Walkup arrives in Dubai after resolving the conflict

The negotiation has concluded with an explicit gesture of peace. The general director of Dubai, Dejan Kamenjasevic, not only confirmed the signing of Thomas Walkup as a very important addition, but also personally thanked the management of Olympiacos for the way the discussions were conducted and their collaboration in reaching the agreement. This public acknowledgment marks a turning point in a conflict that just ten days ago seemed irreconcilable.

A week ago, Olympiacos had sent a formal letter accusing Dubai of improper approach to a player under contract. EuroLeague responded by opening a disciplinary procedure, and the Piraeus club publicly maintained that it had no intention of letting the American go. However, the agreement came quickly, transforming the confrontation into mutual collaboration.

The open case continues its course

The resolution of the transfer does not close the investigation into the conduct of the Emirati club. EuroLeague continues the disciplinary procedure initiated by Kamenjasevic's public statements in August, which triggered the entire process. The competition has not commented on what will happen with that case now that the parties have reached an understanding.

This aspect leaves an unresolved question. The investigation into the improper approach continues on the disciplinary path, regardless of the player changing clubs. EuroLeague will need to determine if Dubai's conduct, beyond the commercial resolution, requires sanctions or if it simply concludes with the formalization of the transfer.

A career filled with success in Piraeus

Walkup leaves Olympiacos as one of the most beloved players in its recent history. In five seasons, he played 181 EuroLeague games with the club, the ninth highest figure in the history of the competition at the Greek entity. His defensive and distributing numbers position him among the best in the recent history of the team: he is second in assists with 854 basket passes and second in steals with 234 recoveries. In points, he has accumulated 1,144 and in rebounds 478, both figures placing him in the tenth historical position of the club.

In the 2025-26 season, his last with the Greeks, he averaged 5.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 0.9 steals in 37 EuroLeague games. However, these figures do not fully reflect his real impact on the team. In the final that secured the title for Olympiacos against Real Madrid, Walkup contributed 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, demonstrating his capacity to perform in crucial moments.

His true hallmark has always been defense. He was named EuroLeague's Best Defender in the 2023-24 season, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the competition. Throughout his career, he has won that accolade in three different leagues: three times in Greece, three in Lithuania, and once in Germany during his only season in the German country. With Olympiacos, he accumulated four Greek Leagues, three Cups, and four Super Cups, in addition to the finals MVP of 2022-23. His previous stint with Zalgiris included three consecutive Lithuanian leagues and two Cups.

The sixth Emirati signing of the summer

Walkup is the sixth addition for Dubai in this summer transfer market. He follows Jaron Blossomgame, Elie Okobo, Davion Mintz, Mamadi Diakite, and Toko Shengelia. Two of these signings, Okobo and Blossomgame, came from Monaco after the financial collapse of the Monegasque club. Shengelia arrived from Barcelona, activating his release clause.

The American will be the third EuroLeague club in Walkup's career, following Zalgiris and Olympiacos. His arrival comes at a strategic moment, just in time for the Abu Dhabi SuperCup. In that tournament, both teams could face each other: Olympiacos plays the first semifinal while Dubai plays the second, against Real Madrid.

Walkup's arrival strengthens the Emirati project with a player of proven experience in the top continental competition. His defense, distribution, and ability to play off the ball make him a valuable asset for a team aiming to establish itself in EuroLeague. Thus, Dubai completes an ambitious transfer window that reflects its commitment to compete at the highest level.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Walkup llega al Dubái tras resolver el conflicto