Zach Perrin and Ignas Brazdeikis emerge as Baskonia transfer targets
Baskonia has earmarked approximately 1.1 million euros to pursue frontcourt reinforcements Zach Perrin and Ignas Brazdeikis following the departure of guard Markus Howard, Cadena SER reported. The Spanish club recently secured a 106-83 victory over Manresa under head coach Velimir Perasovic, but roster limitations in the paint have forced club management into the active transfer market ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Financing the roster overhaul through Markus Howard’s move
The financial maneuverability to target both Perrin and Brazdeikis stems directly from Howard’s transfer to Zenit St. Petersburg, a side coached by Dusko Ivanovic. While the club collected no direct transfer fee for the American guard, the transaction eliminates 50 percent of his salary obligations. Baskonia remains responsible for 1.1 million euros this season and an identical sum next year, freeing up the necessary room to pursue incoming reinforcements.
Evaluating the targets in the paint and on the perimeter
Zach Perrin, a 22-year-old, 2.08-meter French forward currently playing for Ilerna Força Lleida, is the primary target to bolster an interior rotation that currently relies heavily on Faried and Santos. Negotiations have progressed toward a 500,000-euro agreement. Although Perrin held a 200,000-euro release clause applicable in January, club officials determined the team could not wait. Meanwhile, Unicaja wing Ignas Brazdeikis has spent several seasons on the radar of the Basque club, with a potential deal estimated around 600,000 euros.
Previous frontcourt pursuits and failed negotiations
Baskonia’s aggressive search for reinforcements follows multiple unsuccessful attempts to secure frontcourt help in recent months. The club previously brought Alex Len to Vitoria, but the center suffered a recurrence of a foot injury and returned home. Subsequent targets included Chris Koloko, who ultimately signed with Estrella Roja, alongside inquiries regarding Sorkin, Smits, and Jabari Parker, who is set to join Joventut after leaving Partizán.
Injury recoveries and upcoming travel schedule
Head coach Velimir Perasovic addressed the roster situation following the win against Manresa, stating that he expects new additions to arrive shortly. In the interim, Baskonia anticipates the gradual return of injured players. Chris Duarte is recovering from a right thigh muscle injury and rejoins team practices, while Rodions Kurucs and Tadas Sedekerskis continue their individual rehabilitation programs. The squad faces a demanding travel schedule with an away fixture against Fenerbahçe followed by a game against Lleida.
