Davis Bertans was planning to try out for the Golden State Warriors but chose a different golden opportunity.
Change of Plans:
NBA veteran Davis Bertans decided not to audition for Golden State this month. Instead, he received a multiyear offer from Dubai that includes clauses allowing him to return to the NBA later on.
Update: NBA veteran Dฤvis Bertฤns is no longer expected to audition this month for Golden State after receiving a multiyear offer to play in Dubai that is said to include โoutโ conditions that do allow for a down-the-road return to the league.
More NBA:
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine)
New Team in Dubai:
Bertans is joining Dubai BC, a new team in the AdmiralBet ABA league. Last season, he played for the Charlotte Hornets under a five-year, $69.25M contract signed in 2020. Despite his promising start with an average of 15.4 points and 42.4% shooting from three-point range, his performance and playing time declined rapidly.
Earlier this summer, Charlotte waived him and paid only the guaranteed $5.25M on his contract. Bertans was likely to get a training camp invite from the Warriors but chose guaranteed money and years from Dubai BC instead.
Global Basketball Scene:
The NBA is still the top basketball league globally, but teams with strong financial backing are emerging worldwide. Dubai BC’s owner, Abdulla Saeed Al Naboodah, has significant influence in UAE sports and aims to bring high-level basketball to the region.
Dubai BC is so committed that theyโre paying other ABA members ยฃ2.5 million and covering travel expenses for teams from former Yugoslavia countries. UAEโs sovereign wealth funds have ample resources; that’s why NBA preseason games are held in Dubai now.
Fans think it’s cool seeing more players head overseas!
Currently, sovereign wealth funds can own up to five percent stakes in NBA teams, but this could change anytime.
Future Trends:
Bertans might be more valuable to Middle Eastern teams looking to boost their sports programs than any NBA team at present. With Qatar investing in the Washington Wizards ahead of hosting the 2027 FIBA World Cup, Bertans may be just one of many players moving towards opportunities in the Middle East.
