Oriola stays in Manresa: negotiation with Unicaja fails
The Unicaja had reached an agreement with Pierre Oriola to strengthen their interior game, but Kids&Us Manresa rejected the operation and will not allow the exit of the world champion center. The Malagueño club continues to seek reinforcements following injuries to their paint.
The operation seemed closed. Pierre Oriola's agent, David Carro, presented the pivot's profile to Unicaja as a solution to the problems of personnel in the paint. From Málaga, they reached an agreement with the player to join the team and accompany Willy Hernangómez and David Kravish in the interior game. However, Kids&Us Manresa blocked the operation at the last moment, refusing to negotiate the departure of an important asset in their rotation.
According to Diario Sur, the negotiation between both clubs was thwarted when it came time to deal with the Catalan entity. "They won't let him go," explained a person familiar with the conversations. The player's representative proposed terms for his exit with a financial offer that Manresa flatly rejected. Unicaja had no option to improve the proposal and was forced to look for other alternatives in the market.
Oriola's value for Manresa
Kids&Us Manresa, managed by Diego Ocampo, considers Oriola a key element in their project. The pivot averages 12 points and 5.6 rebounds this season in approximately 21 minutes per game. His significance was evident in the last match, when he contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds in the first victory of the Catalan team in the Liga Endesa, against Obradoiro. These figures justify the club's refusal to allow his departure, regardless of the offer received.
The profile of the pivot fit perfectly into Unicaja's needs for an additional reason: he has a training quota license. This detail was crucial for the Málaga club to resolve the issues caused by the injuries of Yannick Nzosa, Alberto Díaz, and Tyson Pérez. Although Nzosa is already training on the court, Unicaja expects him back after the FIBA windows while actively searching for reinforcements.
The search continues in Málaga
The sporting director of Unicaja, Juanma Rodríguez, had publicly warned that the sought reinforcement would not be "a star." Oriola's profile would have represented a valid complement to improve the team's offensive and defensive options. With the frustrated operation, the Málaga club continues to probe the market for alternatives that fit their needs and financial capabilities.
Among the options explored are players finishing their contracts in the NBA and others who are out of the plans of Euroleague teams. These are profiles that do not require big expenditures but could bring experience and quality to the Málaga team. The market window remains open, and Unicaja does not rule out new moves in the coming days.
Upcoming matches in the Liga Endesa
While resolving the situation in the market, Unicaja will host FIATC Girona on Sunday, November 15, at 12:30 PM, in Round 8 of the Liga Endesa. On the same day, at 12:00 PM, Oriola's Manresa will visit iLERNA Lleida, continuing with the domestic competition. The coming weeks will be decisive for the Málaga team to find the piece that completes their rotation in the paint and allows them to compete with greater guarantees in the league.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Oriola se queda en Manresa: fracasa la negociación con Unicaja
