- 20:30
Lebanese basketball star Wael Arakji, widely recognized as Asia's best player and a key member of al-Riyadi Beirut, came close to signing with seven-time NBA champions the Golden State Warriors. However, the deal fell apart in the final stages due to "time constraints and insufficient time to finalize paperwork before the season's start," Riyadi head coach Ahmad Farran stated.
The Warriors had initiated talks with Riyadi through the Lebanese Basketball Federation and had already received Arakji's release letter last Thursday, Farran told This is Beirut in an interview.
“The issue was on their side,” Farran explained. "They wanted to offer Wael an initial 10-day contract, but by the time the roster was finalized, there was no spot left for him."
Reports suggest that Arakji's contract would have been similar to the one offered to his former Riyadi teammate, Thon Maker. Maker, who played a crucial role in Riyadi's four victories last season, is now expected to join the G League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers after being waived by the Houston Rockets on Monday.
Farran also addressed speculation on social media that Arakji might join Kuwait SC. “There's no truth to that,” he clarified. "Kuwait SC never made an official offer to Wael. He's been in Kuwait for around two weeks with his family. The club welcomed him and offered their facilities for training, especially since Elie Hajjar is a physical trainer with Kuwait SC. They invited Wael to train with them, and he's been doing so to stay in shape."
Farran further elaborated on Arakji's contractual situation with Riyadi, saying, "We had issued a release for the NBA, which we can now revoke. But our contract with Wael is flexible. If he receives an offer before the Lebanese League starts, he's free to take it.” However, should it be a full-season offer, Riyadi's management will need to determine whether to release him for the entire season or for a short-term period.
With the uncertainty surrounding the start of the Lebanese basketball season in December, Farran emphasized that Riyadi won't hold back any players from exploring opportunities abroad. "We've told all our players that we won't stand in their way if they receive offers elsewhere until the situation in Lebanon becomes clearer."
The 2024-25 Lebanese basketball season was initially scheduled to tip off in October, with high hopes following the league's growing popularity, increased investments, and the signing of several high-caliber foreign players. However, the outbreak of the war in Lebanon in September disrupted those plans, leading to significant challenges for clubs. Many coaches and players have since left the country in search of opportunities abroad, casting doubt on the future of the season.
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