Chimezie Metu is close to agreeing to a deal to join AS Monaco, writes Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews. Because Metu ruptured his Achilles tendon in March and is hoping to return to play sometime around January, Urbonas writes that the deal is contingent on Metu passing medical examinations, which will likely occur sometime next week.
Metu played six seasons in the NBA, including three seasons with the Kings. He averaged 5.9 points and 3.5 rebounds over his NBA career. He spent last season with Barcelona, averaging 11 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 36.4% from three during EuroLeague play.
Should the athletic big man sign with Monaco, he would join a roster loaded with former NBA talent, including Daniel Theis, Nikola Mirotic, Donatas Motiejunas, Mike James, Elie Okobo, Jaron Blossomgame, and Nick Calathes. Monaco made it to the EuroLeague Finals last season, eventually losing to Fenerbahce, 81-70.
Urbonas also notes that Metu was in advanced talks with Fenerbahce earlier this summer, but the deal fell through at the last moment.