After parting ways with Partizan Belgrade in June, former NBA first-round pick Aleksej Pokusevski will continue his career in Russia, having signed with Lokomotiv Kuban, as Bogdan Vasiljevic of BasketballSphere relays.
A 7’0″ forward/center, Pokuseveki was selected 17th overall in the 2020 draft and spent three-and-a-half seasons with the Thunder prior to being traded to the Hornets ahead of the 2024 deadline. The 24-year-old has spent the past two seasons with Partizan in his native Serbia.
Here are a few more international updates:
Former Michigan State star Cassius Winston has signed with Rytas Vilnius for the upcoming season, according to a press release from the Lithuanian team, which competes in the Basketball Champions League. A Detroit native, Winston spent two seasons with the Wizards on two-way contracts after being selected 53rd overall in the 2020 draft. The 6’1″ point guard has spent the past four years overseas, playing for teams in Germany, Turkey, Italy and Israel.
Forward Andrew Carr, who spent last season with the Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate after going undrafted out of Kentucky in 2025, is finalizing one-year contract with the Sydney Kings of the National Basketball League, reports Olgun Uluc of ESPN (via Twitter). Carr averaged 10.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 47 appearances (25.4 minutes per game) with the Rip City Remix in 2025/26. The 6’11” big man posted a shooting slash line of .512/.362/.745.
Three-year NBA veteran Kelan Martin is also heading to Australia, having signed with the Illawara Hawks, per the team. A 31-year-old forward who played for Minnesota, Indiana and Boston from 2019-22, Martin last suited up for UCAM Murcia in Spain’s top basketball league (the Liga ACB). He has also spent time in Turkey in recent years.
Ex-Raptors and Magic big man Freddie Gillespie has signed a two-year contract with Ironi Ness Ziona, according to a press release from the Israeli club. The 29-year-old forward/center has played in Germany, Serbia, New Zealand/Australia, Italy and Turkey over the past four seasons.