Žalgiris Signs NBA Veteran Keenan Evans Through 2028

Basketball club Žalgiris Kaunas has secured a significant addition to its roster, signing American guard Keenan Evans to a contract that runs through the end of the 2027-2028 season, with a "1+1" clause. Evans, standing at 198 cm, brings a wealth of experience, including six years playing in the United States and most recently two seasons with Partizan Belgrade in the EuroLeague.

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This offseason is one where negotiations are certainly not easy, especially knowing S. Brown's contract situation with Partizan.

During his tenure with Partizan, Evans proved to be a key player, averaging 13.7 points and 11.0 in efficiency ratings last season, while shooting an impressive 39.2% from three-point range. Prior to his time in Serbia, he played for ALBA Berlin in his first European season. His extensive experience also includes 292 games in the NBA, where he notably averaged 8.2 points and 4.4 rebounds for the Houston Rockets in the 2020-2021 season. Across his NBA career, playing for teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers, Evans averaged 5.3 points per game.

Žalgiris's sports director, Gediminas Navickas, acknowledged the competitive nature of the current offseason but expressed delight at Evans's strong desire to join the Lithuanian club. "We are very pleased with the player's desire and decision to come to Žalgiris. He sees our team as one where he can continue to develop and fulfill himself surrounded by a good environment," Navickas stated.

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However, the player's desire and decision to come to Žalgiris were very pleasing. He sees our team as one where he can continue to develop and fulfill himself surrounded by a good environment.

Evans himself conveyed his excitement about the move to Kaunas. "I feel exceptionally happy, I look forward to this opportunity, and I feel that great years await," he said. "A few guys told me about the team and the professionalism of the entire organization, so I heard many good words, and that helped me make my decision. I saw how this team progresses, what players it has, so I think this is a great opportunity."

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I feel exceptionally happy, I look forward to this opportunity, and I feel that great years await.

Evans further elaborated on his decision, stating that upon receiving the call and seeing the club's strong interest, he knew it was just a matter of finalizing details because he wanted to come. His arrival is expected to bolster Žalgiris's backcourt with his proven scoring ability and EuroLeague experience.

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I saw how this team progresses, what players it has, therefore I think this is a great opportunity.