By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Barcelona changed their plans and practically replaced Nick Calathes with Tomas Satoransky with the Greek guard being a target for a number of EuroLeague teams. Those included Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Maccabi, and others who had his name on their shortlist.
However, there’s mutual interest between Calathes and Fenerbahce with the Greek guard having already decided to move to Fenerbahce, per Eurohoops sources.
Still, nothing can be imminent in this negotiation since Calathes remains under contract with Barcelona for next season. To be exact his contract is guaranteed and there are ongoing talks with Barcelona about the possible compensation for the player.
Having said that, there’s no deal yet between the two sides and until this happens, the move to Fenerbahce can’t be completed.
After being selected with the 45th overall pick of the 2009 NBA draft, Calathes went from his last NCAA season with Florida to turning pro in Greece and launching the first spell at the Greens in 2009. Lokomotiv Kuban became his second team three years later and the Memphis Grizzlies followed from 2013 to 2015, prior to his second stint with the Greek giant stretching from 2015 to 2020.
Moving to Barcelona, Calathes managed to climb up to the top of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague all-time assists ladder. He generated 7.3 points, 6.4 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game in the 2021-22 edition of the EuroLeague. Averaging 6.3 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game illustrated his overall effort in Spain’s Liga Endesa last season.