Crvena Zvezda is closing in on a major coup with Chima Moneke, as reported by Mozzart Sport. The 29-year-old Nigerian forward, a standout at Baskonia, is a priority for the Belgrade club to bolster their 2025/26 roster, with negotiations underway and Zvezda holding a strong position.
This move follows a summer of high-profile transfers, including Vasilije Micić’s potential Olympiacos deal and Jabari Parker’s €5M move to rival Partizan.
Stellar Stats and Past Interest
Moneke, who averaged 14 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and nearly one steal in 33 EuroLeague games last season (29 starts), is seen as a charismatic wing-center to anchor Zvezda’s frontcourt.
His 2024-25 performance, including a 15.5 PIR, outshines departing bigs like Mike Daum and Filip Petrušev, whose loans ended, while Luka Mitrović and John Brown’s futures remain uncertain, leaving Joel Bolomboy and Nikola Kalinić as the core.
Strategic Fit and Rivalry Context
Zvezda’s pursuit revives interest from last summer when Partizan nearly secured Moneke, deterred by Baskonia’s high demands.
His admiration for Serbian passion—“I love the mentality of Serbs,” he told Mozzart TV—aligns with Zvezda’s vision, potentially reuniting him with Codi Miller-McIntyre.
Posted on: 23 June 2025, 14:44 CET
