Panathinaikos owner says he attempted to lure three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić to Europe
Panathinaikos owner Dimitrios Giannakopoulos revealed he made a serious, albeit rejected, attempt to sign NBA star Nikola Jokić to his European basketball team. The proposal involved buying out the remainder of Jokić's contract with the Denver Nuggets.
Why it matters
The story highlights the massive financial gap between the NBA and European basketball leagues and the ambition of European club owners to attract top-tier talent.
Nikola Jokić is one of the best players in the NBA. Nikola Jokić is one of the best players in the NBA. Nikola Jokić Panathinaikos owner says he attempted to lure three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić to Europe Dimitrios Giannakopoulo says he tried to buy out contract
Jokić set to make more than $100m over next two seasons
Prefer the Guardian on Google Panathinaikos Basketball Club owner Dimitrios Giannakopoulos says he attempted to lure three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić to his team for this coming season.
Giannakopoulos, whose net worth is estimated anywhere from $500m and $1.9bn, said in a Euro Insiders podcast released on Monday that he pitched the Denver Nuggets on buying out Jokić’s contract and bringing him to Athens.
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