Kristaps Porzingis’ NBA career may be over, but he could have a future in the EuroLeauge if he gets his health issues under control, writes Pijus Sapetka of BasketNews. Porzingis announced recently that he’s stepping away from basketball to focus on overcoming a persistent illness. He’s under contract to the Warriors for $20MM this season and holds a $3MM guarantee for 2027/28, but he’s indicated that he’s willing to consider a buyout.

Sapetka suggests that he might be more comfortable playing in Europe, where the schedule is less demanding. EuroLeague teams only play 38 regular season games, although there are national championships, cups and other competitions mixed in. Coming to Europe would also enable Porzingis to be closer to his family in Latvia.

Sapetka notes that Porzingis talked about a potential future in the EuroLeague during an interview with BasketNews in January.

“Who knows? I always keep that open, obviously. I love European basketball, I love EuroLeague,” Porzingis said. “… There are so many great places to live and have a great life outside of basketball and playing in front of some of the best fans.”

If Porzingis does eventually wind up in the EuroLeague, Sapetka points to Real Madrid, Dubai, Partizan Belgrade, Panathinaikos and Olimpia Milan as his best options.

There’s more international news to pass along:

• Josh Hart has become part of the ownership group for Napoli Basketball in Italy, the team announced in a press release. The Knicks guard and his business partner and “Roommates” podcast co-host Matt Hillman will serve on the club’s board and will support its “commercial, sporting and social growth.” “Napoli is a great underdog story and reminds me of what we have built with the Knicks in many ways,” Hart said. “It is a project built around hard work, big dreams and the incredible passion Napoli fans have for their team.”
• Former NBA guard Skylar Mays is finalizing a deal with the New Zealand Breakers in Australia’s National Basketball League, according to Olgun Uluc of ESPN. The Breakers reached out to Mays after he parted ways with South East Melbourne earlier this week. He played for three NBA teams in four seasons before heading overseas in 2024.
• On his Club 520 podcast (Twitter video link), longtime NBA guard Jeff Teague cites Kendrick Nunn as an example to young players who are having difficulty catching on with an NBA team, BasketNews relays. Nunn accepted an offer from Panathinaikos in 2023 and has become a star in Europe. “He’s still young, I don’t want to get into anybody’s pockets, but he is eating good,” Teague said. “Plays as a leader there, earns good cash, lives in Athens, that’s what players here should look up to.” Teague adds that he regrets turning down an offer from Barcelona when his NBA career ended.