By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Bryant Dunston is a free agent and the two times Euroleague defender of the year is among the top names in the summer market. However according to sources close to the player, he would like to stay in Greece for Olympiacos.
His agent, Misko Raznatovic, has already contacted Olympiacos asking for a contract offer and informing the Greek champions that there are already other good offers for his client from Euroleague clubs. The last contact between Raznatovic and Olympiacos was made during the Greek league playoffs, before the start of the finals. The Reds however are moving on their own pace and they would probably made their move after the initial talks with an other free agent of the team, Kostas Sloukas.
The Efes‘ offer
Bryant Dunston is a target of Russian teams, however Efes‘ offer to him seems to be the best option. According to Eurohoops sources, the Turkish club is offering his a 1.8 m. $ contract for the next two seasons, which probably includes a buy out option after the summer of 2016. It seems improbable for Olympiacos to match up this offer, at least at this point.
The same sources insist that Dunston is going to replace Stephan Lasme at Efes and that talks were initiated before the injury of Nenad Krstic. Lasme has also a contract for next season, which also includes a buy out clause. So, nothing is finalized yet between Dunston and Efes, Olympiacos is expected to present an offer to the player, but with less money. The Reds seem ready to over-spend only in order to keep Sloukas and it will be hard for them to change their budget for Dunston.