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Lietuvos Rytas signs Brad Newley

Brad Newley will play in Lietuvos Rytas. The 25-year-old Australian guard was signed by the Lithuanian squad to a 2-year contract. Newley arrives from Besiktas, where he averaged 17.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. The former Houston Rockets draftee will be the third Australian player in the history of the club, after Matt Nielsen and Aron Baynes.

The upcoming frontline of Maccabi: Radulija, Freeland, Macvan and Kadir

Just one day has passed since the end of the Yellow's season, and the team from Tel-Aviv are almost done with there fron line. Stephane Lasme is leaving the team for sure while Do'r Fischer is on his way out too.

Miroslav Radulicja has already signed in Nokia Arena and will be announced soon. Raduljica has agreed with Maccabi way earlier, at the middle of the season, when the Yellows tried to pick him up as an addition to their Playoff struggles in the Euroleague. According to these reports, Raduljica was at the distance of a ink stamp from playing in Tel Aviv these season already, but the high fee FMP wanted for his one-year-contract was ridiculously high, a fact that kept him out of Tel Aviv till now.

One who may join Radulija is Milan Macvan, the young talented forward of Hemofram , who already accepted to play for the Yellow's and Maccabi is trying to finish the negotiations against Hemofram who wants Maccabi to pay 500K euro feec, while Maccabi wishes to pay 400K dollars. The deal is supposed to be closed next week.

Maccabi is also very interested in the British Joel Freeland, who is already negotiating with the team from Tel Aviv. Freeland has a contract for next year with a 300K release clause that Maccabi is about to pay, if and when the negotiations will be done.

Elishay Kadir, who just took the championship from the yellow hands with Galil, is also wanted by Maccabi. His arrival may happen soon after Oded Katash will sign as the team assistant alongside Pini Gershon. Sharon Drucker, current Maccabi assistant coach, will probably look to try his luck in Europe.

In case Maccabi will have problems signing Macvan or Freeland, the alternatives are Pops Menash Bonsu, the british Power-Forward of Cska Moscow. Another alternatives are Robert Archibald and Richard Hendrix.

Terrell McIntyre to join the champs?

The American tiny Point Guard of Siena is the goal of Regal FC Barcelona to replace Jaka Lakovic. Barca men has been scouting Terrell McIntyre, who will leave Siena this summer after his contract expires. McIntyre (32) has averaged 12.5PPG, 5.1APG and 1.9SPG for Montepaschi, who has been underachieving this Euroleague. Barcelona has been also checking Sergio Rodriguez and Bo McCalebb's statuses, but according to McIntyre's agency man, "He'd love to play for the champs". We shall wait and see.

Bilbao destroys to rebuild

Bizkaia Bilbao Basket is making some changes after the club has failed getting into the ACB playoffs. Renaldas Seibutis, Damir Markota and Jerome Moiso will leave the Basques this summer. All three have been underachieving at Bilbao and the club is looking for some fresh and improved talent. Chris Warren, another underachiever for Bilbao, and Robert Conely will probably join them and be fourth and fifth to leave this summer. Axel Hervelle will finish his loaning contract and be back with Madrid. 

While 6 players are about to leave, Bilbao still willing to keep their biggest star and Eurocup MVP Marko Banic, Captain Javi Salgado, Latvian Guard Janis Blums (whos contract expires this summer) and Spaniard star Alex Mumbru. Javi Rodriguez and Francisco Vazquez will probably stay in the squad as well. 

When the deprature of key players is about time, Bilbao is already working at adding some talent to their roster. Felipe Reyes is the top goal for the Basques who loves the Spanish Center to join Banic at the front court. Young talented Nikos Pappas is another addition, after coming from a loan year at Greece. Among the other names that Bilbao has been checking are Daniel Santiago, Rawle Marshall and Jiri Welsch- all three comes with some ACB experience. This summer will be pretty crucial for BBB, who badly requests to join the top clubs of the ACB and Europe.

Bogdanovic wants to play with Partizan

Luka Bogdanovic(2.05, 25) and Juventut Badalona has decided to part ways after Bogdanovic's contract with the greens has ended. Bogdanovic, who played fairly well for DKV Juventut at the past two seasons, has been stating that his wish is to come back to his former club of Partizan Belgrade.

Bogdanovic's wish may become reality this summer, when Partizan, who is looking for additional Forward would love to add the Sharpshooting Serb to their shopping list.

Bogdanovic has averaged 10.3PPG, 4.3RPG and 2.13PM per game for DKV this Eurocup.

Bologna announced Kangur

Estonian big Kristjan Kangur(2.01m, 27) is Virtus Bologna's addition to the playoff struggles.

After the Italians have already signed a contract with Serbian Forward Zoran Erceg, who has been loaned by Olympiacos to Panaionios and finished his loaning time, Olympiacos has decided to block Erceg's deprature because of legal issues. 

Kangur, who played earlier this season for ASVEL Villeurbanne has been called immediately as plan B, and was announced by the club earlier this week.

Kangur has averaged 5ppg and 2rpg both in French and Euroleague.

Kosta Perovic draws interest around Europe

Serbian big man of Valencia, Kosta Perovic, is drawing interest around Europe, after Valencia has reported to be marketing him in order to keep coach Neven Spahija. Maccabi, Efes and Unicaja are among teams that has been reported to check Perovic's condition. Perovic, 7-1 Center from Serbia, has averaged 10.8PPG, 4RPG and 13.1RKG in 20.2MPG this Eurocup. According to Valencia journalists, Perovic, whos Valencia's top salaried player (earns 1.1M Euros/net per year), is still very wanted in the Spainish club, but they might sell him because its financial problems are growing drastically.

Real Madrid: heat is on!

Real Madrid`s name is getting hot regarding the summer transfers market. Few names that came up as possible candidates to improve the Blancos are include Alan Anderson, Vassilis Spanoulis, Milos Teodosic and Sasha Kaun. Anderson of Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv has been reported to recieve a 2.5M Euros offer for 2 years, but Maccabi is still having an option to keep him, although Israeli reports says that Maccabi aren't happy with the American swingman. Spanoulis and Teodosic are both candidates to add strength to the Messina's Guard inventory. Teodosic, the 09/10 Euroleague MVP, has been reported to recieve a 4 year 8M Euro + 1.3M Euro buyout for Olympiacos offer, but it doesn't seem like the red Greeks will let their best player this year an option to leave. Spanoulis is Real's second option, while the Greek Guard is finishing his contract with Panathinaikos this season. Last but not least comes Sasha Kaun- CSKA Moscow Center, that has a vailed contract for one more season, but is on Messina's wishlist for the next year. Will Real's president, Florentino Perez, will stick with his Galácticos project? Only future will tell.

Aris wants Walsh, Massey for the next season

Aris Thessaloniki is working at improving their roster for the next season. Davit Blatt, Aris coach, is currently scouting players at the Israeli league playoffs, but he does some work behind the scenes. After top scorer Jeremy Richardson has rejected any contract renewal option (reported as agreed with a Euroleague team, had talks with Fenerbahce and Maccabi in the past), Aris is trying to keep second gem Matt Walsh. The talented Forward has been playing great for the yellows and Aris looks to keep him in the club for the next season as well. Another addition that Aris is working at is Jeremiah Massey- that has told in a radio interview that his wish is to come back to Thessaloniki. Massey has also confirmed that Aris has already spoke with him, and it seems that his arrival in Greece is just a matter of time, after being waived from Obradoiro.

Roma tabs Josh Heytvelt

American Forward/Center Joshua Heytvelt signed for Virtus Roma until the end of this season. Rome has been looking for additional inside players, and the American who finished his season with Turkish Bursa will join Lottomatica who was ranked sixth at the end of the Italian regular season. 

 Heytvelt has averaged 17.3PPG, 10RPG and 1.4APG in the Turkish League for Oyak Renault Bursa. Heytvelt joins Darius Washington who signed for Rome earlier this month.

Erceg joins Virtus Bologna for the playoff struggles

Olympiacos has agreed on loaning Panionios player this season, Zoran Erceg, to Canadian Solar Bologna, who has been looking for an inside player urgently, in order to add some depth and strength to their roster for the LegaA Playoffs in Italy.

 Erceg, 25 year-old Serbian Power Forward, has averaged 14.7ppg and 5.6rpg for the Greek team earlier this year. Erceg will come back to red Olympiacos hands at the end of this season.

AJ Milano adding strength with Monroe

Off guard Chris Monroe has signed a contract with Armani Jeans Milano until the end of this season. The Italian club looked to add some extra strength to their roster, and Monroe will join Jamie Arnold in Italy. Monroe has played in Greece this season for PAOK Thessaloniki, averaged 14.3ppg and 4.2rpg. Monroe has stated he wishes to rejoin PAOK at the next season.

Maccabi is in talks with Jermareo Davidson

The former NBA American Forward, Jermareo Davidson is wanted by Maccabi Tel-Aviv in order to replace Stephane Lasme who is about to leave the team. The talks between the two sides has began. Another names to replace Lasme are Richard Hendirx, Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Robert Archibald. One of the four will join almost for sure to Miroslav Radulija who already signed for 2 years in Nokia Arena.

Jermareo Davidson (born November 15, 1984, in Atlanta, Georgia) is an American basketball player who currently plays in Turkey for Darüşşafaka Cooper Tires scoring 15.9 PPG and grabbing 10.7 RPG. He was previously with the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League by whom he was selected 3rd overall in the 2008 D-League Draft  A second-year pro, he spent the 2007–08 NBA season with the Charlotte Bobcats. 

European bigs are going to the NBA

Sofoklis Schortsanitis, Nikola Pekovic and Tiago Splitter has been on the NBA radars for several years. The three has been drafted by NBA teams earlier in their carrers, and now it seems that the NBA rights of all three will be executed this summer.

Big Sofo (C, 24, Greece) was drafted at the 34th pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the LA Clippers, the massive big man is becoming a free agent this summer, and according to his agent, Schortanitis feels ready to play in the NBA. All signs show that this is going to be Baby Shaq's track in this summer. The 6-9 Center has averaged 7.2ppg, 2.6 rpg and 3.2fdpg in 13 minutes for Olympiacos this season. Schortsanitis will probably sign a $6-8M dollar deal for 3 years with the Clipps, although the Houston Rockets has shown some interest in the Greek center as well. 

Nikola Pekovic (C, 24, Montenegro) is another NBA prospect that is about to leave the continent to the US. Pekovic, 6-11 Center from Montenegro who is playing for Panathinaikos, was drafted 31st in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Pekovic has agreed to play with the Wolves next season according to Tony Ronzone, Minnesota's assistant coach. Pekovic averaged 14.8ppg, 3.5rpg and 14.9rkg in 21 minutes this Euroleague. Pekovic is signed on a contract with the greens, but an NBA clause is avilable and Minnesota is willing to use it. Aleks Maric, Partizan Belgrade's Center, is the top candidate to replace the Pac-Man.

Last but definitely not least is Brazilian Center of Caja Laboral, Tiago Splitter (C/F, 25, Brazil). Splitter is the most experienced player among the three, and at the age of 25 he comes from 7 straight years with Caja Laboral (aka Tau Ceramica Baskonia). Splitter has been playing with the Basques in the ACB and the Euroleague which are considered as the best continental and domestic leagues in Europe. The rights on Splitter are held by the San Antonio Spurs- which is probably the most International-Player-Friendly team in the NBA, and according to the latest reports- Splitter's time to join Tim Duncan at the starting lineup is coming very soon. Splitter has an opt-out clause in his contract with Caja Laboral and after some meetings with the Spurs' representatives, the Brazilian big-man has decided to use it. Splitter was picked 28th overall by the Spurs in the 2007 NBA Draft. He averaged 13ppg, 5.4rpg and 15.8rkg in 26 mpg this year in the Euroleague.

Jasikevicius agreed with Maccabi, things have been silenced

34 years-old Lithuanian Point Guard, Sarunas Jasikevicius, and the Israeli champions of Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv has agreed terms on a contract for the upcoming season. According to player's close assiciations, Saras and Maccabi agreed of keeping the deal silent until this season's end, in order to not interrupt both Maccabi and Panathinaikos' championship battles. Saras is willing to finish his playing career with the Yellows, who brought him two of his 4 total Euroleague titles. The veteran Point Guard will join Doron Perkins, who has agreed for a new 3 year agreement in yellow, and possibly Jon Scheyer, who is projected to be picked in the late second round of this NBA Draft, and already agreed to play for the Israeli champion in case he doesn't achieve his NBA dream.

 In addition, Alan Anderson's future with the yellows is still very uncertain. Maccabi owns an option of keeping Anderson for the next season, but the American Shooting Guard is willing to find himself a role in the NBA, and has an opt-out NBA clause. Maccabi has been reported to look for some possible replacements, when Keith Langford's name was first to come.

Unicaja likes Jasaitis?

Unicaja Malaga is about to make some major changes this summer. Omar Cook, Jiri Welsch and Carlos Jimenez, teams' current backcourt starters, will most likely leave the greens; The contracts of the three contracts are expiring this summer, and coach Aito Reneses is already checking the market for replacements. One name that has been reported to draw major interest from the Andalusian team is Simas Jasaitis. According to reports from Turkey, the Lithuanian sharpshooter has already agreed terms with Malaga for the next season. Jasaitis is joining a respectable list of Unicaja candidates that already includes Marcus Haislip, Bo McCalebb and Richard Hendrix. Jasaitis has played the last season with Galatasaray and averaged 16.5 PPG and 6.3 RPG in the Eurocup.

Reyes, Bilbao: Things are getting serious

Felipe Reyes is currently playing the captain role for Real Madrid, but the Spanish bigman is very unhappy with the rough situation he fell into with the Blancos. Reyes, which was used to play big minutes for Madrid and surely was an integral roster piece before Ettore Messina joined the club, is willing to leave the club at this summer, when his contract ends. 

 Reports in Spain says that Bilbao is willing to improve their frontcourt line with Reyes, and have already placed an offer on Madrid's player desk. Reyes, that has been crowd-fav in the Palacio Vistalegre for years, has liked the offer and he is now considering this option seriously. If and when, Reyes will reunite with another former Madrid star, Alex Mumbru.

Siena inks Williams, Milano wants Haislip?

Montepaschi Siena has annouced the arrival of American/Georgian Point Guard Shammond Williams today. The experienced guard was released from CB Murcia and now joins the Italian champions in order to bring some depth and exprience behind leading Point Guards Terrell McIntyre and Nikos Zisis.

Another name that popped earlier this morning is Marcus Haislip's, who has been rumoured to be on the top of Armani Jeans Milano's wishlist for the next season. Haislip was requested by Unicaja as well, earlier in this season.

Langford: another name in the Yellow phonebook

Exactly like it was last year, Maccabi Tel Aviv is blossoming when it comes to the Transaction Season. 

According to SPORT5, Keith Langford is on Maccabi's wishlist, and the club and player are already in the middle of negotiation. Langford, who had an excellent debut in the Euroleague this season, has reportedly signed at the past summer for a two-year contract with Khimki Moscow, although there is a possible option or buy out clause that may bring the American off-guard to the city of Tel Aviv. 

Aleksandrov, Olimpija split ways

Nemanja Aleksandrov (PF, 22) and Union Olimpija part ways officialy today, after Aleksandrov has suffered months of delayed payments for the whole season. Olimpija is suffering an economical crisis, and after its Euroleague campaign was over, the Slovenian club couldn't keep its starters. After the depratures of Sani Becirovic, Matt Walsh, Uros Slokar, Vladimir Golubovic it is the turn of Aleksandrov, once one of Europe brightest prospects to leave the sad and poor Olimpija. Olimpija and Aleksandrov broke down their 3-year agreement and Aleksandrov is now, officialy, a Free Agent.

Jamont Gordon rejected all offers from European teams

 The 23-year-old American guard, Jamont Gordon, who is enjoying a great season in Cibona rejected offers from Caja Laboral, Khimki Moscow, Armani Jeans Milano and Candian Solar Bolonga.

Gordon, who scored 13.9 PPG, grabbed 5 RPG and passed almost 4 APG in the Euroleague, wants to make the NBA next season and decided to reject all offers from top European teams.

"I want to do what’s best for my family. Honestly, I really don’t know. I guess it would depend on the NBA team and if I was going to have a chance to play for a championship team! But being home with my daughter and family is priceless so I would probably take the money and sign with the NBA team"

Caja Laboral makes an offer to Milt Palcaio

Caja Laboral wants the 32 American Point-Guard of Kavala, Milt Palacio who scored 10.3 PPG and had 3.3 APG in the Greek A1 league.

Caja Laboral's coach, Dusko Ivanovic, wants to get stronger for the ACB playoffs and Palacio would be a good addition to the Spanish team who wants to compete Real-Madrid and Regal Barcelona equally.

Raduljica to be a Maccabi player soon

"Miroslav Raduljica is a done deal with Maccabi". This statement came from one of Radujlica's agency men, and according to it, the moment the Serbian beast and Maccabi Tel Aviv will meet is just a matter of time.

Reports tell that Raduljica has agreed with Maccabi way earlier, at the middle of the season, when the Yellows have tried to pick him up to be an addition to their Playoff struggles in the Euroleague. According to these reports, Raduljica was at the distance of a ink stamp from playing in Tel Aviv these season already, but the high fee FMP wanted for his one-year-contract was ridiculously high. Raduljica's wish of respecting this one-year agreement kept him out of the Euroleague map until this moment.
 

Raduljica will join David Bluthenthal at the new froncourt line in Tel Aviv, while there is still uncertain future with D'Or Fischer, Yaniv Green and Stephane Lasme's contracts for the next season.

Bologna chooses Jackson

Candian Solar Bologna has been very active in order to find a proper replacement for injured Point Guard Petteri Koponen. According to Turkish media reports, Virtus has finally got to a final agreement. 

 Aaron Jackson (PG/SG, 1.93, USA) who finished his season with Turkish Antalya is his name. 

Former Dequense guard averaged very nice numbers this season with 15.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG and 4 APG. His former club has finished the TBL season ranked 11th.

Milano adds Jamie Arnold

Armani Jeans Milano will sign Power Forward Jamie Arnold, who is about to finish his season in the Greek club of DASH Peristeri. Arnold (35, USA/ISR) has been very productive for the greeks this season, averaging 14.7 PPG and 6.2 RPG.
 
 Although, his club has failed at clinching the playoffs and Armani Jeans decided to sign him in order to bring some depth and experience to their roster. Arnold played in Italy 2 seasons ago with La Fortezza Bologna.

Washington to make a U-Turn

After some reports in Italy told about Darius Washington's signing in Virtus Bologna, the American/Macedonian Point Guard's agent has declared Washington's signing in Lottomatica Roma. Washington's signing at the Italian capital will probably force Bologna to think again on the Vujanic option, which has been moved off the table until now.

Washington signed the contract until the end of this year, although Ibrahim Jaaber's possible movement to Siena might keep him in Rome for more time than expected.

Vesely Stays!

Jan Vesely has annouced officialy: "I decided not to enter the 2010 NBA Draft".  Few hours ago, DraftExpress came up with the extraordinary announcement.

Vesely has thanked the whole Partizan Belgrade system and explained his reasons by declaring: "Playing in the NBA has been my dream, I need to be ready for this". Vesely's agent added: "I believe Jan has made the right decision to mature and improve as both a person and as a basketball player. His time is coming".

Bologna inks Washington

 Darius Washington is the final choice made by Canadian Solar Bologna to replace injured Point Guard Petteri Koponen.

Washington has been playing with Galatasaray Cafe Crown until now and at the moment his Turkish club has failed clinching a playoff spot he was released to Bologna. Washington (1.95, PG/SG) averaged 21.6 PPG, 4.5 APG and 3.3 APG in the Eurocup for Gla.

He has been playing for Ural Great, Aris Thessaloniki and Basket Nymburk. Washington is signed until the end of the 2009/2010 campaign

Kozikaro to wear Yellow next year?

According to one of Israeli top agencies, Ido Kozikaro, Maccabi Haifa's Center may become a Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv player next year in order replace Yaniv Green, who is about leave Nokia Arena soon.The Israeli Center scores 10.7 PPG and grabs 7.7 RPG at the BSL.

Aradori to play for Siena next season

The current stars of Montepaschi Siena are about to finish their contracts this summer, a fact that will force the team to make some major changes. According to sources in Italy, Siena would not be able to keep Romain Sato, Terrell McIntyre and Henry Domercant and their contracts will not be renewed. The club is already working to find future replacements: One of them, which is very close to become official is Pietro Aradori's movement to Tuscany. The Italian 21-year-old sharpshooter is ranked third at scoring in the Serie A and is showing amazing proficiency in putting the ball in the basket. Another movement that has been already scheduled is David Moss', which is coming back from one year loan at Bologna. There are still no concrete candidates to replace McIntyre at leading Point Guard spot, but coach Simone Pianigiani is already working to find the right player to ship this Italian powerhouse back to the top.

Joventut dreams of Jimenez

DKV Joventut's new coach, Pepu Hernandez, is already thinking of next season. The new coach has an already defined a goal and it is bringing one of his closest friend, Carlos Jimenez, to Catalonia. Jimenez's connection with Unicaja might be ended this summer, while the club has an option to keep or release veteran forward for next season. Although, sky-high salary of 34 years old Spaniard might make the Andalusians' decision of freeing him up easier. Hernandez, which has been coaching Jimenez for years at the Spanish National Team and in Estudiantes, should be top destination if and when Jimenez gets free.

Omar Cook to replace Doron Perkins?

According to a source in the Yellow's proffesional staff, the Amercian Point Guard of Unicaja Malaga, Omar Cook, is the main candidate to replace Doron Perkins next season, if current Point Guard leaves the team.

Maccabi has already offered an upgraded contract to Perkins, but the allround Point Guard, who earned just as about 200,000$ this season, has received many offers from several teams including Efes Pilsen, Armani Jeans and Montepschi Siena. 

Maccabi has already contacted Cook's agent and the Negotiation is on.

More candidates for the Yellow's are Point Guards Sarunas Jasikevicius, Yotam Halperin and Jon Scheyer.

Unicaja has been also looking at the free-agency market, when Bo McCalebb's name came up as a candidate to replace Cook.
 

Logan and Baskonia is just a matter of time

Caja Laboral has already agreed terms for 2 seasons with David Logan, Combo Guard of Asseco Prokom Gdynia.

The American-Polish citizen had an excellent Euroleague campaign this season, while his current club had its best year at the Euroleague stage, achieving the quarter-finals for its first time. Logan will replace Brad Oleson's spot at the team, while Baskonia is already marketing Alaskan sharpsooter. Carl English might also end his way with the Basques this summer.

Vujanic, Bologna: The Comback?

High volume scorer Milos Vujanic is requested in Italy. The two teams who are competing for Serbian guard's services are Montepaschi Siena and Canadian Solar Bologna. While Bologna is looking for a replacement for injured rising star Petteri Koponen, and willing to add former leader to the team immediately, the greens are considering adding veteran serb only as a substitute. Vujanic has played in Bologna before, between the 2003-2005 seasons, and competed at the Final Four Final in Tel Aviv with Skipper Bologna. CB Murcia, Vujanic's current club, is suffering a bad season financialy and proffesionaly, and is willing to sell star guard for one who pays most.

Sergio Rodríguez back to europe?

The agent of Sergio Rodríguez, José Ortiz, admitted that coming back to Europe is a possibility for the young Spanish point guard.

Rodríguez, who has finished the season with the New York Knicks, will become a restricted free agent, and will consider the option of signing for an elite European club that can handle his costs. Real Madrid, Unicaja Malaga, FC Barcelona and Pamesa Valencia are already eying talented Spaniard while CSKA Moscow is also interested in the young talent. 

Saras Still Avilable?

Sarunas Jasikevicius' name came up agressively lately. Veteran Point Guard's name has been related to Maccabi Tel Aviv and some other teams (Pamesa Valencia?) at the past week, but according to his agency's Spokesman, there are no things on the go:

"ProTalent wants to clarify that Panathinaikos player and our client - Sarunas Jasikevicius, who has a contract at the Greek club of Panathinaikos Athens untill June 2010, did not and will not discuss about a new contract with any team untill this season will be over.

We did not receive any offer or did not have any talks with the Israeli club of Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv and all the talks about Jasikevicius' agreement with the club are classified as false rumours."

It seems like there is (still) nothing new under the sun.