Ettore Messina explained why Nikola Mirotic is off the radar for Olimpia Milano.
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Olimpia Milano coach Ettore Messina said that he doesn’t consider EuroLeague superstar Nikola Mirotic to be a feasible target for his team.
“Understanding that Nikola Mirotic is one of the top five players in Europe right now – his distinctions and contract show that – we can’t compete with the clubs that have put themselves on the waiting list for him right now,” Messina said on Italian TV show Basket On-ER. “If Sasha Vezenkov leaves, Olympiacos will have the money from Vezenkov’s contract that won’t longer be active and a big buyout from the Sacramento Kings. So they can make him [Mirotic] an offer that will absolutely be at the level of what Barcelona paid.”
Milano was one of the first EuroLeague clubs that appeared as candidates to sign Nikola Mirotic if the 2022 EuroLeague MVP was to exit Barcelona. There were reports that the 32-year-old player is closing in on a deal with the Italian powerhouse but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Olympiacos is eyeing Mirotic to replace Vezenkov if the latter moves to the Kings.
“I think it’s essential to see how Mirotic and his agents will resolve the issue of the two-year contract with Barcelona. I really don’t think he can be a target for our club, regardless of our importance. We can’t compete [financially] with Fenerbahce, Efes or Real Madrid and Barcelona.”
Mirotic led Barcelona to the 2023 ACB championship by averaging 17.7 points and 6.0 rebounds in a 3-0 sweep over former team Real Madrid in the Finals. He was named MVP of the series.
