| Source | Latest linked headline | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | The Guardian | PANATHINAIKOS OWNER SAYS HE ATTEMPTED TO LURE THREE-TIME NBA MVP NIKOLA JOKIĆ TO EUROPE | 2 hrs ago |
| www.espn.com - TOP | GREEK TEAM PURSUING JOKIC; MADE 'SERIOUS' OFFER | just now |
On Monday, Panathinaikos owner Dimitrios Giannakopoulos said he tried to lure three‑time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić to the Greek club. He claimed to have proposed buying out Jokić’s contract, which could earn him more than $100 million over the next two seasons, and bringing him to Athens.
Giannakopoulos described the proposal on a Euro Insiders podcast, noting that he pitched the idea to the Denver Nuggets and outlined a potential buy‑out deal. According to ESPN, the Greek club reportedly made a “serious” offer to the player, underscoring the magnitude of the attempt. The proposed financial package would exceed $100 m in future earnings, making it one of the largest offers outside the NBA.
If successful, the move would be a landmark for European basketball, showing that top NBA talent can be attracted to Greek clubs with sizable compensation. Jokić remains under contract with the Nuggets, making any transfer contingent on the team's willingness to negotiate a buy‑out.