By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos OPAP has dropped out of the race to potentially secure the services of Nick Calathes and has listed Marius Grigonis as the top priority, according to Eurohoops sources. Fenerbahce Beko can be the best option for the Greek-American floor general moving forward in the offseason.
Calathes, 33, is not included in future plans of FC Barcelona but remains under contract and is negotiating his release aiming to get even all the guaranteed money for the 2022-23 season, a sum of around €1.8 million attached to the third and final year of his contract. The Greens offered the Florida product two-year and three-year contracts but were in a hurry to complete a deal and eventually decided to move in another direction instead of waiting for developments out of Barcelona.
Grigonis, 28, was already linked to Panathinaikos. The Lithuanian swingman now evolves into the main target as the Greek giant looks to extend a strong push in the offseason hoping to improve the squad heading into the 2022-23 editions of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and domestic competitions in Greece. And is nearing a deal to add him to the roster of new head coach Dejan Radonjic.
As for an upgrade at the point, Panathinaikos is reportedly looking into Nate Wolters. The Minnesota-born point guard played under Radonjic in two separate stints at Crvena Zvezda, including last season. Being linked to the Greens was first reported by the Greek outlet SDNA.
Meanwhile, Fenerbahce can now be considered the best option for Calathes. With Greek tactician Dimitris Itoudis taking over the head-coaching responsibilities, the Istanbul giant is expected to reunite with NBA champion Nemanja Bjelica and Scottie Wilbekin is among the officially completed summer additions but there is more room for established EuroLeague stars and in this case the all-time assists leader of the top European club continental competition.