Βy Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Darius Thompson’s return to the ACB League appears to be just a matter of time, with the only question being whether he will join Valencia Basket or return to Baskonia, his former team before moving to Anadolu Efes.
Valencia has submitted an offer for the point guard, but due to the right of first refusal, Baskonia can match the offer and retain his rights. The deadline for this decision is 11:59 PM on Thursday, July 17, and one key figure in this situation is Donta Hall.
The big man could influence where Thompson ends up, as his potential departure from the Vitoria-based team would free up the necessary salary space to bring Thompson back to the Buesa Arena. According to Eurohoops sources, Baskonia is willing to “sacrifice” Hall in order to free up funds and match Valencia’s offer for their former point guard.
Several EuroLeague teams — Olympiacos, Maccabi, and Monaco (his former club) — have already shown interest in Hall.
However, his contract includes only an NBA buyout clause, so any EuroLeague suitor would need to start negotiations from scratch.