Euroleague: Kamenjašević explains Dubai's transfer strategy
The Dubai general manager, Dejan Kamenjasevic, has granted an extensive interview to the Serbian media Mozzart Sport in which he discusses the search for talent for the point guard position, the rumors about the franchise's purchasing power, and the situation of NBA Europe in relation to the EuroLeague.
Kamenjasevic has provided in-depth insight into Dubai's recruitment strategy for the upcoming seasons. The Bosnian general manager, in an interview published on Sunday, has explained how the team led by Xavi Pascual plans to strengthen its roster for the 2026-27 Euroleague and ABA AdmiralBet League season, with a special focus on finding an elite-level playmaking point guard.
The pursuit of Thomas Walkup and the transfer market
In his statements, Kamenjasevic confirmed that Dubai has been in the running for several prominent figures, with Olympiacos' Thomas Walkup being a key target. The point guard from the current Euroleague champion precisely embodies the profile sought by the United Arab Emirates franchise. However, the general manager openly acknowledged that these high-profile acquisitions hinge primarily on complex financial negotiations.
“We are looking for a playmaking point guard,” Kamenjasevic stated regarding the current recruitment objectives. “One of the players is Thomas Walkup. Everything will depend on the agreement with Olympiacos or his contract buyout.” This statement underscores that the arrival of the American player is not certain and is subject to negotiations carried out by Olympiacos regarding his contract.
The executive emphasized that losing players to more lucrative offers is simply a normal aspect of modern sports business. In the case of Walkup and other prominent figures, these athletes have prioritized more lucrative offers from other clubs, hindering Dubai's efforts to finalize the intended signings.
Dispelling rumors about purchasing power
Kamenjasevic also addressed the persistent rumors about the franchise’s purchasing power, pointing out how the media tends to exaggerate Dubai's connections with globally renowned signings. The general manager used a very illustrative example: the alleged offer from Panathinaikos Aktor's owner, Dimitris Giannakopoulos, for NBA superstar Nikola Jokic.
“When a club owner publicly announces making an offer to Jokic, there is no issue,” Kamenjasevic commented. “Imagine if Dubai had done the same. Imagine if I said, ‘We made an offer to Jokic.’ How would people perceive us? What would happen?” With these words, the general manager highlighted the double standard that exists in the public perception regarding market moves by different franchises.
This reflection by Kamenjasevic is particularly relevant as it clarifies that Dubai's operating budget, in fact, falls outside the top five positions in the Euroleague. Despite constant rumors of unlimited investments, the club's financial reality is more modest than many external observers assume.
The current roster and the sporting project
Dubai boasts a competitive roster composed of players like Awudu Abass, Justin Anderson, Dwayne Bacon, Davis Bertans, Jaron Blossomgame, Nemanja Dangubic, Mamadi Diakite, Mouhammadou Jaiteh, Mfiondu Kabengele, Kenan Kamenjas, Kosta Kondic, Davion Mintz, Dzanan Musa, Elie Okobo, Filip Petrusev, Klemen Prepelic, Tornike Shengelia, and McKinley Wright IV. This group is part of the reigning ABA champion, showcasing the team's competitive potential.
Under the coaching leadership of Xavi Pascual, Dubai has achieved a rapid rise in the European basketball scene. The sporting project blends international experience with young talent, aiming to compete at the highest continental levels. Kamenjasevic's statements reveal that the club's ambition is to establish itself as a powerhouse in both the Euroleague and the ABA AdmiralBet League.
The NBA Europe and its relationship with the Euroleague
Kamenjasevic also downplayed the significance of NBA Europe, describing it as “a cloud that constantly surrounds us.” The Dubai general manager noted that progress in this project relies solely on commercial agreements between the NBA and the Euroleague. “Nothing will be achieved unless they reach a commercial agreement with the Euroleague,” he added.
This perspective mirrors the uncertainty circulating in European basketball circles regarding the potential establishment of an official NBA competition in Europe. For Kamenjasevic, until a clear commercial framework exists between both organizations, NBA Europe will remain a potential threat but not a concrete reality shaping the present of continental basketball.
The statements by Dubai's general manager offer a clear insight into how European clubs are navigating the complex landscape of the current market: competitive signings with limited budgets, constant rumors of extravagant investments, and the need to adapt to a landscape that could undergo radical changes if the NBA decides to expand into European territory.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Euroliga: Kamenjasevic explica la estrategia de fichajes del Dubái
