The NBA offseason has already delighted fans with major deals, such as Paul George’s transfer to the Philadelphia 76ers and Klay Thompson’s transfer to the Dallas Mavericks. The initial avalanche of news after the opening of the free agent market seems to have calmed down, but there are still several players who could change clubs.
Moreover, there are many basketball players who can change not only the team, but also the continent. The NBA is becoming more global and the interest in Euroleague players is growing every year. Here I would like to talk about those who spent last season in the Old World, but who can move to the New World this summer. Some of them have already played in the world’s top league, and others have the opportunity to debut there.
Kendrick Nunn (Panathinaikos)
Kendrick Nunn
Photo: Andreas Gora/Picture Alliance via Getty Images
Kendrick Nunn is the player on this list most likely to return to the NBA after one year. He had a great season with Panathinaikos and was one of the leaders of the team that had a historic year, winning the Euroleague and the Greek Championship in a dramatic final against Olympiacos.
Multiple sources are reporting that several NBA teams are monitoring Nunn, and the defender himself has stated that returning to the North American league is a priority for him.
Nigel Hayes-Davies (Fenerbahce)
Nigel Hayes-Davies
Photo: Sonia Canada/Getty Images
Not everyone remembers, but Nigel Hayes-Davies had experience playing in the NBA: he played nine games for the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings. However, it was in Europe that the forward really blossomed, and the previous season allowed him to enter the symbolic team at the end of the season. Also, do not forget about his record-breaking performance of 50 points.
Nigel has definitely seen renewed interest in North America, but there is no clause in his contract that would allow him to make an easy transition to the NBA. The forward himself is not averse to moving, but the 29-year-old basketball player will be happy to stay in Turkey and it is not for nothing that he renewed his contract with Fener.
Mario Hezonja (Real Madrid)
Mario Hezonja
Photo: Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images
Even though Mario Hezonja recently signed a five-year contract with the Madrid club, the contract contains a clause in case of an offer from the NBA. It is valid until July 20, so teams still have time to offer Mario something he can’t refuse.
In Europe, Mario has become a real star and plays for one of the best teams in the Old World. The Croatian will decide to return to the NBA only if he receives an excellent offer from the club that allows him to play permanently.
Moneke Peak (Basconia)
Chima Moneke
Photo: Sonia Canada/Getty Images
Moneke had another successful season and was close to being included in the All-Euroleague team at the end of the season. Baskonia was able to qualify for the playoffs, something that does not always happen to a team.
The Frenchman has already played in the NBA, although he only played two games. This happened in 2022, but Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown still did not believe in the player, after which Moneke was expelled and left for Monaco.
The forward’s contact with the Spanish club details the conditions under which Cima can move to the NBA. To do so, a ransom of 1.5 million dollars must be paid.
Alfa Diallo (Monaco)
Alpha Diallo
Photo: Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images
New York native Alpha Diallo spends season after season trying to find options to finally try his luck in the NBA. He declared for the 2020 draft after a long college career, but wasn’t interested in any team in the league and then headed to Europe.
Diallo has been linked to Toronto by rumours, and he was recently spotted at the Golden State Warriors’ training camp. We can only hope the forward’s dream comes true.
Gershon Yabusele and Janan Musa (both from Real Madrid)
Janan Musa, Gershon Yabusele
Photo: Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images
Real Madrid have had a roster of superstars in recent years, so it is no surprise that the Spanish club continue to supply players to the NBA on a regular basis. These include Facundo Campazzo, Gabriel Deck and Ousmane Garuba, and this is just for the period between 2020 and 2021. Both Walter Tavares and Mario Hezonja could have easily left for North America if it weren’t for the financial demands of basketball players.
Yabusele and Musa both have NBA experience and are constantly mentioned in rumours regarding a move to the world’s top league. Madrid is embarking on a gradual rebuild after a crushing loss in the NBA Finals, which could leave the veterans looking for a new professional option.
Rokas Jokubaitis (Barcelona)
Rocks Jokubaitis
Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images
Jokubaitis was drafted in 2021 and is currently owned by the New York Knicks. Even though last season was not very successful, they still see potential in Rokas, he is still a fairly young player (23 years old).
Some pundits speculate that the point guard could compete in the upcoming Summer League and then join the Knicks’ roster for next season. However, these plans may be hampered by playing for the Lithuanian national team at the Olympics, if the team manages to qualify there.
Jabari Parker (Barcelona), Frank Kaminski (Partizan)
Jabari Parker and Frank Kaminsky
Photo: Fake Images
Two former NBA lottery picks have faced similar fates. High expectations, disappointment and a move to Europe to be reborn. But not everyone feels comfortable in the vastness of the Old World.
Parker had a decent season with Barcelona. Jabari liked him in Spain, so he extended his contract for two more years. However, his fate in the NBA remains a sensitive issue for him; recently the basketball player broke down in tears during an interview.
Kaminski never managed to adapt properly in Serbia. According to rumors, he is actively seeking an opportunity to return to the NBA, and teams may need a modern big man with a decent shot.
Tuomas Iisalo (Paris coach)
Tuomas Iisalo
Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images
Don’t forget the coaches! Iisalo had an incredible season in charge of Paris: victory in the Eurocup, victory in the French League Cup and second place in the French championship. The young Finnish specialist caused a sensation throughout Europe, something that did not go unnoticed in the NBA.
In June, there were rumours that Tuomas might join the Washington Wizards’ coaching staff. This is not surprising, because Iisalo’s progressive playing philosophy is taking root much better in the US than in Europe.
We say goodbye to the legend of European basketball:
He failed in the NBA, but became an idol at Real Madrid. Rudy Fernandez retired from basketball
