For over 10 years, Spanish guard Sergio Llull has resisted any temptation of moving to the NBA. Though his latest contract with Real Madrid finally expires after the 2020-21 season, Llull still doesn’t sound open to a potential move to the Houston Rockets — who hold his NBA rights.
“My intention is to continue [with Real Madrid], in whatever position they want,” Llull said in a recent interview, as translated from Spanish to English by Eurohoops.net. “I am very calm, there is no rush. I am focused on having a good season and continue helping to win titles.”
The Rockets first acquired Llull’s NBA rights during the 2009 NBA Draft. They nearly lured him to Houston in July 2015, but the versatile combo guard opted to stay near home and play for Real Madrid, where he’s still considered among the top international players not in the NBA.
Sergio Llull: My intention is to continue with Real Madridhttps://t.co/q7YL4QGsp0
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 18, 2020
Llull inked a record six-year contract extension in July 2015, and he’s referenced that contract in the past when explaining his decisions to turn down the Rockets. However, even with that contract soon coming to an end, it doesn’t appear that anything is likely to change.
Now 32 years old, Llull’s prime years are largely behind him. However, a late-career move isn’t unprecedented, as shown by Argentinian guard Pablo Prigioni — who made his NBA debut at 35 years old in 2012. Two seasons later, Prigioni joined the Rockets late in the 2014-15 campaign and became a valued rotation piece during the 2015 playoffs.
Luka Doncic has learned from him. The Houston Rockets have chased him. And the NBA has been left waiting for him. So why hasn't Spanish hoops star Sergio Llull felt the desire to play in the States? My story, for @BleacherReport #BRMag:https://t.co/H3un1UAnvN
— matt foley ☁ (@mattyfoles) February 25, 2020
The Rockets reportedly continue to check in with Llull, who has said in the past that he’s not closing the door to the NBA. However, time is no longer on his side, especially if he signs a new contract in Spain.
At Llull’s relatively advanced age, his international rights probably don’t have much trade value for the Rockets — especially with Llull continuing to not show interest in making a move. As a result, Houston GM Daryl Morey may have no other option other than staying the course.
In three games with Real Madrid to begin the new 2020-21 season, Llull is averaging 10.0 points (44.0% shooting) in 19.0 minutes per game.
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