By Stavros Barbarousis/ info@eurohoops.net
Olympiacos wants to keep its core intact for the near future and will not expect the summer to do so.
Per Eurohoops sources, the Reds have already presented a two-year extension offer to Kostas Sloukas whose contract expires in the summer and they have also contacted Kostas Papanikolaou, Thomas Walkup, and Giannoulis Larentzakis, informing them about their intentions.
However, especially in Sloukas‘ case with so few point guards available in the market the negotiations are not going to be easy.
As Encastando.es reported, Real Madrid also expressed its interest in the Greek guard, after the news that Lorenzo Brown extended his contract with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, and Facundo Campazzo’s possible return to Madrid at this point seems to be almost impossible, after his deal with Crvena Zvezda.
However, Olympiacos has already made their move and they are waiting for Sloukas’ answer to their offer, which has not been given yet. Still, there’s more than a good chance for the two sides the end up having a deal.
Kostas Papanikolaou next in line
The next player who is expected to extend his contract with Olympiacos is team captain Kostas Papanikolaou. His contract also expires in the summer, but the Greek club has already informed him about their plans to keep him.
There’s not yet a formal offer on the table, still, this is just a matter of time to happen, especially if the negotiations with Sloukas are finalized.
Meanwhile, Olympiacos has also informed Thomas Walkup and Giannoulis Larentzakis that they want to keep them for a long time.
Walkup has a contract option for next season, but Olympiacos has already informed him that they want to keep him at least for two more seasons with a deal that will expire in the summer of 2026.
However, they have asked him to wait for their official proposal and at the same time to inform them if there is any proposal from another Euroleague team so that Olympiacos can make their move accordingly and immediately.
Last but not least, Giannoulis Larentzakis’ contract also expires in the summer and Olympiacos wants to reward him with a bigger contract for his contribution so far and secure his presence for years to come.
With the Greeks leading the EuroLeague and being considered favorites to make it to the EuroLeague Final Four, the recipe in Pireaus is simple. Don’t tinker with something that works.