By Mihalis Stefanou / info@eurohoops.net
After Sasha Vezenkov’s departure to the NBA and the Sacramento Kings, Olympiacos had talks ongoing with Nikola Mirotic to potentially replace the best power forward in Europe with his biggest competitor in the same position.
However, according to Eurohoops sources, it broke down with no deal between the two sides. The red-and-white side, after welcoming back both Nikola Milutinov and Nigel Williams-Goss, is now looking at other options, outside of Europe as well.
Giorgos Bartzokas has expressed his preference for players with experience at the highest European level, but at this stage, he does not rule out any quality choice. It’s not yet clear whether the player acquired will be a pure four or a more athletic player who can also perform third-center duties.
After missing the start of the 2022-23 EuroLeague season, Nikola Mirotic averaged 15.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, shooting 60.3% from two, 39.2% from beyond the arc, and 80.4% at the line, but couldn’t help the Catalan side at the 2023 Final Four.
In the ACB League Finals, instead, he was decisive to lead FC Barcelona to a 3-0 against Real Madrid which gave Sarunas Jasikevicius’ team the 20th Spanish championship in the club’s history.
Previously, the 32-year-old Spanish international was linked to Olimpia Milano by Sportando’s Emiliano Carchia and to Panathinaikos by One’s Moshe Barda. AS Monaco and Crvena Zvezda, as known, are also in the mix for the power forward.
Before moving to Catalunya back in 2019, he spent five years in the NBA between the Chicago Bulls, the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Milwaukee Bucks. He grew up in Real Madrid‘s youth system, staying six seasons in the Spanish capital.
Τhe talks between Nikola Mirotic and #Olympiacosbc broke down with no deal. Τhe greek club is already examining other options, not necessarily only from Europe.
More on @Eurohoopsnet and @EurohoopsGR pic.twitter.com/MDtCOqD8NX— Mihalis Stefanou 🏀 (@mstef80) July 10, 2023
PHOTO CREDIT: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague