By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
After the celebrations, the work starts at Panathinaikos. The front office was preparing during the last month for the summer negotiations and in many cases things are already on track or even near the finish line.
Dusko Ivanovic is ready to be the next head coach of the team and he has already decided on the core of his team. Diamantidis, Fotsis, Lasme, Gist, Mavrokefalidis, Giankovic, Pappas are under contract. Bramos is a free agent and has more chances to renew than Maciulis whose contract has a team option. Finally, Ukic, Batiste, Curry and Wright are expected to leave the team.
Panathinaikos wants to add Greek talent to its roster and the biggest target is Nick Calathes. He’s under contract with Memphis Grizzlies and there’s a team option for next season. The good news for Calathes is that coach Dave Joerger stayed and the bad news is the GM’s change (Chris Wallace). The Greens will try to lure Calathes though at this points this case seems a longshot.
The next Greek candidate to be added in the perimeter is Giannis Athinaiou. Six months after their previous effort of PAO to get him, the ex-player of Milano seems ready to sign a contract.
Also, Panathinaikos would love to add to its roster Ian Vougioukas. The Greek center is a free agent after two seasons in Unics Kazan and he wants to return home. Finally, there are rumors about DJ Cooper who had a great season with PAOK, but his case isn’t a priority at this point.