By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
French prospect Victor Wembanyama can opt out of his contract with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne until 26 June and potentially becoming a free agent can lead him to Paris, as reported by Yann Ohnona of L’Equipe.
Wembanyama, 18, signing a three-year contract last summer included the aforementioned option since pushed back from 15 to 26 June. Switching from Nanterre 92 to the Turkish Airlines Euroleague club, he missed multiple games due to injuries and rarely enjoyed substantial playing time when available. Potentially activating the exit clause can be combined with a move to Paris, the team based in France’s capital preparing for the second campaign in Betclic Elite LNB Pro A after debuting in the top-flight division of the country and finishing 15th overall.
Widely viewed as the favorite to be selected with the first pick of the 2023 NBA draft, the French big man would benefit from an upgraded role heading into the draft. And Paris is slated as one of the possible destinations to get more playing time, according to the latest update on his next step.
Introducing himself to the EuroLeague, the premier club continental competition in Europe, he averaged 6.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 0.5 assists, and 0.4 steals per contest over 15 appearances, including ten starts. As a member of Nanterre, he previously registered six games played in the 7DAYS EuroCup.
At the domestic level, in his second LNB run, he generated 8.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 0.8 steals, and 0.7 assists per game until the latest injury forced him to the sidelines for the rest of the season.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net