Reyer Venice and Virtus Bologna are set for a showdown over the American-born guard

Reyer Venezia and Virtus Bologna are ready to go head-to-head in the transfer market over a position that’s always a hot topic in the summer: American guards. Faced with a common goal—strengthening their backcourt—the two clubs are now pursuing players with similar profiles, with one name in particular on both clubs’ radar: DJ Steward.

Venezia is eyeing the 2001-born player, fresh off his stint in Trento, following the departure of RJ Cole—who is headed to Olimpia Milano—which has left a void in the backcourt. Virtus Bologna’s top priority is Marcus Carr, a Canadian national team player, but the club continues to test the waters for Steward in order to give new head coach Alex Mumbrú more options for the dual challenge of the league and the EuroLeague.

There is also another shared target, Cameron Hunt, but the Spanish media (particularly ‘La Opinión de Málaga’) are reporting his move from Badalona to Málaga as practically a done deal, with the Andalusian club ready to pay the 200,000 euros stipulated in his contract buyout clause to secure the services of the player born in 1997.

Thus, the major Italian teams continue their strategic maneuvers ahead of the upcoming season: Reyer Venezia, fresh off the Scudetto final, will compete next year not only in the league but also in the EuroCup (as it holds a five-year license), while Virtus Bologna, which was eliminated in the LBA semifinals by Reyer itself, will once again compete in the EuroLeague, alongside Olimpia Milano.