By Stavros Barbarousis/ info@eurohoops.net
Seeking an addition before switching from prep to official games, Olympiacos is optimistic about completing a deal to bring in Ignas Brazdeikis.
In advanced talks, the Reds presented an offer to the Lithuanian-Canadian swingman, Eurohoops sources confirm. In addition, they are negotiating with Zalgiris on buying out his contract.
Per multiple sources – and reports – the deal is near between all three sides with Zalgiris getting nearly 500.000 euros.
Brazdeikis, 24, penned a 1+1 contract to join the Kaunas outfit before the 2022-23 season. Extending the contract through the 2023-24 season, the option was officially activated in July.
Debuting in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, the Kaunas native produced 11.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game over 35 appearances, including 28 starts in 2022-23. The earlier part of his career included 64 games played in the NBA between the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks.
Beyond the club level, Brazdeikis represented Lithuania in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, following his first appearance in a major international tournament through the 2022 EuroBasket. Averaging 11.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per contest helped his side finish sixth in the World Cup.
Olympiacos hopes for an additional boost
Shaquielle McKissic is considered questionable to play in the upcoming official games due to injury and the potential arrival of Brazdeikis would put more roster depth for the team coached by Giorgos Bartzokas. However, Olympiacos is still scanning the NBA market for a possible boost without any rush.
Olympiacos is currently in the final stages of the training camp ahead of the 2023-24 editions of EuroLeague and domestic competitions in Greece, including next week’s Super Cup.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net