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Marius Grigonis didn't commit to Panathinaikos yet, with three clubs in the mix / News - Basketnews.com

nqajqrqw7months ago (05-17)Tennis Life112
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One of the main Panathinaikos OPAP Athens targets, Marius Grigonis, hasn't committed to the Greek powerhouse just yet, Zalgiris Kaunasmajority owner and president Paulius Motiejunas revealed.

2-pointers this season

Panathinaikos Athens54%19,4EuroLeaguePoints made:19,4Accuracy:53,7%Place in standings:10Record max:25Record min:11Most made 2FGs:Georgios PapagiannisTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Motiejunas gave an interview to BasketNews in Las Vegas, where NBA Summer League is commencing right now.

When asked if Zalgiris are still hoping to sign Marius Grigonis, Motiejunas explained the situation.

"We said from the beginning that Marius is who we want," said Motiejunas.

However, as Motiejunas says, everything might come down to how much other teams can offer.

"We cannot throw everything away and say that we give as much as he wants," Motiejunas explained.

"We want him, but we wish that others would not want him, and he would come. But other teams may appear," added Motiejunas.

Apart from Panathinaikos and Zalgiris' interest, Valencia Basket also follow Grigonis' situation closely. On Tuesday, encestando.es reported that Valencia improved their offer for the 28-year-old and is now waiting for his answer.

Last season while playing for CSKA Moscow, Grigonis averaged 8.5 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 7.4 PIR in 16 EuroLeague games.

"Everyone writes about Athens [Panathinaikos]. They pay a few hundred thousand more than us on average," said Motiejunas. "This is an unimaginable amount for us."

When asked about the chances of signing Grigonis, Motiejunas was still optimistic, despite Zalgiris being able to offer a lower salary than some other EuroLeague teams.

"I would say 50-50. We would definitely be a good place for him to develop, to be at home, and to have an important role," explained Motiejunas.

"However, we understand our financial options, which are sometimes difficult for players to understand," he explained.

Marius Grigonis

Marius  GrigonisMarius  GrigonisMIN:19.37PTS:8.5 (56.25%)REB:1.44As:1.88ST:0.63BL:0TO:1.25GM:16ProfileEuroLeague2021/2022

Motiejunas then went on to talk about the financial situation Zalgiris is in.

"There were several years when we made more money than before. When we had higher than planned [tickets] sales," Motiejunas revealed.

"But this year, the situation is different. We have a loan, we are strict with our finances, and it is not clear what the next year will hold," explained Motiejunas

Zalgiris majority owner has also talked about the crisis the team is in and what plans the future holds.

"From a financial perspective, everyone is talking about the crisis. It is unclear what will happen with attendance after the coronavirus," Motiejunas said.

"There are many questions for the team and the entire organization of Zalgiris. We have to squeeze a little bit, but it's hard for the players to accept it," Motiejunas explained.

Zalgiris Kaunas

Position Player Status PG Mantas Kalnietis Signed until 2023 PG Lukas Lekavicius Signed until 2025 PG/SG Keenan Evans(story) Signed until 2024 SG Karolis Lukosiunas Signed until 2023 SG Tomas Dimsa Signed until 2022 +1 SF/PF Edgaras Ulanovas Signed until 2024 SF Arnas Butkevicius (story) Signed until 2024 PF Tyler Cavanaugh Signed until 2023 +1 PF/C Rolands Smits (story) Signed until 2024 C Joffrey Lauvergne Signed until 2022 +1 C Laurynas Birutis(story) Signed until 2024 Coach Kazys Maksvytis (story) Expired contract Tai Webster (will not return), Janis Strelnieks (will not return), Niels Giffey (will not return), Arturas Milaknis, Paulius Jankunas (retiring), Marek Blazevic (will not return), Regimantas Miniotas (will not return), Josh Nebo (will not return) Rumored to leave Joffrey Lauvergne, Arturas Milaknis Interested Kevarrius Hayes (story), Caleb Homesley, Darius Thompson (story)

More Zalgiris transfer news:

Rolands Smits reaches an agreement with Zalgiris Zalgiris signing Kevarrius Hayes LKL finals MVP Arnas Butkevicius will join Zalgiris Zalgiris part ways with three players Keenan Evans expected to sign with Zalgiris Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.
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