By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Eurohoops presented the Top 10 EuroLeague free agents, but experience in Europe dictates that having a contract doesn’t mean that you are not going to be moved.
There’s no trade mechanism in place, but leaving if there’s an exit clause or not for compensation is not unusual at all.
This list doesn’t include players who may be NBA-bound, like recently crowned champions Nigel Hayes-Davis and Tarik Biberovic.
It represents, however, the top names under contract that may or may not have an opt-out clause, and it’s very likely to move, or even sign a new deal with their own clubs.
1. Nikola Mirotic (Milan)
2024-25 stats: 17.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 22 PIR
Mirotic is arguably the biggest name on the move this summer, or at least on par with TJ Shorts and Vasilije Micic, who technically is not yet a free agent from the Suns.
It’s no secret that he will continue his career in Monaco. Born in 1991, this might be his last stop on a great career; however, it is worth noting that Mirotic has left both Barcelona and will now leave Milan, whether under contract or using an option, so the future is uncertain. He is signing for two seasons with an option for a third one.
2. Dan Oturu (Efes)
2024-25 stats: 8.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 11.1 PIR
Ηis numbers are not flashy, but he is considered one of the best up-and-coming centers in the league, so you get the point. His performance in big games has turned many heads. He is under contract, but he is wanted elsewhere.
Efes also wants him, of course, so even a new deal for him with his current team might be on the cards.
3. Lorenzo Brown (Panathinaikos)
2024-25 stats: 6.3 points, 2.7 assists, 7.6 PIR
He was hailed as a huge addition last summer, and on paper, he was. However, he never found a role in Panathinaikos rotation, the Greens already have a deal with TJ Shorts, and Brown will continue his career elsewhere.
Considering his stellar 2023-24 season with Maccabi, it’s certain that he will find a new home with ease.
4. Will Clyburn (Virtus)
2024-25 stats: 13.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 15.4 PIR
Like Virtus Bologna, he had an underwhelming season despite some flashes, and just after one season in Italy, he is expected to move elsewhere.
Being 35 years old doesn’t help his case, however, he remains one of the top players in the league, and he will be able to bounce back next season, probably in a new environment.
5. Jalen Hoard (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
2024-25 stats: 14.7 points, 5 rebounds, 17.5 PIR
His case is similar to Oturu, having a great season with Maccabi. Contrary to Oturu’s season, which didn’t translate to team results, but this doesn’t change the fact that a lot of clubs would be interested in him
That includes also his team, which, similar to Efes, will try to keep him with a new and more lucrative contract.
6. Nick Weiler-Babb (Bayern Munich)
2024-25 stats: 8.2 points, 4.9 assists, 12.9 PIR
The defensive player of the year has a market with Fenerbahce and Monaco already linked with him. He has a contract with Bayern, and that doesn’t stop the market being interested in his services.
It remains to be seen where he will end up and if he stays with his current team.
7. Darius Thompson (Anadolu Efes)
2024-25 stats: 9.5 points, 4,5 assists, 11.7 PIR
He is not a bad player, but he has a bad contract. The salary of 2,3M makes him too expensive for what he gives on the court, and that means that his days in Efes are numbered.
That doesn’t mean he is going to necessarily leave; still, there’s a good chance that this may happen if there are interested suitors.
8. Rokas Jokubaitis (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
2024-25 stats: 12.6 points, 4.6 assists, 15.6 PIR
The Lithuanian point guard has a great season, especially in the second half when he was healthy, and considering the situation in Israel, he might be on the move.
Of course, he had a contract, so Maccabi would be compensated, probably like it happened last summer with Wade Baldwin and Lorenzo Brown leaving.
9. Nick Calathes (Monaco)
2024-25 stats: 3,7 points, 3.8 assists, 4.5 PIR
The all-time leader in assists and steals didn’t perform as expected in Monaco, and despite having a contract for next season, he is expected to move.
His only downside is being born in 1989.
10. Omer Yurtseven (Panathinaikos)
2024-25 stats: 8.4 points, 4 rebounds, 9.4 PIR
Despite his offensive flashes, he couldn’t help Panathinaikos as much as expected during the injury of Mathias Lessort.
So a return to Turkey, where his value is much bigger due to his passport, wouldn’t surprise anyone.
Keep an eye also for…
Those are not the only players with contracts that may move elsewhere for better or for worse. It would be a surprise if Tyler Dorsey stays with Olympiacos. Moses Wright has already left, and he is between Bayern and Zalgiris.
There are also reports about the future of Willy Hernangomez in Barcelona and Mario Hezonja in Real Madrid, and considering major changes expected in Partizan and Virtus, nothing seems to be set in stone in those rosters.