Kontos: Juancho stays and Badio is a priority

Panathinaikos maintains its core intact for the upcoming commitments. Dimitris Kontós, responsible for basketball operations at the Athenian club, held a press conference addressing the main current topics of the Greek team, from the continuity of its stars to the movements in the transfer market and the financial capacity to strengthen the team.

Commitment to the current squad

Kontós' message was clear and unequivocal regarding the club's intention: to maintain stability within the squad. "If a player comes to us saying he wants to leave, we will sit down to talk because, above all, we are human beings. But no player has asked to leave, and we also don't plan to let anyone go," stated the general manager, thus putting an end to any speculation about unwanted departures.

This statement represents a firm stance against the rumors that have circulated in recent weeks regarding the possible departure of some players. The club aims to convey an image of solidity and continuity, key factors in maintaining the morale of the squad in an ambitious project like Panathinaikos'.

Juancho Hernangómez: Secured future in Athens

One of the topics that generated great interest was the situation of Juancho Hernangómez. Kontós left no doubts about the mutual commitment between the club and the Spanish forward. "Panathinaikos is the club that most wants to have Juancho, and the player himself wants to continue in Athens," emphasized the executive.

The general manager highlighted both the sporting quality of the Spanish international and his integration into the project. "He has fully adapted to the team and the club. I hope he finishes his career here," Kontós stated, also making a statement that underscores the expected loyalty: "Juancho would never leave Panathinaikos to sign with Olympiacos." This declaration is particularly relevant in the context of Greek basketball, where the rivalry between the two clubs is historical and deep.

Hernangómez's permanence is essential for Panathinaikos' plans. The player has shown his worth in the EuroLeague and represents a significant pillar in building the sports project that the club aims to develop in the coming years.

T.J. Shorts: Consensual departure to Valencia

Regarding T.J. Shorts, Kontós explained the circumstances of his departure. The American arrived at the club with the reputation of being one of the best available players in the EuroLeague but did not achieve the expected performance due to "different reasons," as indicated by the general manager.

What matters is that the departure was consensual. "It was the player himself who asked to leave well in advance, allowing the club to start looking for a replacement sooner," Kontós explained. This orderly management of the departure reflects a professional relationship between the parties and facilitates Panathinaikos' planning for the immediate future.

Shorts has found a destination at Valencia Basket, where he will seek to regain the level he showed in previous seasons. His departure opens the door to new additions that can strengthen the Athenian project.

Badio: Top priority with economic obstacles

Brancou Badio, a player from Valencia Basket, is one of Panathinaikos' targets to reinforce its squad. Kontós acknowledged the quality of the Valencia defender: "He is an excellent and very competitive player." However, the negotiation faces a significant obstacle: Badio has a €1.5 million buyout clause that needs to be activated.

The general manager explained that if the coaching staff deems him a priority, the club will do everything possible to bring him in. "All negotiations take time," Kontós pointed out, recognizing that these processes are not always immediate, although Panathinaikos is willing to invest resources in a player they consider strategic.

Badio's addition would represent a defensive reinforcement for the Athenian team, something that could significantly enhance its competitiveness in the EuroLeague.

Unlimited budget for the project

One of the most revealing aspects of the interview was related to the available budget. Kontós responded with laughter when the €40 million mentioned in the media were brought up: "That figure is even low." The general manager assured that the club owner is willing to do whatever is necessary to build the team that the coach envisions.

This statement is significant because it indicates that Panathinaikos has significant financial backing to execute its sports plan without severe restrictions. Financial capacity is a determining factor in the competition for signings in the EuroLeague, where the budgets of the top European clubs are increasingly high.

The owner's financial commitment to the sports project guarantees that the club can compete on equal terms with other European giants, provided it correctly identifies its market objectives.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Kontós: Juancho se queda y Badio es prioridad