CSKA set to swoop for Milutinov

Reports indicate that CSKA Moscow will complete the signing of Olympiacos center Nikola Milutinov, with Kostas Koufos expected to leave the Russian club this summer.

Watch LIVE GREEK TV including full GREEK SPORTS coverage with Go Greek TV! 

Even though the entire basketball world remains in a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic, transfer speculation hasn’t stopped for Europe’s top clubs.

According to reports, CSKA Moscow are expected to make one of the biggest signings in the upcoming offseason as the Russian club are expected to poach Nikola Milutinov from Olympiacos. It is reported that CSKA are willing to sign Milutinov to a three-year contract worth up to €3 million per season, though CSKA CEO Andrei Vatutin has firmly denied there is a deal in place with Milutinov.

It wouldn’t be the first time, however, that Vatutitn has refuted claims of a reported transfer only to confirm the transfer later on.

Milutinov is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2019/2020 season after a five-year stint in Piraeus with the Erythrolefki.

Having initially made the move to Olympiacos from Serbian giants Partizan Belgrade, Milutinov was drafted 26th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2015 NBA Draft. Despite the Spurs holding his draft rights, a move to the NBA never materialized during his five-year stint in the port city.

Should CSKA land Milutinov this summer it will come nearly one year after the Russian side started pursuing the 25-year-old after it was revealed by Milutinov’s agent that CSKA and Barcelona had previously submitted offers last summer.

KOUFOS HEADED FOR CSKA EXIT

With news of Milutinov’s reported move to Moscow, it’s believed that CSKA will part ways with Kostas Koufos in order to free-up a roster spot for the Serb.

Koufos joined CSKA last summer after a seven-year spell with various NBA teams, most recently the Sacramento Kings.

Having signed a two-year contract, CSKA are expected to decline the option for the second season in Koufos’ contract after an underwhelming debut season in Russian basketball.