Paris players courted: Jantunen targeted by Fenerbahçe, Shorts and Ward pursued by Olympiacos

In its first EuroLeague season, Paris Basketball has been making waves. As a quarterfinalist after eliminating the Madrid giant, the capital club is garnering admiration… and attracting interest. According to several European sources, some key players are already being approached for next season.

READ ALSO

Decision time approaching for Nadir Hifi: Monaco and other European clubs interested, Paris wants to keep him

Apr 16, 2025

Alexandre Lacoste

Jantunen courted by Fenerbahçe, Shorts and Ward tracked by Olympiacos

Having a solid campaign averaging 8 points and 5 rebounds, Mikael Jantunen (2.04m, turning 25 this Sunday) has established himself as a reliable player in Tiago Splitter’s rotation. His versatility and three-point efficiency (40%) haven’t gone unnoticed. According to Spanish media Encestando, Fenerbahçe has reportedly taken the lead in pursuing the Finnish power forward, ahead of Real Madrid and Virtus Bologna. Coincidence or destabilization strategy? The timing raises questions, as the Turkish club will face Paris in the quarter-finals.

Fenerbahce, in talks with Jantunen, I was informed.
🏀El Fenerbahce avanza en el fichaje de Jantunen para adelantarse al Real Madrid, la Virtus y otros equipos que siguen al ala-pívot
➡️https://t.co/FVpVLsHzsJ pic.twitter.com/wSqxjamg0f

— www.encestando.es (@webEncestando) April 17, 2025

But Jantunen isn’t the only Paris player on European powerhouses’ radar. Italian insider Alessandro Luigi Maggi revealed that Olympiacos is working to sign the duo T.J. Shorts (1.75m, 27) – Tyson Ward. The American-Macedonian point guard, who has been brilliant all season, is highly sought after, including by Dubai BC. Interest in Tyson Ward (1.98m, 27) isn’t new either: the forward impresses with his two-way play.

👀 Olympiacos working to land Paris Basketball’s duo TJ Shorts & Tyson Ward 🔴⚪️

📝 Shaquielle McKissic could leave Piraeus — he’s a strong candidate for Dusko Ivanovic’s Virtus Bologna 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/ZWk4bgKdtu

— Alessandro Luigi Maggi (@AlessandroMagg4) April 17, 2025

The success of Paris Basketball, the season’s surprise team, could therefore have repercussions as early as this summer, with an intense wave of interest expected. Paris management will need to be convincing to retain their talents… or anticipate a major roster overhaul.