Calathes edging closer to Panathinaikos departure

With Panathinaikos slashing their budget as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, Nick Calathes is expected to leave the Athens-based club.

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The end of an era is approaching. Since moving back to Greece from the NBA in 2015, Calathes has deservedly earned the status of an elite European point guard, dishing out a huge amount of assists for Panathinaikos while always taking a leading role. However, as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the two parties are now widely expected to part ways.

Next season, Calathes is due to earn 2.1 million euros with the Athenians, but the club simply cannot afford to pay the Greek international that amount of money. Several reports have revealed that Calathes and Panathinaikos are set to amicably terminate their agreement in the coming days or weeks.

Panathinaikos will have a much smaller budget for the 2020/2021 season. Interestingly, even though social media activity must be taken with a pinch of salt, fiery Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos has unsubscribed from Calathes on Instagram. 

Russia might be the next stop for Calathes. CSKA Moscow and Zenit Saint Petersburg, two clubs both competing in the EuroLeague and title contenders in the VTB United League, have been linked with a swoop for the 31-year-old. Incidentally, CSKA are managed by Dimitris Itoudis, while former Panathinaikos boss Xavi Pascual currently coaches Zenit.

The two Russian clubs in question are among the richest in the EuroLeague. Real Madrid are also contemplating signing Calathes.

This season, Calathes made 28 appearances for Panathinaikos in the EuroLeague before the campaign was suspended, averaging 13.3 points, 9.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds. Calathes notably won the 2011 EuroLeague title as a Panathinaikos player. 

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