Dubai Basketball announced today that it has completed the signing of Thomas Walkup from Olympiacos Piraeus for a reported €2.6 million, with the veteran guard committing to a five‑year deal that runs through 2029.
Negotiations and Disciplinary Scrutiny
The transfer was not straightforward; Olympiacos, which did not include a buyout clause in Walkup’s contract, initially turned down several proposals before reaching agreement with Dubai Basketball.
EuroLeague Basketball opened a disciplinary procedure into Dubai Basketball’s conduct, citing concerns over the club’s approach to finalising the deal.
Walkup’s On‑Court Legacy
Walkup, who was crowned the 2024 EuroLeague Best Defender, arrives after a five‑season spell with Olympiacos during which he helped the club capture multiple Greek League, Greek Cup and Super Cup titles.
His defensive prowess was recognized earlier in the decade when he led the EuroLeague in steals during the 2022‑23 campaign, and he has featured in five straight EuroLeague Final Fours from 2022 to 2026.
Beyond his club résumé, Walkup obtained Greek citizenship in 2023 and represented Greece at the 2024 Paris Olympics, adding an international dimension to his profile.
Together, the move signals Dubai Basketball’s intent to bolster its defensive unit while Olympiacos will need to replace a key figure who has been a cornerstone of its recent success.