By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The NBA free agency is officially fully opening Monday, November 22 and available players are already piling up and standing in line, waiting to see what the market has in store for them.
For a couple of free agents – from young players to seasoned veterans – who won’t get the NBA offer they want, signing in Europe can provide an attractive and possibly lucrative alternative. Here are some NBA free agents that may find themselves on a European team in the following weeks.
Ersan Ilyasova (Turkey)
Position: Forward
The Milwaukee Bucks just waived Ersan Ilyasova, rendering him up for grabs for any NBA team that may want to add a veteran, 3-point shooting boost off the bench. If the 33-year-old Turkish forward doesn’t find what he’s looking for in the NBA then a return to Europe can be a prime option. He presents an appealing case also because of the fact that he’s well acquainted with top level EuroLeague basketball (he has Final Four experience from his stint with Barcelona).
Naz Mitrou-Long (Canada/Greece)
Position: Guard
Naz Mitrou-Long flirted with joining a European team in the past when he was in talks with Olympiacos two years ago (something that was also confirmed by current Zalgiris Kaunas coach Martin Schiller who coached Mitrou-Long on the Salt Lake City Stars). What didn’t happen in 2019 may take place now since Europe can give the 27-year-old guard the stage to showcase his talent on a competitive arena and with a substantial role. Mitrou-Long is also eligible for acquiring a Greek passport, which will make it easier for teams to include him on the roster without sacrificing another non-European player.
Ryan Broekhoff (Australia)
Position: Guard/Forward
In his last EuroLeague run, Ryan Broekhoff was a key part of the Lokomotiv Kuban squad that made the Final Four for the first time in the history of the club. He has certified credentials of being able to contribute even for a contender and it won’t be a surprise if he finds himself back in EuroLeague where his potent “3-and-D” strengths can be an asset for any high-aspiring team.
Brad Wanamaker (USA)
Position: Guard
For a second straight season, former All-EuroLeague guard Brad Wanamaker hits the NBA free agency as an unrestricted free agent. While he nearly doubled some of his numbers in comparison with 2018-2019, it remains to be seen if an NBA team will sign him for his third season in the league. What is far more certain is that if he tests the waters in Europe, he shall find plenty of open doors willing to offer him a more than solid deal and appoint him as a leader.