Charles Bassey will not be heading overseas despite strong interest from top-tier European clubs.
According to Celtics Blog, the 24-year-old center is planning to remain in the NBA for the 2025–26 season, ending speculation that he was nearing a deal with Serbian club Partizan Belgrade.
“Charles is honored by the interest shown by Basketball Club Partizan,” Bassey’s agent, Mark McNeil, told Meridian Sport. “He is definitely considering the offer and will continue discussions with the club and his representative.”
However, despite the appeal of a guaranteed contract and a leading role in EuroLeague competition, Bassey is currently prioritizing another opportunity in the NBA.
The Lagos-born center was a standout performer for the Boston Celtics during the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, averaging 15.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and shooting 70.4% from the field in three appearances.
His efficient play sparked buzz around a potential training camp invite, particularly from the Celtics, who are reportedly a destination Bassey is very interested in.
“They go to the playoffs every year,” Bassey said in Las Vegas. “So, obviously, just learning from those guys, it’s great for me. I went to the playoffs one time.”
Bassey, who suffered a torn ACL in December 2023, returned to action this summer after missing the second half of last season with the San Antonio Spurs.
In 36 appearances for the Spurs during the 2024–25 campaign, he averaged 4.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and nearly one block per game while shooting 58.1% from the field.
Over four NBA seasons, Bassey has played for the 76ers and Spurs, appearing in 113 regular-season games.
His lone playoff experience came in 2022 with Philadelphia, where he logged limited minutes across three games.
Despite strong interest from Europe, the former Western Kentucky standout has never played professionally outside the United States.
