Former Sacramento King Trey Lyles Heads to Real Madrid in Surprise Move
September 5, 2025 – As NBA free agency continues it’s slow burn, one notable player has opted for a change of scenery – and continent. Former Sacramento Kings forward trey Lyles has agreed to a deal with Spanish basketball powerhouse Real Madrid, according to reports from Luca D’Alessandro.
While details of the contract remain undisclosed, the move marks a meaningful shift for Lyles, who was considered one of the better available free agents remaining in the NBA. The decision highlights a growing trend of NBA players finding lucrative opportunities - and potentially more prominent roles – overseas.
A Growing Trend: NBA Talent Finding Value in Europe
Lyles’ move echoes a recent transaction involving another former King, Sasha Vezenkov. Vezenkov returned to Europe this offseason,signing a five-year,€18.5 million deal with Olympiacos. Notably, this represented a pay cut for vezenkov, who was previously slated to earn $6.7 million with the Toronto Raptors.
The appeal? Increased playing time and a potentially more significant role. For players facing limited opportunities or veteran minimum contracts in the NBA, European clubs like Real Madrid can offer competitive salaries and a chance to be a key contributor.
“If Lyles was only receiving veteran minimum offers from NBA teams – which is very likely at this stage of the offseason - then a shorter deal worth something around Vezenkov’s annual salary would probably represent a raise,” explains our analysis.What This Means for Real Madrid & the NBA Landscape
Real Madrid is known for its financial strength and ability to attract top talent. Lyles, a versatile forward who averaged 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds for the Kings last season, will likely be a valuable addition to their roster. He’s never been a star, but has always been a solid, reliable player.
This move also underscores a shifting dynamic in the global basketball landscape. As European leagues continue to grow in competitiveness and financial stability, they are becoming increasingly attractive destinations for NBA players seeking new challenges and opportunities.
Keywords: Trey Lyles, Real Madrid, NBA Free Agency, Sasha Vezenkov, Sacramento Kings, European Basketball, Basketball news, NBA News, sports News.
