By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Dennis Smith Jr.’s intention after completing his exit from Real Madrid is to resume his NBA career at the bottom end of the 2024-25 Regular Season.
The 27-year-old guard was already linked to a departure from Los Blancos but has also set his sights on returning to the NBA this season, according to senior NBA insider Chris Haynes.
The ninth pick of the 2017 draft, coming out of North Carolina State, is a veteran of 326 NBA games between the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Detroit Pistons. His last appearance was with the Nets late in the 2023-24 Regular Season.
Expanding his career overseas, he signed with Madrid in January. Just over one month later, he is set to leave the storied club, after tallying 4.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per contest over two appearances in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, and 1.5 points, 1.0 assists, and 0.5 rebounds per contest over two appearances in Spain’s Liga Endesa Regular Season.
Despite several reports from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean about his future, a potential NBA destination remains unclear. However, Smith can negotiate with any team as an unrestricted free agent, provided he is released from his current contract with the team based in the capital of Spain. Upon signing, he would be eligible to play in the Regular Season and on a playoff team would also be available in the postseason.
Photo Credit: ACB Photo