NBA

Players Leaving the NBA for Overseas Basketball

A handful of NBA players have decided to play overseas next season. Check out who’s heading abroad.

Alan Draper profile picture
Sports Editor
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As NBA players are on the move around the league in free agency, many are setting their sights overseas. A handful of individuals who played in the NBA last season already have joined international clubs. Take a look at those who will be competing overseas next season instead of in the NBA.

Joel Freeland: When the free agency frenzy began in July, Freeland didn’t wait long to make a move of his own. After three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, the British big man agreed to a two-year deal with CSKA Moscow. He had previously played in Europe prior to coming to the NBA.

Nick Calathes: Calathes is returning to Panathinaikos Athens, where he previously won Greek League titles. He played the last two seasons for the Memphis Grizzlies, and his deal will reportedly have an NBA out clause.

Pero Antic: Antic was 31 years old before he arrived in the NBA, a decision he told Basketball Insiders he wishes he had made sooner. But after two years in the league, including a deep playoff run last season with the Atlanta Hawks, he is returning home to Europe. He will play for Fenerbahce Ulker in Turkey.

Gigi Datome: Joining Antic on Fenerbahce is Italian swingman Gigi Datome. He signed a three-year deal with the Turkish club after playing for the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics.

Ekpe Udoh: Fenerbahce wasn’t done yet. They also signed Ekpe Udoh to a one-year contract this week. The former sixth overall pick (2010) played sparingly for the Los Angeles Clippers last season.

Alexey Shved: Shved played for four NBA teams in only three seasons. He is leaving the league for now to join Khimki Moscow, but the contract has an NBA out option.

Robbie Hummel: From Minnesota to Milan, Hummel will play for Olimpia Milano in Italy following two seasons with the Timberwolves. He averaged 4.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in 45 games last season.

Nate Wolters: Following two years in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans, Wolters is heading overseas. The point guard will play for Besiktas in Turkey.

Jarvis Varnado: After bouncing around the NBA and D-League, as well as participating in Summer League, Varnado is returning to Europe where he played earlier in his career. He will play for Dinamo Basket Sassari in Italy.

Justin Hamilton: After playing for four NBA teams over the past two seasons, Hamilton will play for Valencia Basket in Spain. He most recently suited up for the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 9.0 points and 5.1 rebounds in 17 games.

Aaron White: The Washington Wizards selected White out of the University of Iowa with the 49th pick in this year’s draft. He played for the Wizards Summer League team, but signed with Telekom Baskets Bonn in Germany this week.

Alan is an expert gambling writer who works as one of the chief editors for Basketball Insiders. He has been covering online gambling and sports betting for over 8 years, having written for the likes of Sportlens, Compare.bet, The Sports Daily, 90min, and TopRatedCasinos.co.uk. His particular specialisms include US online casinos and gambling regulations, and soccer and basketball betting. Based in London, Alan holds an MA in English Literature and is a passionate supporter of Chelsea FC.

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