While Panathinaikos and Olympiacos predictably dominate the Greek basketball conversation, the rest of Europe hasn’t been sleeping. SKWEEK breaks down the blockbuster moves reshaping the EuroLeague landscape.
Naturally, the summer buzz in Greece revolves around the two “eternal” rivals, whose high-profile signings have expectations sky-high. But the EuroLeague is a grueling marathon, and the continent’s other heavyweights have been busy reloading.
From shifting the balance of power in fierce local derbies to NBA veterans returning overseas and major coaching shakeups, this transfer window has been explosive. Let’s dive into the 5+1 moves that sent shockwaves through European basketball.
1. Shane Larkin: The “Betrayal” that redefined Istanbul
Shane Larkin leaving Anadolu Efes is a massive story. Larkin leaving Efes for Fenerbahce? That’s arguably the most dramatic plot twist of the offseason. By crossing the Bosphorus to join their fiercest domestic rival, one of the defining figures of Efes’ modern era has instantly turned up the heat on every upcoming Istanbul derby.
Larkin spent eight unforgettable seasons with Efes, securing 10 titles—including back-to-back EuroLeague crowns—and anchoring a true European dynasty. For head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius, acquiring a playmaker of Larkin’s caliber could be the final puzzle piece for a title run. It’s a blockbuster deal blending raw talent, high stakes, and bitter rivalry.
Best of Shane Larkin at @AnadoluEfesSK 💫 pic.twitter.com/wEYzLZG9kP
— EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) June 30, 2026
2. TJ Shorts: The new floor general in Valencia
TJ Shorts heading to Valencia might be the most perfectly logical pairing of the summer. Following a mass exodus of key players like Jean Montero and Brancou Badio, the Spanish outfit was forced to hit the reset button and find a new franchise cornerstone. Enter Shorts.
After a stint with Panathinaikos—where his production spiked significantly whenever he logged over 20 minutes—he now lands in an environment tailor-made for his skill set. Shorts is at his devastating best when he is the focal point of the offense, exactly as he proved at Paris Basketball, where he evolved into the league’s premier floor general. Valencia is handing him the keys to a high-octane system, setting the stage for him to dazzle once more.
3. Alec Peters: From elite role player to Milan’s main man
Alec Peters swapping Olympiacos for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan is a masterstroke of a signing, marking a clear leap from luxury role player to leading star. Milan secures a forward equipped with a lethal jumper and a proven winning pedigree.
Peters’ true value was undeniably clear during the Final Four: he poured in 17 points in the semifinal and 16 in the title game, shooting a ridiculous 12-for-13 from the floor across the weekend. Although Sasha Vezenkov’s return reshuffled the deck in Piraeus, Olympiacos management and fans desperately tried to retain him—a testament to his profound impact. Guys who provide elite spacing and make high-IQ plays without demanding high usage are incredibly rare. Milan may have quietly pulled off the most impactful signing of the summer.
4. Dario Saric: The prodigal son returns
A full decade after departing for the NBA, Dario Saric is back with Anadolu Efes. Searching for a fresh identity in the post-Larkin era, the Turkish powerhouse repatriated a familiar face who now brings the seasoned grit of nearly 500 NBA games back to Europe.
Saric provides head coach Pablo Laso with exactly what the modern EuroLeague dictates: supreme frontcourt versatility. Capable of sliding between the “4” and “5” spots, he can facilitate the offense, stretch the floor, and seamlessly blend his innate FIBA basketball IQ with NBA-level experience. He is the marquee anchor Efes needs to kickstart their new chapter.
5. Sylvain Francisco: The chosen one for ASVEL’s blueprint
Sylvain Francisco’s blockbuster move to ASVEL is a loud statement about the French club’s aggressive ambitions. By making “Cisco” the highest-paid homegrown player in LNB history on a lucrative three-year pact, ASVEL is officially handing him the steering wheel of their franchise.
Francisco arrives fresh off a scintillating breakout campaign with Zalgiris, where he finished as the MVP runner-up to Sasha Vezenkov. However, the stakes have been raised. In Kaunas, he was the undisputed king; now, he must navigate the pressure of a club that has heavily invested to transform its EuroLeague standing. If Francisco can replicate his electrifying form, ASVEL’s ceiling instantly skyrockets.
Bonus – Pedro Martinez: The “General” takes command in Madrid
No offseason recap is complete without mentioning the summer’s biggest clipboard swap. Pedro Martinez taking the reins at Real Madrid is a monumental milestone for both the seasoned tactician and the historic club.
Following a spectacular campaign with Valencia—which earned him Coach of the Year honors in both the EuroLeague and the ACB—Real Madrid triggered his buyout to finally give him the helm of a Spanish juggernaut. At Los Blancos, “transition” years simply aren’t tolerated. Martinez, widely revered for his ability to instantly elevate his squads, leaves the “underdog” tag behind to shoulder the immense pressure of guiding Europe’s premier club back to the summit.
