Monaco Snags EuroLeague Target: First Major Signing for Club's New Era!

Monaco is poised to finalize its first major signing of a new era. According to BasketNews sources, the principality club is nearing an agreement with 28-year-old point guard Daron “Fats” Russell.

Daron Russell has attracted significant interest from EuroLeague clubs following a stellar season with Cluj. Russell had a spectacular year in the EuroCup, where he led the competition in scoring with an average of 19.8 points per game.

Despite shouldering one of the highest offensive loads in the entire competition and earning comparisons to T.J. Shorts for his dynamic scoring style, Russell also ranked among the top four players in Performance Index Rating (PIR) with an average of 20.5.

In 19 EuroCup appearances, he averaged 19.8 points, 6.2 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in under 28 minutes on the court, shooting 47% from two-point range and 33% from beyond the arc. Among his most impressive performances was a career-high 37 points and five assists against Neptunas Klaipeda.

Russell also elevated his game during crucial moments of the season. He recorded 20 points and seven assists in Cluj's victory over Budućnost Podgorica in the EuroCup Round of 16, then followed up with 23 points, four assists, and three steals in the quarter-final against Bahçeşehir Istanbul.

Russell has already established himself as one of Europe's most productive guards through previous stints with Galatasaray, Manisa, and Karsiyaka. Across three seasons in Turkey, he never averaged less than 16 points and 4.7 assists per game.

When Valencia began its search for a replacement for Jean Montero, former EuroLeague champion Erick McCollum publicly endorsed Russell on social media.

The American-born guard also represented the Romanian national team in the European World Cup qualifiers, where he became one of the team's offensive leaders. He shone in Romania's sensational 73-66 victory over Greece, finishing the game with 20 points, three rebounds, and three assists in 27 minutes on the court.

According to BasketNews sources, Monaco reached a verbal agreement with Russell before his masterful performance against Greece. His best national team showing came in a win against Portugal, where he poured in an impressive 29 points.

Russell is expected to be the first major reinforcement in Monaco's new project, following the club securing a three-year EuroCup license (with an option for two additional seasons).

The principality club is preparing for at least one season in the EuroCup, while simultaneously planning its return to the EuroLeague from the 2027/28 season.