Garrison Mathews will officially join Olimpia Milano for the 2026-27 season after his NBA early-termination window closed without an offer. The American wing, known for his perimeter shooting, finalized the agreement after interest from European clubs, including Red Star Belgrade, failed to disrupt the deal.
Contract Status and NBA Deadline
The uncertainty surrounding Garrison Mathews’ transition to the Italian league ended at 9:00 a.m. CET, the designated deadline for NBA teams to exercise a potential buyout. According to reports from RealOlimpiaMilano, no contact arrived from the United States, effectively voiding the early-termination clause in his contract.
With the deadline passed, Mathews is now locked into a 1+1 deal with the biancorossi. The signing marks the final roster addition for head coach Peppe Poeta, who sought to bolster the team’s perimeter defense and floor spacing for the upcoming campaign.
Competition for the Signing
While Olimpia Milano reached an agreement with Mathews, the acquisition faced significant pressure during the final stages of the negotiation. Sources indicate that Red Star Belgrade attempted to intervene in the closing hours, aiming to divert the player from his move to Italy. Despite the late-market competition, Milano maintained the terms of the deal, securing a player who brings both physical size and professional experience to the roster.
Statistical Profile and Career Background
Mathews enters the Italian league with a established track record as a perimeter specialist. His collegiate career at Lipscomb Bisons (2015–2019) saw him finish with a career average of 18.5 points per game, peaking at 21.7 points during the 2017-18 season.
His professional tenure includes 314 NBA regular-season appearances across stints with the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, and Atlanta Hawks. His career shooting efficiency from behind the arc stands at 38.2%.
Career Performance Highlights:
- Best Scoring Season: Averaged 10.0 points in 26.3 minutes per game with the Houston Rockets during the 2021-22 season.
- Perimeter Efficiency: Recorded a 44.0% shooting clip from three-point range during the 2023-24 season with the Atlanta Hawks.
Strategic Impact for Olimpia Milano
The addition of Mathews addresses a specific tactical need for coach Poeta. By providing a consistent threat from the perimeter, Mathews is expected to open the floor for teammates, forcing defensive rotations to account for his shooting ability. His experience in high-pace NBA systems is intended to provide the biancorossi with a reliable option in catch-and-shoot scenarios, completing the team’s construction for the 2026-27 season.
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