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jun 26 2026Sergio de Larrea's future is set. The point guard from Valladolid will leave Valencia Basket after the NBA Draft and head to the United States to join the Dallas Mavericks, the franchise that made a strong push for him on draft night and wants him in their project immediately.
The situation changed decisively after the move that brought his rights to Dallas. Had he been selected by the New York Knicks, the option to continue one more season in Europe would still have been on the table. However, the Mavericks are going through a rebuilding phase and believe De Larrea can have an immediate fit in a roster that needs youth, perimeter talent, and new pieces for the future.
The point guard will sign an initial four-year contract with a total value slightly exceeding $15 million. A significant investment by the Texas franchise, which is looking medium-term at a position marked by Kyrie Irving's injury and the need to strengthen ball-handling duties.
His departure is another blow to Valencia Basket at the point guard position. Jean Montero is also leaving the club and Darius Thompson will not continue, leaving Álvaro Cárdenas as the only playmaker from last season still on the orange roster, after playing only the final stretch of the season following his loan to Peristeri.
Facing this scenario, Valencia Basket moved quickly in the market. The club has closed the signings of Gonzalo Corbalán, coming from San Pablo Burgos, and TJ Shorts, who arrives after becoming a free agent from Panathinaikos. Two moves designed to completely rebuild the point guard position and maintain the team's competitive level for the upcoming season.
De Larrea's departure also confirms the growing impact of young Spanish talent in the NBA. The player makes the leap after establishing himself as one of the biggest prospects in Spanish basketball and now joins a Dallas project that opens the door for him to grow in the world's best league.
