Paris Basketball wing Jared Rhoden has confirmed direct offseason contact with EuroLeague champions Olympiakos while committing his immediate future to the French club for the upcoming campaign. Speaking candidly about his recruitment, the 27-year-old American forward addressed swirling offseason rumors during an appearance on Skweek, outlining his choice to pursue stability in the French capital over multiple high-profile continental offers.
Recruitment and European Interest
Rumors regarding interest from Piraeus began circulating late in the previous regular season, placing the 198-centimeter wing on the radar of several European heavyweights. When pressed directly on the advances from Olympiakos, the former Toronto Raptors player acknowledged that formal discussions took place. “I had a few conversations,” Rhoden told Skweek, noting that he also generated substantial interest from numerous other teams across the continent.
Despite the high-level overtures, Rhoden elected to remain in Paris, signing on for a second successive season alongside backcourt teammate Nadir Hifi. Rather than leaping at the first continental powerhouse to call, the veteran wing chose continuity under the Paris Basketball board. “For now, I keep my feet where they are, and I try to have a great season. Who knows where I could land in the future… You never know,” Rhoden said.
Expanding Responsibilities in Paris
Rhoden arrived in France in November 2025 following the conclusion of his NBA stint, quickly carving out an essential role within the rotation through his defensive grit and offensive adaptability. Across his debut domestic campaign in Betclic ÉLITE, he averaged 11.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, while matching that production with 11.5 points per contest in EuroLeague play.
Entering his second year with the club, the American forward carries significantly elevated expectations. Rhoden set a distinct personal benchmark for the new season, stating his ambition “to be one of the best two-way players in Europe.” He added that club leadership and the coaching staff have expressed deep confidence in his ability to step into a primary leadership role alongside Hifi.
Chasing EuroLeague Playoffs and Domestic Goals
Collective ambitions match individual targets as Paris Basketball prepares for a demanding schedule. Having secured their first silverware of the campaign by defeating Roanne 81-59 to claim the 2026 LNB SuperCup, the club experienced a tougher introduction to the European elite, falling 91-72 to Panathinaïkos on September 24 despite an 11-point, 18-minute outing from Rhoden.
“For the team, we are trying to reach the playoffs,” Rhoden said regarding the club’s continental aspirations. “We are new in EuroLeague, so we are trying to prove to everyone that we have our place there, and that we are here to stay.”
Paris turns its immediate attention back to domestic action. The club travels to face Nancy on Sunday at 16:30 local time in a fixture broadcast live on DAZN, marking the official start of their French championship campaign and their pursuit of the national title.
Related reading
