Zalgiris Kaunas has strengthened its backcourt by signing Saben Lee to a two-year contract, adding a dynamic guard who finished the 2025-26 season with Anadolu Efes Istanbul.
The 26-year-old Lee arrives after a productive stretch in the EuroLeague and Turkish League, where his scoring ability and playmaking helped him establish himself as one of Efes’ most important perimeter players. The move comes as Zalgiris prepares for major roster changes following a top-five EuroLeague finish.
“I’ve been moving around quite a bit lately, so I’d like to find a home and an organization where I can grow,” Lee said. “That’s what I truly want, and I’m looking forward to this opportunity to show my abilities and help Zalgiris win as many games as possible.”
Lee averaged 11.2 points and 3.1 assists in 16 EuroLeague games with Efes, mostly coming off the bench. His strongest performance against his new club came in February, when he recorded 10 points and a career-high eight assists in Efes’ 92-83 victory over Zalgiris.
His production increased in the Turkish League, where Lee averaged 11.6 points and 4.4 assists. He joined Efes after beginning the season with Olympiacos, where he played a smaller role before moving to Istanbul in December.
The former Vanderbilt guard brings experience from several European stops. After four professional seasons in North America with the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns organizations, Lee moved to Turkey in 2024 to join Manisa. He quickly became one of the Turkish League’s leading scorers and assist producers while also making history in the Basketball Champions League with a 43-point game that tied the competition’s single-game scoring record.
Lee later helped Olympiacos reach the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four and win the Greek championship before joining Efes.
Zalgiris enters the offseason after a strong 2025-26 campaign, finishing fifth in the EuroLeague regular season with a 23-15 record. The Lithuanian club reached the playoffs but fell to Fenerbahce 3-1 in the quarterfinals.
The signing also addresses a major need in the backcourt. Sylvain Francisco, Zalgiris’ leading scorer last season at 16.5 points per game with 6.5 assists, is leaving for ASVEL, while center Moses Wright is expected to join Barcelona after averaging 13.2 points and 6.5 rebounds.
