Turkish Efes has officially signed Vincent Poirier for the next three years. The 30-year-old French center, who stands 2.13 meters tall, was ending his contract with Real Madrid and was seeking a salary increase commensurate with his outstanding performance this season. Instead, he opted for a lucrative offer from Efes.
Real Madrid had considered retaining Poirier to avoid meeting Tavares’s demands, but ultimately chose to renew the Cape Verdean center’s contract for five years and over €5 million. With Poirier off the table, Madrid set its sights on Serge Ibaka, a 2.08-meter power forward who will turn 35 in September.
Poirier joined Real Madrid in the 2021-2022 season and has since won two leagues, a Copa del Rey, three Super Cups, and the Euroleague. His performance in the cup this season was exceptional, earning him a strong MVP candidate, and his role in the final against Barcelona was decisive.
The French center now makes the move to Türkiye, following stints in Spain (Baskonia and Real Madrid) and the NBA (Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers). Ten days ago, Efes also announced the signing of Rolands Smits, a power forward who previously played for Barcelona, from Zalgiris for the next two campaigns.
