By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
ASVEL president Tony Parker has confirmed two major departures from the French club, with Théo Maledon set to join Real Madrid and Neal Sako heading to Valencia Basket.
In a detailed interview with Le Progrès, Parker revealed that Maledon has signed what he described as a “big contract” with the Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, marking a new chapter in the 23-year-old guard’s career after returning to Villeurbanne last season.
Meanwhile, Neal Sako has activated his EuroLeague clause to make the move to Valencia. The 26-year-old center had a solid season with ASVEL and was expected to attract attention from EuroLeague clubs. His departure leaves a gap in ASVEL’s frontcourt that the club will need to address during the offseason.
These exits are part of a wider roster shake-up at ASVEL. Parker also noted that Paris Lee is considered too expensive for the club’s current financial structure, and Joffrey Lauvergne is unlikely to be retained for similar reasons. The future of forward André Roberson remains uncertain.
“I’d really like to keep him, but I think our chances are very, very slim given the salaries in the EuroLeague and Dubai’s role in driving up prices,” Parker said.
Despite the turnover, Parker remains optimistic.
“You always have to rebuild at ASVEL,” he said. “We’ve done a great job again with Théo Maledon. For now, the key word is patience. But our goals stay the same: to finish in the top three in France and be competitive in the EuroLeague.”
Several players remain under contract, including Nando De Colo, Mbaye Ndiaye, David Lighty, Edwin Jackson, Melvin Ajinça (who has an NBA clause with Dallas), and Adam Atamna.
With two of its key talents moving to Spain, ASVEL faces another summer of rebuilding.