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NBA

Fontecchio bound for the NBA after paying his buy-out clause

He boosts Baskonia’s coffers by one million euros and will join the Utah Jazz where he will earn more than 6 million dollars for two seasons

Javier Lekuona
Javier Lekuona
Vitoria
MADIRD, 04/06/2022.- El alero argentino del Real Madrid Gabi Deck (d) lucha con el italiano Simone Fontecchio, del Baskonia, durante el segundo partido de semifinales de la Liga ACB que disputan Real Madrid y Bitci Baskonia este sábado en el WiZink Center. EFE/ Zipi
MADIRD, 04/06/2022.- El alero argentino del Real Madrid Gabi Deck (d) lucha con el italiano Simone Fontecchio, del Baskonia, durante el segundo partido de semifinales de la Liga ACB que disputan Real Madrid y Bitci Baskonia este sábado en el WiZink Center. EFE/ Zipi ZIPI ARAGONEFE

Simone Fontecchio’s quality of has not gone unnoticed in the NBA. The most powerful league in the world has snatched the talented Italian forward from Cazoo Baskonia. The player, who has been called up by Italy for September’s Eurobasket tournament, has paid the termination clause of his contract and leaves the Euroleague and the ACB for the American league. He has paid around one million euros to be released from his contract.

Despite only being in Vitoria for one season, Fontecchio made a big impression on Baskonia fans, who admire him for his dedication and character. The Italian forward averaged 12.5 points per game in Vitoria, with 41.8% in triples and 11.8 PIR points in the ACB - and 11 points, 40.1% in triples and 11.4 PIR in the Euroleague. Cazoo Baskonia congratulated the player for fulfilling his dream by making the jump to the NBA, but now they must find a replacement.

Baskonia’s statement didn’t mention where Fontecchio was heading but it’s an open secret that he will be joining the Utah Jazz. Last year, there was speculation about the departure of Giedraitis to the NBA, and this summer there was talk of Baldwin or Enoch but the one who is going to pack his bags to cross the pond is the Italian. Fontecchio joined Baskonia from Alba Berlin last year and has left his mark both out on court and economically at the Buesa Arena.