Three Latvian national team basketball players could unite in one EuroLeague club

According to Spanish basketball insiders, there is speculation that Vitoria Baskonia could become the home for three Latvian national team players next season. Currently free agents Artūrs Žagars and Rolands Šmits, along with Rodions Kurucs, who already has a contract with the club, could form a Latvian trio in the EuroLeague.

Žagars and Šmits spent last season in Turkey with Fenerbahce Istanbul and Anadolu Efes, respectively. Both are now free agents. Spanish media report that Badalona Joventut has made an offer to Žagars, but the Latvian guard prefers to play in the EuroLeague rather than the ACB league. His name has previously been linked to Baskonia.

Meanwhile, Šmits is of interest to both Baskonia and his former club Barcelona. Analysts note that Šmits would fit Baskonia's playing style and that the club has been interested in him before. Two years ago, his salary demands were higher, but now they are lower, making a move more feasible. Both Šmits and Žagars hold Spanish domestic player status due to their time spent in the country.

Rodions Kurucs is already with Baskonia, having signed a long-term contract in the summer of 2025. If Žagars and Šmits join, three Latvians will play for Vitoria. Last season, Baskonia won the Spanish Cup, finished 18th in the EuroLeague with a 13-25 record, and lost in the ACB quarterfinals to Badalona Joventut.