Trey Lyles’ stint with Real Madrid may be nearing its end as reports from Spain indicate the veteran forward is prioritizing a return to the NBA after a productive season in Europe.
According to Marca, Real Madrid has already begun planning for the possibility of losing Lyles, who signed a one-year deal with the Spanish powerhouse last summer. The report stated that the club is unlikely to retain him despite its desire to do so, largely because of stronger financial offers elsewhere and the player’s ambition to return to the NBA.
Lyles, 30, arrived in Madrid following a decade-long NBA career that included stops with the Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings. Over 650 NBA games, he established himself as a versatile frontcourt player capable of stretching the floor and providing secondary scoring.
His lone season with Real Madrid demonstrated that those skills remain intact.
In EuroLeague play, Lyles emerged as one of Madrid’s most productive offensive options. He averaged a team-high 13.3 points per game across 36 appearances while shooting 51.5% from the field and an impressive 44.3% from three-point range. He also contributed 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest.
His efficiency was particularly noteworthy given Madrid’s deep roster. Among regular rotation players, Lyles combined high-volume scoring with elite perimeter shooting, helping Real Madrid finish third in the EuroLeague regular-season standings at 24-14 before advancing to the Final Four.
The Canadian forward also produced solid numbers in Liga Endesa competition. Across 25 games, he averaged 11.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 47.7% from the field and 39.0% from beyond the arc.
The timing of the report is also significant. Marca noted that Lyles recently changed representation agencies with the specific goal of pursuing another NBA chapter. Such moves are often viewed as an indication that a player is actively exploring opportunities rather than preparing for a long-term stay overseas.
Real Madrid now faces the challenge of replacing one of its most efficient scorers. While the club remains one of Europe’s premier destinations, retaining experienced former NBA talent can be difficult when interest from North America resurfaces.
