By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Coming out of an unsuccessful strong push to secure the services of Vasilije Micic, Real Madrid bounced back in the market with Lonnie Walker IV and Daniel Theis on the radar, as reported by MARCA on Thursday.
The change of plans includes revisiting the case of Walker after a pause during the ongoing offseason, with focus switching to Micic. Also, after being released from his contract with the Boston Celtics early in the 2024-25 season, the 26-year-old guard was close to signing with Los Blancos but ended up with fellow EuroLeague outfit Zalgiris. Madrid was unwilling to include an NBA-out option on the deal, which the Kaunas outfit did, and the player eventually used to join the Philadelphia 76ers in February.
The former Miami standout went from 13.6 points per contest over 19 appearances in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague to 12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per contest over 20 games with the Sixers in his NBA comeback. Following the 2024-25 journey, he is once more a free agent.
Preparing for the next editions of the EuroLeague and domestic competitions, the team based in the Spanish capital is looking to also add an option in the paint for new head coach Sergio Scariolo, with Theis expected to depart AS Monaco and labeled as a nice fit, as noted.
After an eight-year stint in the NBA, the experienced big joined La Roca Team in February. Returning to Europe’s premier club continental competition, he tallied 11.7 points per contest, helping his side reach the championship game of the Final Four.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net