Real Madrid basketball has decided not to settle for what has been done. After already closing three signings—Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot, Jaime Pradilla and Mikael Jantunen—, the white team has struck the market again with three world-class reinforcements that will complete an ambitious squad under the direction of Pedro Martínez. According to mundodeportivo.com, based on information from journalist Chema de Lucas, Madrid are closing moves that will allow them to compete for all titles after a blank year that left a bad taste in the mouth.

Two experienced centres to strengthen the paint

Madrid's interior will be reinforced with the arrival of Damian Jones and Olivier Sarr. The first is a heavyweight name: two-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors alongside Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. At 31 years old and 2.13 metres tall, Jones spent eight full seasons in the American competition and now faces his first challenge in European basketball.

His arrival is especially relevant following Alex Len's departure and Usman Garuba's long-term injury, which will keep the centre sidelined at least until the final stretch of the season. Jones comes to fill that gap with proven experience and a winning mentality tested in the world's best basketball.

The second interior reinforcement is Olivier Sarr, French centre, 27 years old and 2.08 metres tall. The Frenchman also arrives from the NBA, where he alternated appearances between the Cleveland Cavaliers and their G-League affiliate. In the latter competition he posted 15.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, proving he maintains his form and competitive hunger. Sarr was without a team after several American seasons.

Max Shulga: the elite shooting guard

Completing the trio is Max Shulga, Ukrainian shooting guard, 24 years old and 1.93 metres tall who will occupy a homegrown player slot after arriving in Spain at just eleven years of age. His trajectory in Spanish youth basketball—Colegio Leonés and Torrelodones—has led to an experience with the Boston Celtics, where he combined minutes in the NBA with the G-League.

Shulga brings what Madrid need on the perimeter: outside shooting and depth to the team managed by Pedro Martínez. At 24 years old, the Ukrainian represents the perfect balance between youth and international experience at the highest level.

An ambitious project after the blank year

With these three signings, a project is completed that seeks to recover full competitiveness. Damian Jones and Olivier Sarr join Edy Tavares to form a strong interior game with maximum guarantees in European basketball, allowing Garuba to recover without pressure.

Last season was difficult for Madrid, unable to compete for titles. Now, with a renewed bench in the figure of Pedro Martínez and these top-level additions, the white club arrives at the next season with clear intent: to compete for everything again. The question is whether these moves will be enough to return Madrid to the elite of continental basketball.