By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Chris Duarte has signed a two-year contract with Kosner Baskonia. Following rumors surrounding his future, the EuroLeague club confirmed his arrival on Friday.
The announcement came only a few minutes after the team released Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot for his blockbuster move to Real Madrid.
The 29-year-old Dominican guard officially landed in Vitoria-Gasteiz following a mutual, amicable agreement on Thursday to terminate his contract with Unicaja, where he spent the 2025–26 campaign.
✍ Kosner Baskonia y Chris Duarte unen sus caminos
Ongi etorri, Chris! 🔵 🔴 pic.twitter.com/nMXZTsioqI
— Kosner Baskonia (@Baskonia) July 17, 2026
The versatile guard brings elite athleticism and scoring power to the Basque roster. During his lone year in Malaga, he made 43 appearances across multiple competitions, averaging 11.4 points in Spain’s Liga Endesa and 9.5 points in the Basketball Champions League Season X, powered by Ameresco SUNEL.
His NCAA journey concluded with the Oregon Ducks, before he was selected 13th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, by the Indiana Pacers. He made an immediate impact in North America, earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors while averaging 13.1 points per game. However, persistent ankle injuries hindered his development, leading to subsequent stints with the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls. He finished his NBA tenure with 177 career appearances and averages of 7.6 points per game.
On the international stage, the Dominican Republic national team standout remains in elite form, recently dominant with 29 points and 12 rebounds over a two-game stretch against the United States and Nicaragua during the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
Landing a proven perimeter threat with extensive top-tier experience, Baskonia adding Duarte marks the second summer addition for the club, joining former Cedevita Olimpija star D.J. Stewart Jr. to reshape the squad ahead of the upcoming 2026–27 season.
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