Former NBA Champion Damian Jones Nears Deal With Real Madrid Basketball Team

Real Madrid is reportedly close to signing former NBA champion Damian Jones, marking his first move to European basketball. The 31-year-old center, standing 2.13 meters tall, is in advanced negotiations with the Spanish club. Jones spent most of his career alternating between the NBA and the G League, playing for teams including the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Over 279 NBA games, he averaged 4.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 14 minutes per game and was part of the Warriors' 2017 and 2018 championship teams. In recent years, Jones played internationally, including two seasons in China and last season in Puerto Rico, where he averaged 13 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game.

In addition to Jones, Real Madrid is expected to sign Ukrainian guard Max Shluga, who posted averages of 15.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists last season in Boston's G League team. Meanwhile, in the EuroLeague, Josh Nebo officially left Olimpia Milano and is set to join Barcelona, with Moses Wright moving in the opposite direction. Olympiacos has made a $3 million offer for San Antonio Spurs forward David Jones Garcia, who showed strong performances in the NBA G League despite limited NBA appearances.

On the coaching front, Xavi Pascual has officially signed with Dubai Basketball, a team that has strengthened its roster over the summer but lost key player Alpha Diallo, who is heading to the Denver Nuggets. The EuroLeague transfer market remains active and dynamic as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the new season.