Thomas Walkup joins Dubai Bc

Thomas Walkup completes move from Olympiacos to Dubai BC

Thomas Walkup has officially completed his move from Olympiacos to Dubai BC after one of the most complicated transfer sagas of the EuroLeague summer. The Greek-American guard leaves Piraeus after five seasons with the club, despite having one year remaining on his contract. Dubai BC’s determination to sign him eventually resulted in an agreement between the two clubs.

Dubai’s interest in Walkup developed as the club continued strengthening its roster with experienced EuroLeague players. The 33-year-old guard was an attractive target because of his defense, playmaking and experience in major European games. Dubai saw him as an important addition to the ambitious project led by head coach Xavi Pascual.

However, Olympiacos initially had no intention of letting Walkup leave. The player still had a contract with the EuroLeague champions, and the club considered him an important part of its team. According to reports, Dubai made offers for his release, but Olympiacos rejected the initial proposals and remained firm on its position.

The negotiations became increasingly difficult because Walkup did not have a release clause in his contract. Reports indicated that Olympiacos were asking for around $3 million to even discuss his departure. Dubai continued trying to find a solution, showing that the club was prepared to make a significant financial commitment to complete the signing.

The situation then escalated when Olympiacos accused Dubai BC of making improper contact with a player who was still under contract. The EuroLeague became involved and opened a disciplinary procedure to examine the circumstances surrounding the case. The situation had therefore developed from a transfer negotiation into a much bigger issue involving the clubs and the competition itself.

Walkup also made his desire to leave clear by not joining Olympiacos for the beginning of their preparations. With one year left on his contract, the situation became increasingly difficult for both sides. The player reportedly believed the offers from Dubai were reasonable, while Olympiacos continued to defend its position and its contractual rights.

After weeks of uncertainty, the two clubs finally reached an agreement. According to reports from Eurohoops, Dubai BC agreed to pay approximately $2.6 million to Olympiacos for Walkup’s release. The final amount was lower than the approximately $3 million figure that Olympiacos had previously been demanding, allowing the transfer to finally move forward.

Walkup will reportedly sign a three-year contract worth $9.6 million with Dubai BC. The deal represents a major financial commitment from the Dubai project and makes Walkup one of the club’s most significant additions. The move also gives the experienced guard a fresh challenge after five successful years in Greece.

Walkup joined Olympiacos in 2021 after three seasons with Žalgiris Kaunas. During his five years in Piraeus, he became one of the team’s most trusted guards and one of the strongest perimeter defenders in the EuroLeague. His importance went beyond scoring, with his defense, passing, leadership and ability to make winning plays becoming central parts of his game.

His Olympiacos career ended with the biggest trophy of his career. Walkup helped the club win the 2025-26 EuroLeague title, finally lifting the trophy after reaching the Final Four in each of his five seasons. He also won four Greek League titles, three Greek Cups and four Greek Super Cups, while being named EuroLeague Best Defender in 2023-24. (Diario AS)

For Olympiacos, Walkup’s departure marks the end of an important five-year era. For Dubai BC, meanwhile, the signing represents another major statement of ambition. The club has secured an experienced EuroLeague champion who can immediately strengthen its defense and backcourt. The $2.6 million transfer fee and $9.6 million contract underline how seriously Dubai views the addition.

After a summer filled with negotiations, rejected offers, contractual disagreements and EuroLeague involvement, the saga has finally reached its conclusion. Walkup is now a Dubai BC player and will begin the next chapter of his career under Xavi Pascual. For Dubai, the signing is another major step in its attempt to establish itself as a serious force in European basketball.