By Michalis Stefanou/ info@eurohoops.net
Reigning EuroLeague champion Olympiacos is currently facing complex contract negotiations with star guard Thomas Walkup, as a lucrative pursuit from Dubai disrupts their offseason plans.
Under his current extension signed in 2023, the 33-year-old naturalized Greek international is scheduled to earn roughly $1.1 million next season on a contract running through 2027. While team owners Panagiotis and Giorgos Angelopoulos intend to reward Walkup for his massive contributions since 2021, culminating in capturing the championship at the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four Athens, presented by Etihad, an external factor has complicated the situation.
The wealthy Dubai club has huge interest in the Texas native that may translate into an offer up to $6 million for two years, or potentially $9 million over a three-year span. Although his current contract does not contain a buyout clause, granting the Reds total control over his immediate future, the forthcoming offer from the United Arab Emirates has forced the veteran playmaker to seriously reconsider his future. Despite multiple meetings taking place, Walkup awaits an official counteroffer by the Greek powerhouse.
Compounding the headaches from Dubai’s approach, Olympiacos must simultaneously navigate the financial demands of Tyler Dorsey. The 30-year-old guard is currently seeking a massive salary upgrade, requesting a deal that approaches or exceeds €3 million annually to cash in on his recent high-level performances. Given that he is already scheduled to make €1.7 million next year, his demand to nearly double his earnings presents another significant hurdle ahead of the 2026–27 season.
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