Victor Wembanyama exits ASVEL, might stay in France / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Alius Koroliovas/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Alius Koroliovas/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Victor Wembanyama, projected as a possible No.1 in the 2023 NBA Draft, has decided to make use of the exit clause in his contract with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and leave the French champs.

Victor Wembanyama

MIN:17.41PTS:6.46 (39.25%)REB:3.85As:0.46ST:0.38BL:1.92TO:1.31GM:13ProfileEuroLeague2021/2022

According to L'Equipe, the exit clause in the player's contract with the club expires on June 26, while the 18-year-old big man had another year left in his deal. ASVEL, who celebrated their 21st LNB title last Saturday, had been trying to lure the 2.19 m player into staying for another year.

Wembanyama's next destination is still unknown. Several European clubs, as well as the NBA G League Ignite (a developmental team based in California, specializing in supporting young talents towards the draft), have reportedly shown interest.

However, it looks like Paris Basketball, who had already made a presentation of their project to Wembanyama when they were still playing in Pro B, have positioned themselves among the strongest candidates for the young prospect. According to L'Equipe, Wembanyama might choose Paris for their coach (Jean-Christophe Prat) and for the club's excellence in the areas of image and marketing.

Another option for him in the French capital would be Boulogne-Levallois, the team coached by Vincent Collet.

Last season, Wembanyama averaged 9.4 points (47% from the field, 26% from distance) and 5.1 rebounds in 18 minutes in the French LNB. In EuroLeague, he only got to play 13 the regular season matches, producing 6.5 points and 3.8 rebounds in 17 minutes.

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