Free agent center Richaun Holmes is currently at a pivotal juncture in his professional basketball career, weighing a significant two-year offer from EuroLeague champions Panathinaikos against his persistent desire to secure a guaranteed contract in the NBA. This decision marks a critical turning point for the veteran big man, who seeks stability and a prominent role for his future, amid ongoing NBA Free Agency developments.
Earlier in the summer, Holmes’s representatives engaged in discussions with Fenerbahce, another formidable Turkish club and the reigning EuroLeague champions, indicating initial interest from top-tier European teams. However, these preliminary talks evidently did not culminate in a formal agreement, leading Holmes to explore other international opportunities.
The current concrete offer from Panathinaikos, the esteemed 2024 EuroLeague champion, represents a substantial proposition for Holmes, offering a secure two-year commitment. Despite this enticing European venture, reports suggest that Holmes remains steadfast in his hope of landing a long-term, guaranteed deal within the National Basketball Association, fueling various NBA Rumors.
Should an NBA opportunity not materialize in the immediate future, the Greek powerhouse, Panathinaikos, is widely expected to be Holmes’s next destination. This move would see him join a prestigious club that had previously made an unsuccessful attempt to acquire his services earlier in the offseason, highlighting their sustained interest in the center.
Richaun Holmes, the 37th pick in the 2015 NBA draft after a successful collegiate career at Bowling Green, has amassed a decade of experience in the league, having played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, and Washington Wizards. His most impactful season came in 2020-21 with the Kings, where he averaged 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 29.2 minutes across 61 appearances.
Approaching his 32nd birthday in October, Holmes holds career averages of 8.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 19.1 minutes per game over 489 NBA contests, including 178 starts. His most recent stint with the Wizards in the 2024-25 season saw him average 7.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 31 games, playing 17.2 minutes per contest.
As the NBA Free Agency period progresses, Richaun Holmes’s situation remains fluid, with the seasoned center carefully weighing the financial security and competitive challenge of a top EuroLeague team against the allure and prestige of continuing his career in the NBA. His final decision will undoubtedly have significant implications for his professional trajectory and the landscape of Basketball Transfers.
