The arrival of Pedro Martínez to the Real Madrid basketball bench opens the door for players discarded by Scariolo. David Krämer and Gabriele Procida could have minutes, while Hezonja waits for the NBA and Llull still has no official renewal.
The Real Madrid basketball team faces a summer of key decisions. With the arrival of Pedro Martínez as the new coach and changes in the management, several pieces of the roster are up in the air. Players who seemed discarded now have real options to stay.
Krämer and Procida, from discards to candidates
David Krämer, the 28-year-old German forward, was expected to leave a month ago. Sergio Scariolo had informed him that he was not counting on him for the upcoming season. His contract runs until 2026 but can be extended by one year. However, Pedro Martínez's style, which prioritises outside shooting and intense defence, fits perfectly with his characteristics. Club sources indicate that he will be evaluated in pre-season.
Gabriele Procida, 24 years old, was signed for three seasons (until 2028) at Scariolo's request. He had very few opportunities with the Italian, but his youth and potential make him a future bet. The club considered a loan, but he will ultimately be tested by Martínez. Everything points to him staying.
Hezonja and the NBA, Llull and the renewal
Mario Hezonja is once again the protagonist of the summer saga. The Croatian has an exit clause for the NBA that expires on July 20. If he does not leave, his contract with Real Madrid runs until 2029, but a move to another EuroLeague club is not ruled out, with Dubai as the main candidate. According to club sources, both the player and the entity are waiting for that date to clarify the future.
Sergio Llull, for his part, has agreed to his renewal since late 2025, but it has not yet been made official. Everything indicates that he will continue for another year, starting his twentieth season at the club. His continuity is one of the few certainties in a summer of changes.
Izan Almansa and the NCAA
The young centre Izan Almansa, 19 years old, is set to leave for the NCAA soon, but it has not yet been unlocked. Real Madrid maintains his contract until 2028 and it is unknown whether they will retain a right of first refusal. His future is one of the lesser uncertainties, but relevant for the youth academy.
Management and coaching staff, in the process of definition
In the management, Juan Carlos Sánchez has returned to the forefront. Alberto Herreros, a club legend, acts as sports director, with Rudy Fernández as an apprentice. The continuity of Felipe Reyes as a global ambassador is unclear, although everything indicates that he will continue. In the coaching staff, Paco Redondo will be the assistant coach, leaving the Spanish national team. The rest of the staff, which will be smaller than Scariolo's, is yet to be defined.
For Real Madrid fans, this summer is one of waiting. Decisions regarding Krämer, Procida, Hezonja, and Llull will shape the course of the upcoming season. The pre-season, which will start in August, will be the stage where Pedro Martínez begins to shape his team.
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