Christian Koloko Leaves NBA for EuroLeague Move to Crvena Zvezda

Christian Koloko is heading to Europe for the first time in his professional career. Serbian powerhouse Crvena Zvezda officially announced Sunday that it has signed the 6-foot-11 center after he completed medical examinations. Koloko had recently been waived by the New Orleans Pelicans after joining the club for training camp.

The move gives the 26-year-old another opportunity to establish a consistent role after bouncing around the NBA and G League. Toronto selected Koloko 33rd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft after he became the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year at Arizona. A blood-clot issue later interrupted his career and cost him the entire 2023-24 season, but he eventually received medical clearance and returned to professional basketball. Last season he appeared in 27 NBA games while spending time with Memphis and Atlanta, averaging 2.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and nearly one block per game.

Crvena Zvezda gives Koloko something his recent NBA stops could not guarantee: a fresh opportunity with a major club competing in the EuroLeague and ABA League. The Serbian team has dealt with frontcourt injuries and specifically moved to reinforce the center position. For Koloko, strong minutes in Belgrade could turn his first European season into both a career reset and a possible path back toward the NBA.