have a great life outside of basketball and playing in front of some of the best fans.”
If Porzingis eventually ends up in the EuroLeague, Sapetzka names Real Madrid, Dubai, Partizan Belgrade, Panathinaikos and Olimpia Milan as the best options.
There is more international news:
- Josh Hart has become part of Napoli Basketball’s ownership group in Italy, the team announced in a press release. The Nix the security guard and his business partner and co-host of the Roommates podcast, Matt Hillman, will serve on the club’s board and support its “commercial, sporting and social growth”. ““Napoli is a big underdog story that reminds me a lot of what we built with the Knicks.” Hart said. “This is a project built around hard work, big dreams and the incredible passion Napoli fans have for their team.”
- Former NBA guard Skylar Mays is finalizing a deal with the New Zealand Breakers in Australia’s National Basketball League, according to reports ESPN’s Olgun Uluk. Mays was approached by the Breakers after he parted company with South East Melbourne earlier this week. He played for three NBA teams over four seasons before heading overseas in 2024.
- On his Club 520 podcast (Link to video on Twitter), longtime NBA guard Jeff Teague quotes Kendrick Nunn as an example for young players who find it difficult to fit into an NBA team, BasketNews relay. In 2023, Nunn accepted an offer from Panathinaikos and became a star in Europe. “He’s still small, I don’t want to get into anyone’s pocket, but he eats well.” – said Teague. “Playing there as a leader, making good money, living in Athens, that’s what the players here have to look up to.” Teague adds that he regrets turning down Barcelona’s offer after his NBA career ended.