Dubai signs a multi-year contract with Mamadi Diakite

By Stefan Acevski / info@eurohoops.net

Mamadi Diakite is the new member of Dubai, announced the club on social media.

After a season with Baskonia, the former NCAA champion with Florida Gators and NBA champion with Milwaukee Bucks has decided on a new destination and signed a multi-year contract with the Dubai team.

Baskonia was also Diakite’s first club in Europe. Prior to that, he played in the NBA for the Bucks, then for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks, interestingly, four teams that played in the conference finals last season in the NBA.

For Baskonia, Diakite, who can play as a power forward or center, averaged 8.4 points and 4.2 rebounds.

Dubai’s statement and biography

“Dubai Basketball has reached an agreement with Mamadi Diakite on a multi-year deal, who joins the club after an impressive first EuroLeague season with Baskonia. The Guinean forward-center averaged 8.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and a PIR of 10.1 in 19 minutes per game, while also finishing as the Liga Endesa’s leading shot blocker and helping Baskonia win the 2026 Spanish Cup. One of his standout performances came against his future team, Dubai Basketball, when he posted 27 points and a PIR of 37.

From Guinea to the NBA 

Born in Conakry, Guinea, Diakite moved to the United States as a teenager and developed through the American basketball system. After winning the NCAA championship with the University of Virginia, he began his professional career in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he was part of the 2021 NBA Championship team. He later continued his development across the NBA and G League, steadily establishing himself as a mobile, athletic and versatile frontcourt player.

Ready for the Next Step

After years of growth in North America and a successful breakthrough season in Europe, Diakite arrives in Dubai as a proven two-way player capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor. His athleticism, rim protection, versatility and physical presence make him an important addition to Dubai Basketball’s frontcourt for the seasons ahead.”