Shane Larkin draws serious interest from Wizards / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: EuroLeague Basketball via GettyImages Credit EuroLeague Basketball via GettyImages

One of the top EuroLeague scorers, Shane Larkin, draws serious interest from the Washington Wizards, sources tell BasketNews.

Shane Larkin

MIN:31.89PTS:14.69 (55.11%)REB:2.97As:5.28ST:1.26BL:0.03TO:2.36GM:39ProfileEuroLeague2021/2022

The All-EuroLeague First Team member is on an expiring contract with the back-to-back EuroLeague champions Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

Efes are trying to keep Larkin in Istanbul. Per BasketNews sources, they're offering him a contract extension similar to what he earned in the last two seasons. Per BasketNews sources, Larkin made around €3.2M per year.

Both sides were keen to extend the cooperation, but Wizards might bring some uncertainty regarding Larkin's future in Istanbul.

Previously, Larkin played in the NBA for four years.

In 256 appearances with the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics, Larkin averaged 5.5 points and 2.9 assists.

"I will not go back to the NBA as a third point guard," Larkin said to FanSided in 2020. "So, if any team asks about that, we're not even gonna answer the phone."

Larkin has worn Efes jersey since 2018.

He holds the EuroLeague single-game scoring record, having scored 49 points in 2019 against FC Bayern Munich.

Larkin averaged 14.7 points (2FG: 51.2%; 3FG: 38.2%), three rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 18.7 PIR in 39 EuroLeague games this year.

He's considered a top EuroLeague free agent this summer. Keeping him and Vasilije Micic is the main priority for the Efes front office.

They both form one of the greatest EuroLeague backcourts ever.

"They'll definitely go in the history of the EuroLeague probably as the most powerful duo of all time," a five-year NBA veteran James Anderson told BasketNews.

Micic is also drawing interest from the NBA teams and might go overseas this summer.

Shane Larkin

Team:Anadolu Efes IstanbulPosition:PGAge:29Height:182 cmWeight:80 kgBirth place:Cincinati, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

"If this option comes out, I would be ready to risk," Micic told BasketNews before the EuroLeague final.

Micic's contract with Efes runs through 2024, but an NBA exit clause is included every summer.

Larkin's and Micic's reaction after a crazy game-winner:

Larkin's role in Anadolu Efes back-to-back EuroLeague title:

Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Position Player Status PG Vasilije Micic Signed until 2023 +1 PG Dogus Balbay Signed until 2023 SG Rodrigue Beaubois Signed until 2023 SF Elijah Bryant Signed until 2023 SF Bugrahan Tuncer (story) Signed until 2024 PF Chris Singleton Signeduntil 2022 +1 C Bryant Dunston Signeduntil 2022 +1 C Tibor Pleiss Signeduntil 2022 +1 C Egemen Guven Signed until 2023 Coach Ergin Ataman Expired contract Krunoslav Simon (will not return), Shane Larkin, James Anderson, Tolga Gecim, Adrien Moerman, Yigitsan Saybir, Filip Petrusev, Erten Gazi Rumored to leave Vasilije Micic (has NBA out), Shane Larkin, James Anderson, Filip Petrusev, Bryant Dunston, Chris Singleton, Adrien Moerman Interested Ante Zizic (story), Shane Larkin, Will Clyburn (story), Josh Nebo (story) Like what we are doing? Support us by becoming BN+ member.