By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Former no4 draft pick Dragan Bender has a verbal commitment for a multiyear deal with EuroLeague champions CSKA Moscow and will take it unless there’s an interesting NBA offer for him in the 11th hour, according to Eurohoops sources.
Despite spending already three seasons in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns, Bender is just 21 years old. So even if he returns to Europe, he still has time to attempt an NBA comeback in the future, being more mature and more ready.
With the Suns not picking up his option for a fourth season on his rookie contract, the Cavs were reportedly interested on him. However, CSKA Moscow made they move and seem to have satisfied the demands of the player, who is expected to be used mainly as a power forward by the Russian powerhouse.
If Bender had played out his rookie contract, he would have been on track to earn a $5.9M salary in 2019-20.