European basketball’s mid-summer transfer window has triggered a cascade of major roster moves, highlighted by Dubai’s aggressive pursuit of Olympiacos guard Thomas Walkup and significant acquisitions across the EuroLeague, LBA, and regional leagues, according to reports from Basketball Magazine.
Dubai Targets Walkup in Landmark EuroLeague Pursuit
Dubai’s front office has intensified its efforts to secure Thomas Walkup from Olympiacos, presenting a lucrative proposal that features a three-year contract worth an estimated $9 million, according to Basket Magazine coverage. The proposed financial package would nearly double the guard’s current salary in Piraeus. If the complex negotiations fall through, Dubai has reportedly identified Wade Weiler-Babb as its secondary target to bolster the backcourt alongside the recently officialized signing of Tornike Shengelia.
Hapoel Tel Aviv Reshapes Frontcourt After Motley Departure
In Israel, Hapoel Tel Aviv is moving quickly to plug the gap left by Jonathan Motley’s departure to Red Star Belgrade. According to recent market updates, the club has initiated formal contact with Jasiel Rivero as a primary option to complete their frontcourt rotation. Meanwhile, Red Star secured another core piece by locking down Jordan Nwora on an extension through 2028, fending off external interest from Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Aris and Galatasaray Make Splash Signings in Greece and Turkey
Aris has completed one of the summer’s standout moves by securing French guard Adam Mokoka on a two-year deal running through 2028. Mokoka arrives in Greece following a standout campaign with JL Bourg, where he earned MVP honors in the EuroCup final. Over in Turkey, Galatasaray has appointed former Italy national team head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco, who wasted no time adding former Virtus Bologna big man Alen Smailagić. Smailagić transitions to the Turkish club following an efficient EuroLeague season where he averaged 7.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.
LBA Transfers: Milan, Trieste, Cantù, and Venice Shake Up Rosters
Domestic Italian leagues have seen substantial player movement. Olimpia Milano reached an agreement with Dante Maddox Jr., who posted averages of 15.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists during NBA Summer League play with the Philadelphia 76ers. Maddox is slated to spend the upcoming campaign on loan with Derthona Basket. Sean McDermott has returned to Pallacanestro Trieste following a stint in the NBA G League with the Valley Suns, rejoining the club he first suited up for in 2025. In a surprise move, Pallacanestro Cantù announced the arrival of American forward Savion Flagg from Napoli. Concurrently, Denzel Valentine concluded his tenure with Reyer Venezia, with the 2016 NBA draft lottery pick inking a deal with Apu Udine.
Broader EuroLeague and Spanish League Updates
In Spain, Baskonia reinforced its backcourt with the addition of American playmaker Damion Baugh. The 2000-born guard, who previously featured for the Valley Suns in the G League, signed a two-year contract with an option for a third season. Valencia Basket tested the market by submitting an offer sheet to Real Madrid for young forward Eli John Ndiaye. Under league collective bargaining rules, Real Madrid holds a five-day window to match the offer or allow the 2002-born prospect to move to Valencia. In Greece, PAOK officially completed a three-year agreement with Cedi Osman under the direction of head coach Andrea Trinchieri, securing the Turkish forward following his stint with Panathinaikos.
Clubs across Europe face tight deadlines to finalize roster adjustments ahead of official pre-season camps. Share your thoughts on these moves in the comments below.
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