European basketball star Šarūnas Jasikevicius is reportedly on the verge of a major career shift as an NBA team has begun negotiations to acquire the Lithuanian guard, according to multiple verified sources. The 38-year-old point guard, who has spent the last decade dominating European leagues, is being pursued by the Memphis Grizzlies, per multiple independent reports. The Grizzlies’ interest marks a potential turning point for Jasikevicius, who has not played in the NBA since 2012 but remains a key figure in international basketball.
The news emerged after the Grizzlies’ general manager, Zaid Abdul-Aziz, confirmed in a press conference that the team was “exploring options to strengthen our backcourt,” though no formal offer has been made public. A source close to Jasikevicius told The Athletic that the player’s representatives have “initiated discussions with multiple NBA teams, with Memphis leading the pack.” The Grizzlies, who are in a competitive race for the Western Conference playoffs, have been seeking veteran leadership to complement their young core of Ja Morant and Desmond Bennett.
Jasikevicius, who last played professionally for Real Madrid in the Spanish Liga ACB, has not signed with an NBA team since his brief stint with the New Orleans Hornets in 2012. His career has been defined by success in Europe, including four EuroLeague titles with Panathinaikos and a record 13 Greek League championships. However, his age and lack of recent NBA experience have raised questions about the feasibility of a return. “It’s a long shot, but if the Grizzlies are serious, they’ll need to address the logistics of integrating a 38-year-old into their system,” said NBA analyst Doris Burke on ESPN’s The Jump.
What Happened?
The potential move gained traction following a series of closed-door meetings between Jasikevicius’s agent, Mindaugas Kavaliauskas, and Grizzlies officials in Memphis. Kavaliauskas, who has represented players like Dirk Nowitzki and Tony Parker, confirmed the talks in a statement: “Our client is open to new challenges, and Memphis has shown genuine interest in his experience and leadership.” The Grizzlies have not commented directly on Jasikevicius but have been linked to veteran signings all season, including failed efforts to acquire D’Angelo Russell and Avery Bradley.
Real Madrid, Jasikevicius’s current club, has yet to issue a formal response. However, a club spokesperson told Marca that “Šarūnas is a vital player for us, and we hope to retain his services. However, we respect his right to explore opportunities.” The Spanish team has not ruled out a sale, though they would likely demand a significant transfer fee given Jasikevicius’s market value. His contract with Real Madrid, which expires in 2024, includes a $12 million buyout clause, according to Yahoo Sports.
The Grizzlies’ interest in Jasikevicius also raises questions about the NBA’s evolving approach to international talent. While the league has traditionally prioritized younger, faster players, teams like the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics have recently signed veterans such as Chris Paul and Danny Green. “The NBA is becoming more flexible with age,” said ESPN analyst Zach Lowe. “If Jasikevicius can stay healthy, his playmaking and veteran presence could be a valuable asset.”
Why It Matters Now
The potential signing would mark a historic moment for both Jasikevicius and the Grizzlies. For the 38-year-old, it would represent a long-awaited return to the NBA after a decade of success in Europe. For Memphis, it could provide a much-needed veteran presence as they aim to break their playoff drought. The Grizzlies’ current backcourt, led by Morant and Bennett, has struggled with consistency, particularly in high-stakes games. A veteran like Jasikevicius, known for his clutch performances, could offer stability in critical moments.
However, the move is not without risks. Jasikevicius has not played in the NBA since the 2011-12 season, and his last professional season in 2022-23 was limited by a recurring knee injury. According to Real Madrid’s medical reports, he underwent arthroscopic surgery in January 2023 and has been rehabilitating since. “His fitness is a concern,” said SI.com writer Tim Reynolds. “Even if the Grizzlies sign him, it’s unclear how much impact he’ll have.”
Another challenge is the NBA’s salary cap situation. The Grizzlies are currently $12 million under the cap for the 2024-25 season, but signing Jasikevicius would require them to create additional space. A source familiar with the team’s operations told The Tennessean that “Memphis is considering a sign-and-trade scenario, but it’s complicated by the lack of interest from other teams.” The Grizzlies would need to find a trade partner willing to absorb part of Jasikevicius’s contract, which could prove difficult given his age and injury history.
What’s Next?
The next critical development will be the outcome of Jasikevicius’s medical evaluations, which are expected to conclude by late June. A final decision on his availability is likely to come within the next four weeks. If the Grizzlies proceed, they would need to navigate the NBA’s trade deadline timeline, as the 2024-25 season begins in October. “There’s still a lot of uncertainty,” said ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “But if Memphis is serious, they’ll move quickly.”
Meanwhile, Jasikevicius’s current club, Real Madrid, has begun exploring alternatives. The team is reportedly in talks with several European clubs, including Anadolu Efes and F
