By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Despite having a contract for the next season, Nick Calathes will most likely part ways with Panathinaikos, and one of the potential suitors for the 2011 EuroLeague champion is Barcelona, which has listed him as the primary target for the point guard position.
However, it’s a complicated situation, and there is no official offer on the table yet. Barcelona needs time to present a concrete deal financial-wise and start pushing to sway him their way. Calathes has one of the highest contracts in the league, which will pay him 2,1 million euros net next season.
Very few top class guards will be available on the market, and at least five powerhouses are looking for floor generals. Zenit has one big deal to offer to him or Alexey Shved, and coach Xavi Pascual has already collaborated with Calathes in Panathinaikos.
CSKA will also be looking to sign a top-class guard. At the same time, Real Madrid and Anadolu Efes could enter the race as well, especially if Facundo Campazzo and Vasilije Micic respectively find their place in the NBA.