By Stavros Barbarousis/ info@eurohoops.net
Ioannis Papapetrou is expected to leave Panathinaikos, using the opt-out clause he has on his contract, and the Greek club wants to react by adding Giorgos Kalaitzakis. Panathinaikos has already signed his twin brother Panagiotis Kalaitzakis, however, Giorgos is considered much more ready to contribute at the EuroLeague level.
Giorgos Kalaitzakis left Panathinaikos last summer and played in the NBA, initially for the Milwaukee Bucks and then for the Oklahoma City Thunder. While getting one more shot in the NBA remains his priority, returning to Greece in a more prominent role for Panathinaikos is also a great option.
Both brothers are 23 years old and they are considered the best hope of Greek basketball in the guard position for the near future.
As for Papapetrou, the front runner to sign him seems to be Partizan. The captain of Panathinaikos can use until tonight at midnight (15/7) the opt-out clause in his contract and join another EuroLeague team. Panathinaikos will get a buy-out of 400.000 euros in exchange.