The Spanish media are already reporting on Branko Badić as a Panathinaikos player. Encestando reports that the “Greens” have decided to pay the 1.5 million euro buyout clause to Valencia and sign the 27-year-old Senegalese guard, who—as they point out—has already signed a three-year contract worth 5 million euros.

“It wasn’t an expected move, given that he is a player who was carefully selected by Pedro Martínez, whose contract was extended and whose salary was increased by Valencia two months ago. But the truth is that Brancu Badiu is leaving and has signed with Panathinaikos, as we have confirmed,” the report states.

“At 27 years old, after a fantastic season in which, in addition to scoring, he has proven his ability to defend and be a perfect team player, Badio is taking another leap forward in his career. Panathinaikos had been pursuing him for weeks, and their new coach, Zeljko Obradović, gave the green light for his signing. He has signed a three-year contract worth five million euros net, and the Greek club is paying Valencia the buyout clause, which is close to 1.5 million euros,” he concludes.

Badiou, a Spanish champion with Valencia, averaged 11.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and a 9.6 efficiency rating in an average of 20:29 in the EuroLeague. In the playoffs against Panathinaikos, he averaged 12.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and a 15.8 efficiency rating over 5 games, playing an average of 28:44 per game.

*Photo source: KYPE