By Nikos Varlas/ info@eurohoops.net
It’s obvious that before proceeding to any other moves, Barcelona wants to bolster its backcourt lineup with players who can provide creativity, scoring and other elements that the Blaugrana offense severely lacked in the previous season.
The beginning was made with Thomas Heurtel. Guillem Vives is also near the entrance and now Shane Larkin and Barcelona are close to finalizing a two-year deal according to Eurohoops sources.
Newly appointed head coach Sito Alonso has been trying to lure Larkin (who he coached in Baskonia) to the team and the two sides are closer than ever into reaching a final deal. If that happens then Barcelona must send the contract to Baskonia, according to the rules of “Tanteo” and the Basques must decide if they will match the offer or not.
However Barcelona isn’t the only team interested in Larkin. Eurohoops has learned that CSKA Moscow is monitoring the situation and might emerge as a suitor for the American point guard.
The priority of the Russian powerhouse is, of course, Milos Teodosic. But if they see that he’s getting further from Moscow and closer to the NBA, then they will be ready to strike and make an offer to the 24-year-old player from Ohio.
Larkin finished his debut season in Europe averaging 13.1 points, 5.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds and helping Baskonia reach the competition’s playoffs.