Zalgiris managed to keep its leader James Anderson ahead of the Euroleague Top 16 stage despite serious interest from several clubs.
According to basketnews.lt, Anderson had a clause in his contract which allowed to him leave the team until yesterday’s midnight. Anderson accepted an increased salary and is expected to remain in Kaunas for the remainder of the season unless a significant buy-out is paid.
Had Anderson decided to leave Zalgiris, he wouldn’t be able to play in Euroleague for another team this season since the transfer deadline had already expired.
Euroleague champions Maccabi Tel Aviv and Laboral Kutxa were among the teams interested in bringing Anderson aboard. Two NBA were showing their interest as well.
Even though it’s only his first season in Europe, Anderson instantly became Zalgiris key player. He was 4th in scoring in entire Euroleague with 17 points per game. Anderson also averaged 5.7 rebounds per game.
Not only he was the scoring leader for Zalgiris, he also saved the club’s Euroleague season in the last seconds by scoring and drawing a foul in the last game of the regular season against Dinamo Sassari.
