Panathinaikos owner aims for NBA star Jokic next summer, claims offer rejected

Dimitris Giannakopoulos, the influential owner of Panathinaikos Basketball Club, has set his sights on acquiring NBA superstar Nikola Jokic next summer, a declaration that has captured attention even in the United States.

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The player I dream of and haven't signed yet, I will sign him next year. It's Jokic. The best player in the world. Don't laugh at all. If I don't bring Jokic, I'm not going anywhere.

Giannakopoulos revealed his ambitious plan to the "Euro Insiders," stating his dream is to sign the Serbian center, whom he considers the best player in the world. He admitted to making a serious offer to Jokic's current team and the player himself this year, but the proposal was rejected. "If I don't bring Jokic, I'm not going anywhere," Giannakopoulos asserted, emphasizing the gravity of his pursuit.

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This year I tried to make an offer. Call Misko Raznatovic and ask him. People will say I'm kidding, but I made a very serious offer this year, both to his team and to him. It was rejected.

The owner's bold aspirations did not remain confined to Europe. ESPN, Yahoo Sports, and USA Today have all reported on Giannakopoulos's statements, highlighting his intent to bring the three-time MVP to Greece. Giannakopoulos mentioned that he attempted to buy out Jokic's final year of contract, but the offer was dismissed almost immediately by Jokic's team.

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I know he has a contract for one more year. You know his numbers. I tried to buy out his last year of contract, they didn't even think about it. It took them a few seconds to say 'Who? Greece? What? Goodbye' from his team.

Despite the initial rejection, Giannakopoulos remains determined, stating, "Let's wait until next year. I am a man of highs and lows." His audacious goal has sparked considerable interest within the NBA community, with his comments circulating widely across American media.

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Let's wait until next year. I am a man of highs and lows.