By Nikos Varlas / varlas@eurohoops.net
CSKA Moscow is signing Baskonia captain Tornike Shengelia to a three-year deal according to Eurohoops sources. After signing a record-extension deal with Baskonia in 2018, the Georgian forward, arguably the best in his position in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague is moving to Russia.
The hardest part of the transfer was the buy-out negotiations between CSKA and Baskonia. The two clubs reached a deal, Baskonia will get a hefty buyout and CSKA Moscow gets a crucial piece on the way of creating a formidable frontline that includes also Will Clyburn and Nikola Milutinov.
Only details are left for the deal to be formalized between Shengelia and CSKA for a contract which according to Eurohoops sources will include an NBA buy-out clause for the summer of 2022 and will expire in 2023.
Shengelia just finished a successful season with Baskonia that resulted in the club’s first ACB League title in 10 years. Since 2014, when he left the NBA, “Toko” has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the EuroLeague, he is just 28 years old and the NBA window may not be closed yet for him, despite his new contract.