Seven Players Could Leave Basketball Real Madrid This Summer. Real Madrid faces its biggest basketball team overhaul in recent years. Seven players may leave as early as this summer. The management is urgently seeking solutions to refresh the roster.
Real Madrid's basketball team is facing its most significant roster overhaul in the past three years. According to Spanish media, the club risks losing as many as seven players from its current squad. For a team that was recently considered one of the most stable in Europe, this has come as an unexpected challenge.
Of the 17 basketball players under Sergio Scariolo, five have contracts expiring on June 30. Four of them are almost certain to leave: Trey Lyles, who after a year in Madrid plans to return to the NBA or move to another EuroLeague club with better terms; David Krämer, who failed to secure a spot in the rotation after his transfer from La Laguna Tenerife; as well as two emergency signings — Ömer Yurtseven and Mady Sissoko, who were brought in only for the current season or its remainder. The situation with Sergio Llull remains unresolved: the club hopes to keep him for another year, but there is no official confirmation yet.
Other changes are also adding to these departures. Izan Almansa, who rarely appeared in the first team, will head to the NCAA. Gabriele Procida, on the other hand, will remain within the club system but will be loaned out for playing experience — the management sees him as a promising player for the future. Alex Len, despite being under contract until 2027, could also leave the team. If all these transfers go through, Real Madrid will lose seven players — more than in previous off-seasons.
The situation is further complicated by injuries: in May, three players — Edy Tavares, Usman Garuba, and Alex Len — suffered injuries, forcing the club to urgently strengthen the roster ahead of the Endesa League playoffs. Against this backdrop, the offices of Valdebebas are actively searching for new solutions and reorganizing roles within the team.
Special attention is being paid to the future of Mario Hezonja. The Croatian forward became the team leader this season and was named MVP of the regular season. Until July 20, any NBA team can buy out his contract—this option is available only to American clubs. Although Hezonja is inclined to continue his career in Madrid, his successful season and change of agent could lead to a return to the United States after six years.
The club has already defined its transfer market priorities. The main task is to find a high-level point guard to ease the workload on Facu Campazzo in the 2026/27 season, as well as to sign a new center. After Vincent Poirier's injury in the Turkish Super League semifinals, the Frenchman's return became impossible, and Real Madrid is forced to look for an alternative to replace Tavares, whose return date is still unknown.
Additional complications arise from passport issues. Gaby Deck has still not received a European passport, and Chuma Okeke is facing bureaucratic obstacles regarding his 'cotonou' status in the ACB. If the documents are not processed, the club will have to revise its plans for foreign players and may have to part with Okeke to free up spots for other foreign signings.
Major changes in the rosters of Spain’s leading clubs are becoming more and more common. For example, it was recently reported that Barcelona opted not to exercise the buyout option for Marcus Rashford, while Manchester United is considering his return— details on the topic. This reflects a broader trend toward renewal and the search for new solutions in Spanish and European basketball.
For reference: Real Madrid is one of the most decorated basketball clubs in Europe, regularly competing in the EuroLeague and national championship. In recent years, the team has faced the need to refresh its roster due to aging leaders, injuries, and changes in the player market. In the 2025/26 season, the club had already lost key basketball players, including Chacho Rodríguez, Alocén, Causeur, Rudy Fernández, Yabusele, and Poirier. A new wave of departures could seriously impact the balance of power in Spanish basketball and the club’s plans for upcoming seasons.
