Olimpia Milano Searching for Italian Point Guard Amid Uncertain Market Options

Olimpia Milano is facing a crucial decision in the point guard position as roster changes loom. With Quinn Ellis almost certain to leave for the NCAA and Nico Mannion nearing the end of his contract and likely departure, the Italian club is now in need of adding a domestic playmaker. The track leading to Alessandro Pajola has cooled, though it remains unclear whether definitively. The player is expected to return in the second half of the month for his final weeks with Virtus Bologna, but appears to favor staying in a European context, also due to his strong ties with Bologna and the implications of a potential move to Milan. Much will depend on concrete offers and which expressions of interest turn into serious proposals.

As a backup plan, Olimpia Milano is considering Darius Thompson, although this option is also tied to several variables. The first involves Valencia Basket, which holds Thompson’s rights for next season. However, there is an exit clause that the Spanish club could activate. A decision appears to have been postponed until the end of the season, as Valencia is currently performing at a high level in EuroLeague, with Thompson back in a consistent role, averaging around 20 minutes per game over the last five outings.

Much of Olimpia’s playmaking market will revolve around the situations of Pajola and Thompson. Missing out on both would force the club to explore alternative solutions, though the pool of Italian point guards is extremely limited—potentially reopening the door to Mannion’s renewal. Among the names to monitor in the background are Davide Casarin, who is also considering the NCAA but is being closely watched by Virtus Bologna, and Andrea Calzavara, whose future will depend on whether his current club is willing to let him leave.