Real Madrid continues searching the market and Ochai Agbaji has appeared on their list. According to Italian journalist Matteo Andreani, the American shooting guard has generated significant interest among several EuroLeague teams, with the Madrid club closely following him, though he is not the only one interested.
Agbaji has been a free agent since October 15, when the New York Knicks released him after the preseason. He had signed a non-guaranteed contract with them in September, after the Brooklyn Nets did not extend him a qualifying offer when his rookie contract expired.
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A shooting guard for the perimeter
His profile fits the need Real Madrid has faced for weeks. The club is seeking a shooting guard due to the underperformance of Nick Smith Jr., the long-term shoulder injury to Gaby Deck, and the likely loan of Max Shulga. With Sergio Llull unavailable in EuroLeague minutes, Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot is now the only pure shooting guard getting regular playing time under head coach Pedro Martínez.
From college champion to free agent
Agbaji, 26 years old and 6'5", was the star of the 2022 NCAA champion Kansas team, when he was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player. That same summer, the Cavaliers selected him with the 14th pick in the draft, though he never played for them: he was traded to the Jazz and later played for the Raptors and Nets. His best season was 2024-25 with Toronto, averaging 10.4 points and 3.8 rebounds with a 39.9% three-point percentage. Last season, split between the Raptors and Nets, his role was more limited.