Trey Lyles is ready for a new chapter in his basketball career, and it comes with one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe. The Canadian forward recently signed with Real Madrid, expressing excitement about both the opportunity and the responsibility that comes with playing for a storied tradition.
“I’m really excited, because I know about the history and the magnitude of this club and what it means for this country, so I’m really thrilled,” Lyles told Realmadrid TV. “Their history is unbelievable. It’s been a huge club for a long time, and I want to contribute so I can write my name into its history books. I know it’s a top-level basketball club, in a great city, and I want to be part of that.”
Lyles arrives in Spain after nine NBA seasons, most recently with the Sacramento Kings. In 2024-25, he appeared in 69 games and averaged 6.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in just under 20 minutes per game, providing depth and floor spacing for a playoff-caliber roster.
According to RG, the 29-year-old forward signed a one-year, $3.2 million deal with Real Madrid that includes an NBA out clause, giving him flexibility should an opportunity to return to the league emerge during the 2025-26 season.
For Madrid, Lyles adds another versatile piece to a roster built to contend in both the EuroLeague and Spanish League. At 6-foot-10, he offers scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility, while also bringing a decade of NBA experience to the frontcourt.
“I’m a guy who plays hard, looks to take up the best positions, and I want to win titles,” Lyles said. “I can do a little bit of everything: I can be a big player on court, lead from the front physically, score points, assist, and do my bit in defense. A bit of everything.”
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Drafted 12th overall in 2015 out of Kentucky, Lyles played for five franchises in the NBA — Utah, Denver, San Antonio, Detroit, and Sacramento — and appeared in more than 650 games. His career averages stand at 7.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
On the international stage, Lyles has been a regular for Canada, competing in both junior and senior tournaments, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. That experience has only added to his reputation as a steady contributor who impacts games beyond the box score.
Lyles also highlighted his excitement to play for Sergio Scariolo, the Spanish national team coach now in charge of Real Madrid.
“I played against him both at FIBA and NBA level,” Lyles said. “I’m excited to be playing for him now, rather than against him.”
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Real Madrid has won 11 EuroLeague titles and more than 35 Spanish League championships, and Lyles made it clear he intends to contribute to that winning tradition.
“I just want to help the team win things,” he said. “To win titles, win the EuroLeague… to win it all and try and help improve this team to move back to the very top.”
Lyles ended his introduction with a message to the fans: “Hey, madridistas. I’m delighted to be here, and I can’t wait to go out and play, and to see you all. Hala Madrid!”
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