Luka Doncic Talks Real Madrid Farewell, Markkanen Welcomes New All-Star Format, Nets Sign Yuri Collins
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Several NBA storylines emerged this week, ranging from Luka Doncic’s long-term plans to Utah forward Lauri Markkanen’s excitement over a revamped All-Star Game and a roster move in Brooklyn.
Doncic Would Like to Finish Career in Madrid
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Luka Doncic said he “for sure” intends to close out his playing days with Real Madrid, the Spanish club he joined at age 13. The 25-year-old recalled winning EuroLeague MVP and Final Four MVP honors before departing for the NBA in 2018.
Doncic added that he does not expect to play into his 40s but is interested in eventual sports ownership “even outside basketball.” Inspired by teammate LeBron James, he overhauled his offseason regimen with strength work, agility drills, intermittent fasting, padel tennis and meals prepared by a private chef. “For the first time, I stopped playing basketball for a month,” he said, focusing solely on conditioning.
Markkanen Embraces Team World Concept
Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen voiced enthusiasm for the NBA’s new All-Star setup, which will feature a Team World facing two U.S. squads in a round-robin format. “There’s always pride when you’re representing your country, or in this case the world,” he told BasketNews. “Hopefully I can be a part of it.”
The 28-year-old, who averaged 26 points for Finland at EuroBasket, has missed time with injuries over the past two NBA seasons. Despite Utah’s younger roster, the organization reportedly has no intention of trading him; four seasons remain on his $196 million contract. Asked for a hypothetical Team World starting five, Markkanen picked Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Doncic, Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Nets Add Playmaker Yuri Collins
The Brooklyn Nets signed guard Yuri Collins to a one-year deal with a partial guarantee, according to HoopsHype. The 24-year-old led the G League in assists last season at 10.8 per game and averaged 13.7 points and 10.2 assists for the Santa Cruz Warriors. He also appeared briefly in the NBA on a 10-day contract with Golden State.
Collins is expected to be waived and assigned to the Long Island Nets, following a path previously taken by David Muoka and D’Andre Davis. The small guarantees will count against Brooklyn’s cap and could help the club move above the league’s salary floor; the Nets are currently the lone team operating below that threshold.
These developments highlight player ambitions, league format changes and ongoing roster management ahead of training camps.
Source: Hoops Wire
