Overseas basketball prospect Sylvain Francisco attempted to make a run at the NBA ahead of the 2026-2027 season.
According to the 28-year-old guard, there were several teams giving him a look. He specifically mentioned the Chicago Bulls as a potential franchise he could join, but LeBron James’s decision forced him in a different direction.
LeBron James Blamed For 28-Year-Old Overseas Star Missing Bulls Opportunity
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
According to L’Equipe (via EuroHoops.net), Francisco said:
“In the NBA, there were openings, at least five or six teams, many on guaranteed two-year contracts. I had the opportunity with the Chicago Bulls, but the trade they wanted to make before stalled because in the NBA, everyone was waiting for LeBron’s decision. However, my deadline was until July 20.”
GettyFrance’s point guard #00 Sylvain Francisco and Belgium’s point guard #34 Niels Van Den Eynde (R) vie during the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Group D basketball match between Belgium and France at the Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland on August 28, 2025. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP via Getty Images)
With James not making a decision on his next destination until four days later, Francisco took the offer he had from Panathinaikos in Greece.
It’s unclear what exactly held up the Bulls, as they weren’t directly involved with the LeBron James market, but it doesn’t come as a shock.
As LeBron had the basketball world waiting on his next move, it was widely believed that teams were holding out from making further moves to see where the 41-year-old would end up. James stunned the NBA by choosing the Philadelphia 76ers.
What Could’ve Been For The Bulls
GettyFrance’s point guard #00 Sylvain Francisco (R) jumpy to shoot next to Iceland’s forward #11 Almar Orri Atlason during the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Group D basketball match between France and Iceland at the Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland on September 4, 2025. (Photo by Wojtek RADWANSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
Francisco has been playing professionally since 2017.
He hasn’t gone to the NBA at any point of his career. He played in France until making a move to Spain in 2021. He first went to Greece in 2022, before going to Germany one year later. From 2024 up until this year, he played for Žalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania.
In the EuroLeague last season, Francisco appeared in 42 games. He shot 38.6% from three, producing 16.5 points per game and 6.5 assists per game.
The Bulls are in a rebuilding situation, so they can take a chance on players, who could come over at a low cost. Francisco has a decorated resume in international play, but unfortunately, it simply didn’t work out.