# Fenerbahce reportedly sign Khem Birch, part ways with Luka Samanic ## Kem Birch essentially changes Luka Samanic's place on Anadolu Efes ### Fenerbahçe Beko is reportedly signing Khem Birch Fenerbahçe Beko added another piece to their frontcourt for the upcoming 2023-24 season. According to Eurohoops, the Turkish powerhouse signed Khem Birch from the Toronto Raptors. Birch, 30, is a 6-foot-9 center who played for the Raptors last season. He averaged 4.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game as he played mostly off the bench. The Raptors recently declined its player option for the 2023–24 season, making him an unrestricted free agent. Sources suggest Fenerbahce signed him to a lucrative one-year deal with a team option for the 2024–25 season. Birch will reportedly take the roster spot of Luka Samanic, who is set to move to another EuroLeague team. Samanic, 22, joined Fenerbahce in 2021 but failed to meet expectations. He averaged just 1.5 points and 0.9 rebounds in limited minutes last season. ### Samanic moves to Virtus Bologna After struggling at Fenerbahçe, Luka Samanic reportedly found a new home in Italy. According to Sportando, the Croatian forward will join Virtus Bologna. Samanic, 22, will reportedly sign a two-year deal with the Italian powerhouse. He will join a loaded Virtus Bologna roster that includes Milos Teodosic, Marco Belinelli, and Tornike Shengelia. This will be the fourth team Samanic has played for in his career. He previously played for the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks and Fenerbahce. ### Samanic had a disappointing season with Fenerbahce During the 2022-23 season, Samanic failed to meet expectations set by Fenerbahce. He averaged only 1.5 points and 0.9 rebounds per game in limited playing time. Samanic's departure is not a surprise, as he was not happy with his role in Fenerbahce. He reportedly asked for a trade earlier this year, but Fenerbahce was unable to find a suitable deal. He will now head to Virtus Bologna where he will look to revive his career. With his size and athleticism, Samanic has the potential to be a valuable contributor for Virtus Bologna.
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