Porzingis could return to Europe after break: media outlet lists five possible clubs

Latvian basketball player Kristaps Porzingis, who has played in the NBA, the North American professional basketball league, has announced a break from the sport, and it is unclear whether the 31-year-old will play again. If he does decide to continue his career, Europe would be an interesting option, so the basketball portal BasketNews has named five EuroLeague teams, from Europe's top club competition, that could theoretically be of interest to him.

Why Europe

Porzingis has said before that he does not rule out playing in Europe. In an interview this January he said he had always kept that option open and that he likes both European basketball and the EuroLeague. Being closer to Latvia and his family is also cited as an advantage. He previously singled out Athens, Barcelona, Madrid and Belgrade as places that are good to live in and to play in front of fans.

Five possible destinations

First on the list is Real Madrid. Spain is familiar to Porzingis, as he began his professional career in Seville, and Real is one of Europe's richest and most decorated clubs.

The second option is Dubai, a club that has grown and attracted investment in recent years. Porzingis's longtime Latvia national team teammate Davis Bertans plays there, and a favourable tax regime would make life in the Middle East attractive as well.

The other three candidates are Partizan of Belgrade, Panathinaikos of Athens, which is counted among the EuroLeague giants, and Olimpia Milano, whose head coach is Luca Banchi, the former Latvia national team coach.

Other matters come first

All of these scenarios are purely theoretical for now. Porzingis still has to resolve his contract situation with the NBA's Golden State Warriors, and above all he needs to look after his health.