By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Ante Zizic will move from the Cleveland Cavaliers to Real Madrid and participate in preparations for the 2020-21 season with his new side, per Eurohoops sources. Eurohoops previously reported he will pen a multiyear deal with the Whites.
The NBA resuming the 2019-20 season following the long hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic resulted in all contracts being extended until the conclusion of the single-site tournament. The free agency period itself will start on October 18 instead of its usual July slate.
However, players can still be waived according to traditional NBA salary regulations. As for Zizic, the Cavs that are not part of the Orlando bubble are expected to facilitate his transfer by releasing him soon rather than keeping him contracted until mid-October and preventing him from joining the Madrid powerhouse for the 2020 preseason.
The 23-year-old Croatian center will be able to tip off his next campaign under the European schedule with the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and ACB planning to launch their 2020-21 campaigns in close proximity to starting dates of previous seasons.
Zizic will return to EuroLeague after his 20 appearances with Darussafaka during the 2016-17 season. He since competed in 121 NBA matches including eight playoffs tilts with the Cavaliers.
Real already landed Carlos Alocen and Alberto Abalde, also re-signed Felipe Reyes, Trey Thompkins, and Jaycee Carroll.