By Bugra Uzar/ info@eurohoops.net
David Blatt is back in Europe, as his new club Dogus Darussafaka officially announced. The former Cleveland Cavaliers coach was waiting for the NBA, but with no job openings for head coaches left, he decided to return to Euroleague.
According to Eurohoops sources, Blatt will be paid 1,7 m. euros per season in a two years deal, bringing the total of his net salary to 3,4 m. euros not including taxes – which will be paid by the team – and bonuses which are connected with competitive goals.
The Turkish club will compete in Euroleague via a wildcard. Dogus company, the team owner, is also one of the main Euroleague sponsors and the team is rumored to have a budget of 30 million euros for next year. That will put them only behind CSKA Moscow and equal to Fenerbahce, Barcelona and Real Madrid on financial terms.
Blatt will be the second highest paid coach in Euroleague’s history behind Zeljko Obradovic and he will have the ability to sign top quality players which can make the difference. It’s not premature to say that the team is aiming for a Final Four spot.