Valencia Basket has placed Braxton Key, Jasiel Rivero and Nikola Dzepina on the ACB's right‑of‑first‑refusal list, ensuring the ability to match any Spanish offer before July 18.
Which players are under the right of first refusal?
The American forward Braxton Key, who just signed with Fenerbahçe in Turkey, remains on Valencia's radar. Although his departure was confirmed last week, the club retains the option to reactivate his contract should he return to Spain.
Jasiel Rivero, a 27‑year‑old Cuban, announced his desire to come back to the Liga Endesa. Valencia holds his rights because it made a qualified offer previously, allowing it to match any other Spanish club's proposal under articles 13 and 14 of the Collective Agreement, adding a 10 % bonus to the gross salary.
Young Serbian Nikola Dzepina, 19, left Valencia in October to play in the NCAA after a financial compensation. His performance in the new Liga U was notable, and Valencia included him under article 15.1 of the Agreement to exercise the Preferred Registration Right.
How does this affect Valencia Basket's roster?
The team is looking to strengthen the paint after the exits of Braxton Key and Jaime Pradilla, despite the recent signing of Dylan Osetkowski. Rivero's possible return would provide a wing‑center capable of rebounds and blocks, while Dzepina represents a long‑term investment in home‑grown talent.
If Valencia decides to exercise the right of first refusal on Rivero, it must match the received offer and pay the 10 % salary supplement at the season's start, impacting the club's salary cap.
What are the deadlines and next steps?
Under the IV Collective Agreement, interested clubs must submit their offer documents to the ACB by Saturday, July 18. The ACB will forward them to the originating club the next day, and Valencia will have five natural days to exercise its extension right.
Should no club file an offer, the players will remain Valencia's property, allowing the club to decide their future in the upcoming transfer window. The pressure mounts as the Liga Endesa approaches the decisive phase and teams scramble to lock in rosters.
What does this mean for medium‑term strategy?
Holding the rights to these three interior players gives Valencia tactical flexibility. Rivero's return would bolster paint defense and improve offensive rebounding, while Key's possible reinstatement would open pick‑and‑roll options.
Dzepina could become a key rotation piece in two to three seasons, aligning with the club's policy of promoting young talent.
The Liga Endesa transfer market is heating up; Valencia Basket appears determined to use its right‑of‑first‑refusal as a tool to stay competitive and plan the team's future.