Isaac Bonga is set to leave Partizan after activating his buyout clause, triggering a major EuroLeague transfer battle for the German forward, with four of the continent’s biggest clubs already in the mix.
The German forward’s departure was widely expected this summer, although many believed his next destination would be the NBA due to strong interest during the season.
NBA Situation
Several NBA teams reportedly monitored Isaac Bonga throughout the season and were interested in bringing him back to the league immediately. However, he did not have an active buyout clause during the campaign, while Partizan were unwilling to negotiate his mid-season exit, viewing him as a key and irreplaceable part of the roster.
Bonga had made a clear intention to return to the NBA, where he previously spent four seasons, with the Detroit Pistons emerging as one of the potential landing spots.
However, a move to the NBA now appears off the table, as Partizan have confirmed that the German forward will continue his career in the EuroLeague, with multiple top-tier clubs monitoring his situation.
After two seasons, Isaac Bonga is officially no longer a Partizan player 🚨❌
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) July 4, 2026
The German forward activated a €700,000 buyout clause, allowing him to join another EuroLeague club.
#kkp pic.twitter.com/G4bSPJ3zoT
Greek giants Olympiacos and Panathinaikos in the mix for Isaac Bonga
Both Greek powerhouses have shown interest in Isaac Bonga at different points during the season, but it now appears Panathinaikos may hold the edge in the race for the German forward.
With Zeljko Obradovic leading the project in Partizan, Bonga developed into one of the most valuable two-way players in the EuroLeague, becoming a defensive anchor while also expanding his offensive game.
It is well known that Panathinaikos are expected to fully back Obradovic’s roster wishes, and Bonga is seen as a player fully capable of fitting into that system at a high level.
Olympiacos remain firmly in the conversation as well. Alec Peters has left the club, while Kostas Papanikolaou has taken on a more veteran role, leaving Sasha Vezenkov and Tyson Ward as key pieces on the forward rotation.
The Reds had previously shown interest in Bonga, who profiles as an ideal fit for Georgios Bartzokas’ system thanks to his elite defense, discipline, and ability to execute within a structured team framework without exceptions.
Real Madrid and Barcelona join race for Isaac Bonga
Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have both been linked with Isaac Bonga, as EuroLeague transfer interest in the German forward continues to grow.
Barcelona were initially among the first clubs mentioned, with the Catalan side targeting Alpha Diallo. However, with Diallo already committed to a move to Dubai, Bonga quickly emerged as the leading alternative option.
Still, Barcelona’s situation remains uncertain. The club is undergoing major internal changes, with the head coaching position still unresolved and Juan Carlos Navarro no longer serving as sporting director. As a result, any potential deal for Bonga could depend heavily on the structure of the new sporting project.
Will Clyburn’s departure has also opened up a roster spot at forward, making Barcelona’s interest more logical.
Real Madrid has decided to do its shopping in Valencia this summer! ⚪️🟠
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) July 3, 2026
Jaime Pradilla and Pedro Martinez have officially left Valencia, and according to all reports, all that's left is for their moves to Madrid to become official. 🔜
Several departures, a new head coach, new… pic.twitter.com/wfXNZ2MRkX
Real Madrid have also entered the picture, with the club coming off one of its most disappointing seasons in recent memory after failing to win a single trophy.
The Spanish powerhouse is expected to be active in the EuroLeague transactions market, with the financial strength to compete for top-tier targets. Bonga is viewed internally as a classic “glue guy” – a versatile, defensive-minded forward capable of fitting into any championship-level system.
For Real Madrid, his profile fits a clear need: a high-level role player who can help restore the club back to title contention.
