Anadolu Efes have signed forward Stephane Lasme from Greek side Panathinaikos on a 1-year deal with the option of another year.
The Turkish side announced it on Twitter earlier today as new coach Dusan Ivkovic looks to build on what has been a disappointing season for the Istanbul side, who were eliminated from the Euroleague by finishing bottom of the Top 16 and in the first round of the TBL Playoffs by Karisyaka.
Panathinaikos will be building a roster centred around Greek players and have used an opt-out clause in 32-year-old Lasme’s contract.
Defensive specialist Lasme averaged 8.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks a game for Panathinaikos last season, as they bowed out in the last eight in five games to CSKA Moscow.
The 2013 Euroleague Defensive Player of the Year enjoyed three season in Athens.
The Turkish club have also squashed any rumours linking current Memphis Grizzlies point guard Nick Calathes with Anadolu Efes.
Calathes is linked with a move back to Europe after failing to impress in the NBA. It was reported that Panathinaikos would be favourites to offer the former Greek international a contract with Anadolu Efes also in the running.
“There are some names on the radar of our club and of course transfers are carried out on these names,” a statement from the club said.
‘We want the public to know that in Europe a valuable player Nick Calathes our goal and / or a name that is not the focus of our attention.’
