By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
Elliot Williams in a very short time proved to be the key in Panathinaikos’ success and the Greeks want to extend his contract for next season, considering him one of the main pieces of the team in the after Diamantidis era.
Williams himself confirmed recently that there are ongoing talks on the matter and Panathinaikos is ready to make him one of the highest paid players in Europe. The asking price from Elliot’s side is two million euros per season and the Greens are ready to get near it. However the issue that’s holding back the negotiation is the NBA out clause the player wants in his contract.
Williams wants to be able to leave Europe without any buy out if he gets an NBA offer until the 15th of July and this is an issue for Panathinaikos. The Greek club wants to build around him and the possibility of losing him to the NBA can turn out to be a disaster. On the other hand, Panathinaikos has the chance to keep him away from any competition in the European market and it remains to be seen which will be the end of the negotiations.
It’s obvious that both sides want to cooperate, Williams in his first season outside the US borders has made a name for himself, but he is just 26 years old and it’s natural for him to want to get one more chance in the NBA.