Panathinaikos wins race for Isaac Bonga

Isaac Bonga is nearing a move to Panathinaikos after one of the most competitive transfer races of this summer’s EuroLeague market, per sources. The expected multi-year agreement will include NBA exit clauses every offseason.

One of the biggest recruiting battles on this summer’s EuroLeague market is nearing its conclusion.

MIN
27.7

PTS
9.9

FG%
59%

REB
5.6

AS
1.5

According to BasketNews sources, Isaac Bonga is finalizing a multi-year agreement with Panathinaikos, with the Greek powerhouse emerging victorious after a huge pursuit involving several of Europe’s biggest clubs.

The 26-year-old German forward became one of the most sought-after free agents on the market.

Throughout the offseason, virtually every EuroLeague contender explored the possibility of signing Bonga, but Panathinaikos ultimately proved the most determined suitor.

Bonga prioritized a return to the NBA throughout the offseason. However, the type of opportunity he was seeking–in terms of role, competitive ambitions, and overall situation–did not materialize, leading him to continue his career in Europe.

According to BasketNews sources, the expected agreement with Panathinaikos will include NBA exit clauses each summer, allowing Bonga to pursue an NBA opportunity should the right offer emerge in future offseasons.

The combination of Panathinaikos’ project, the envisioned role within the team, and the club’s championship ambitions ultimately convinced Bonga to choose Athens despite widespread interest from across the EuroLeague.

The move gives Panathinaikos one of the most coveted signings of the offseason while preserving Bonga’s long-term goal of eventually returning to the NBA.

This deal will also reunite Bonga with Zeljko Obradovic, as Panathinaikos continues assembling a roster capable of competing for another EuroLeague title.

The Greek powerhouse has also announced the transfer of Moustapha Fall and is expected to complete the signing of Brancou Badio from Valencia Basket.

During his NBA career, he appeared for the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, and Toronto Raptors.

Mike Batiste In Tears Watching Panathinaikos’ Epic Moments Panathinaikos roster Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens Position Player Status PG Jerian Grant Signed until 2028 PG/SG Vassilis Toliopoulos Signed until 2028 SG/PG Kostas Sloukas Signed until 2027 SG Kendrick Nunn Signed until 2028 SG/SF Panagiotis Kalaitzakis Signed until 2027 +1 SF Cedi Osman Signed until 2027 SF Nikos Rogkavopoulos Signed until 2029 PF Juancho Hernangomez Signed until 2027 PF Konstantinos Mitoglou Signed until 2029 PF Nigel Hayes-Davis Signed until 2028 PF/C Ioannis Kouzeloglou Signed until 2027 C Mathias Lessort Signed until 2028 C Moustapha Fall Signed until 2028 +1 Coach Zeljko Obradovic (signed until 2029) Expiring   Left Ergin Ataman, Marius Grigonis, Kenneth Faried (story), TJ Shorts (story), Alexandros Samodurov Signed Zeljko Obradovic, Moustapha Fall Potential Departures   Incoming deals Isaac Bonga, Brancou Badio Targets  

Donatas Urbonas is an award-winning Lithuanian basketball journalist, recognized as the best sports journalist in Lithuania in 2016 and the top basketball journalist in 2018. A Vilnius University journalism graduate, Urbonas has reported on major global sports events, including the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympics, FIBA World Cups, EuroBaskets, NBA Summer League, and NBA Draft.

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