EuroLeague Teams Looking to Strengthen NBA Talent Next Season

The EuroLeague transfer market is always full of surprises, but this summer, it’s more focused than ever on one position: The big men. Dominant centers and versatile forwards are scarce, and the teams that already have them under contract are doing everything to keep them. For the teams that don’t have them, that means looking across the ocean. With the NBA free agency opening up and several veterans without a deal, EuroLeague teams are sniffing around. A few names could become big targets, and their arrival would not only fill the gaps in the roster but also raise the level of competition in Europe.

Why Big Men are Scarce in Europe

Finding a good man in the EuroLeague has never been easy. There are only a few who can really dominate inside, and when they hit free agency, the bidding wars are intense. The case of Nikola Milutinov is a perfect example. He was close to leaving Olympiacos after agreeing with Olimpia Milano. But an Achilles injury to Moustapha Fall changed everything. Olympiacos had no choice but to act fast. When Panathinaikos also threw a big offer on the table, Olympiacos responded with a new three-year deal that convinced Milutinov to stay in Piraeus.

This shows how fragile the top talent market is. One injury, one transfer, or one missed negotiation can change the balance of power in the EuroLeague. With most top names already signed and other players locked in long-term contracts, the pool of available talent is drying up fast. That’s why more and more clubs are looking to the NBA.

The NBA Option

Every summer, the NBA leaves behind a bunch of free agents who can’t get a new deal or want a role that fits better. For EuroLeague teams, this is an opportunity. Many of these players have size, experience, and skills that translate well to the European game. The difference between the two markets is key. In the NBA, some big men get marginalized because the league is moving towards small-ball lineups. But in Europe, traditional centers and versatile forwards are still highly valued. Rim protection, rebounding, and post play are still essential in the EuroLeague, and a veteran NBA player can often thrive in that environment.

Alex Len

One of the most intriguing names on the NBA free agent market right now is Alex Len. After playing for the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers last season, Len is looking for a new team. At seven feet tall with shot-blocking instincts and physicality, he’s exactly what EuroLeague coaches want.

Len’s NBA career has been mostly as a role player, used in limited minutes to defend the rim and rebound. In Europe, his role could be different. The EuroLeague values size and interior defense more than many NBA teams do, and Len could be a star rather than a rotation player. Given his Ukrainian background, a move back to Europe might feel like a natural step at this point in his career.

Serge Ibaka

Another name in the mix is Serge Ibaka, who has already been linked to Real Madrid. Ibaka’s CV speaks for itself. He was an NBA champion with Toronto in 2019, he’s a three-time NBA All-Defensive Team, and he was one of the most feared shot blockers in the league during his prime. Even if his best years are behind him, he still has a lot to offer.

His defense, leadership, and experience would make him a valuable asset anywhere in Europe. What makes him even more appealing is that he can stretch the floor with mid-range and three-point shooting, skills that fit perfectly in the modern EuroLeague. If Real Madrid finalize the deal, it will be the signing of the summer, not only because of Ibaka’s talent but because of the message it sends about the level of players the EuroLeague can now attract.

Willy Hernangómez 

Not a free agent, but Willy Hernangómez is a great example of how NBA big men can thrive in the EuroLeague. After several years in the States, he went back to Spain to play for Barcelona. Since then, he has become one of the top centers in the league. His story matters because it shows NBA players that Europe is not just a place to extend a career but a stage to become a star. He has found minutes, a role, and a chance to win titles, things he couldn’t get in the NBA. For free agents considering their options, his success is a big sign.

Other Big Names in the Mix

Beyond Len and Ibaka, there are other big NBA veterans who could be on the radar for EuroLeague teams, and those who have never played in the NBA Finals. Bismack Biyombo is a defensive and rebounding anchor, whereas Tristan Thompson has championship experience and can dominate the glass. But the question is, how motivated would he be outside the NBA? Gorgui Dieng is also a reliable veteran who can shoot from beyond the arc for a big man and provide spacing and size. Even Dwight Howard, in the twilight of his career, has name recognition and physical presence if he’s willing to adapt to the EuroLeague lifestyle.

Looking Ahead

As the season gets closer, the top talent market is one of the most interesting stories in European basketball. Injuries, financial decisions, and the ambitions of the top clubs will all decide who ends up where. With options in Europe limited, the NBA free-agent pool has become the focus. Players like Alex Len and Serge Ibaka could soon be wearing EuroLeague jerseys and changing the balance of power in the competition.

For the clubs, landing the right man can mean the difference between a good season and a championship run. For the players, it’s a chance to write new chapters in their careers in front of some of the most passionate fans in the world. One thing is for sure: The EuroLeague is no longer just reacting to the NBA. It’s competing, adapting, and finding ways to bring top talent from across the ocean. This summer’s moves prove the battle for big men is now a global one, and next season will show just how much the EuroLeague has grown in size and ambition.