More than a month after the opening of free agency and two months before the opening of the new season, it is time to take stock of the French in the NBA for the 2024-25 season.
As it stands, there are six new and eight old, or 14 blues who (logically) don’t have to worry about their futures, with a few pending cases. The French record present in the Big League is already tied, so it could be beaten in the coming weeks if Killian Hayes lands a contract with the Nets. Right now his contract is not guaranteed and we have sidelined him.
Outside of the United States, France will not be the best-represented country in the NBA because Canada and its twenty representatives will not be available this year.
THEY ARE COMING
After his outstanding Olympic Games, Guerschon Yabusele (Sixers) had hoped to get another chance in the NBA and he is the latest Frenchman to cross the Atlantic. On the rookie side, there is of course Zachary Risacher (Hawks) and Alexandre Sarr (Wizards), the first two picks in the 2024 Draft, which arrive. Without forgetting Tidjane Salaun (Hornets), also selected in the Top 10, as well Pacôme Dadiet (Knicks) and two-way contract Armel Traore (Lakers).
THEY STAY
If Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs), Bilal Coulibaly (Wizards), Ousmane Dieng (Thunder), Sidy Cissoko (Spurs) and Ryan Rupert (Blazers) don’t move honestly, it’s impossible to say the same about Nicholas Batum (mowers) and two-way contract Moussa Diabaté (Hornets), which continues in the NBA, but in a new environment (or almost, because Batum knows Los Angeles well).
THEY go
Already free of any contract at the end of the season, Frank Ntilikina marks his departure from the United States by joining Serbia and Partizan Belgrade. As for Theo Maledonhe also put his NBA adventure on hold by returning to France, to ASVEL. Preview in the Summer League, Melvin Ajinca (prepared by Mavericks) and Nadir Hifi will sharpen their skills for another year in France, at ASVEL and Paris Basketball.
THEY ARE IN THE VEIL
Still waiting for a contract, Evan Fournier don’t know if he will be able to play a 13th season in the league or if he will have to go back to Europe to continue his career. For his part, Killian Hayes (Nets) belongs to a team, but his contract is not guaranteed and he will have to prove himself training camp of September. Before Malcolm Cazalonno news on him after his time with the Pistons, while Olivier Sarr is seriously injured and is therefore still recovering.