Azuolas Tubelis is on the cusp of joining Zalgiris Kaunas, with BasketNews sources reporting, that the 23-year-old Lithuanian forward is nearing a deal to replace departing Alen Smailagic. The move hinges on triggering his buyout clause from Rytas Vilnius by today’s deadline.
Stellar Stats and Finals Showdown
Tubelis averaged 12.7 points and 6 rebounds in the LKL last season, shining in the Finals against Zalgiris with 21 points and 8 rebounds in Game 1, and a 16-point, 10-rebound Game 5 double-double. In the Basketball Champions League, he posted 9.9 points and 6.1 rebounds.
Zalgiris’ Strategic Swap in the Paint
With Smailagic (8.1 points, 2.9 rebounds in EuroLeague) nearing an exit, Zalgiris targets Tubelis’ athleticism and similar skill set to maintain paint dominance. At 2.08 m, his NCAA and NBA background adds EuroLeague upside, aligning with the club’s competitive goals.
Posted on: 5 July 2025, 20:04 CET
