By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Bayern Munich General Manager Marko Pesic said that EuroLeague star forward and former No. 2 NBA Draft pick Derrick Williams has told him that the German team is his primary option outside of the NBA.
“He [Derrick Williams] confirmed to me that he either wants to go to the NBA or stay here in Munich,” Pesic mentioned during an interview with German basketball magazine BIG (Basketball in Deutschland), per the German League’s official website.
“The ‘hot phase’ of transfers in the NBA begins on July 1st. Until then, we won’t have any decision about Derrick anyway,” Pesic had previously said in the interview.
Williams had an impressive EuroLeague maiden campaign in 2018-2018. The 28-year-old American player emerged as one of the elite forwards in the competition and notched an outing of 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 14.2 PIR, to help the underdog Bavarian squad finish the regular season within one win of the playoffs.
So far, 2019 EuroLeague finalist Anadolu Efes has expressed an interest in acquiring Williams. The forward will look at all available options, including the possibility of an NBA return, before making any decisions regarding where he’ll play next season.
Pesic was also asked about Bayern’s 2019-2020 budget that has been reported to be around 20 million euros. “We are working hard and I’m confident that we will be able to increase our budget. All our employees are doing a very good job. Our financial plans for the upcoming season are in full swing.”