The Summer Ahead for Fenerbahçe: Potential Departures and New Additions
Fenerbahçe Claims EuroLeague Title
Fenerbahçe has made headlines by securing the EuroLeague championship with a decisive 81-70 victory over Monaco in the finals. This triumph marks the Turkish team’s second EuroLeague title in its history and represents a significant achievement for head coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius, who has earned his first EuroLeague title as a coach during his sixth Final Four appearance. As the team shifts its focus to winning the Turkish championship, preparations for the next season are already underway.
Key Player Departures on the Horizon
This summer, Fenerbahçe faces the possibility of losing two key assets. Star player Nigel Hayes-Davis, who was named to the EuroLeague’s First Team and crowned MVP of the Final Four, has attracted interest from the NBA and has expressed a desire to transition to the world’s premier basketball league. Despite having a contract until 2026, reports suggest that Fenerbahçe is likely to grant him an exit if a suitable offer arrives.
In addition to Hayes-Davis, Tarik Biberovic is drawing attention in the United States, with strong indications that he may sign with the Memphis Grizzlies, positioning himself as a key player under head coach Thomas Isalo.
New Acquisitions: Mikal Jantunen and Others
As Fenerbahçe prepares for the upcoming season, they are expected to welcome Mikal Jantunen, a standout player from Paris last season, as their first acquisition. Reports circulating before the playoff series against Monaco indicated that the Finnish big man was already on the path to strengthening the Fenerbahçe roster for the 2025/2026 season, with no denials from either party in recent weeks.
Additionally, Fenerbahçe is eyeing T.J. Shorts, although competition for his signature is fierce. Current reports indicate that he is on his way to Panathinaikos, while the Memphis Grizzlies may also extend an offer, proposing an opportunity to join the NBA.
The Theodo Maledon Situation
Recently, it was reported by SDNA that Theodo Maledon, a star from Villeurbanne, might enhance Fenerbahçe’s backcourt. However, this speculation was later contradicted by Basketnews, suggesting that he might instead be headed to Real Madrid. The 23-year-old’s future remains uncertain, and fans are left waiting for clarity on this situation.
Uncertain Futures for Other Players
The status of former Maccabi Tel Aviv player Scottie Wilbekin is also in limbo, as he appears to be moving closer to the exit. Wilbekin suffered an injury early in the season and has not played since. He is set to conclude his contract this summer. Similarly, the future of 37-year-old Eric McCollum, who joined during the season and became a pivotal figure in the backcourt, remains unclear. Other players, such as Melih Mahmutoglu, Keenan Evans, and Sertaç Şanlı, are also finishing contracts, and their continuation with the team is unlikely.
As Fenerbahçe navigates this pivotal summer, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the roster shapes up for the coming season, balancing the excitement of new signings with the potential loss of key players