Regal Barcelona want the 6ft 9in Ilyasova to remain with them in the ACB as he has been a crucial part of their team since joining from the Milwaukee Bucks, the outfit that still owns his NBA rights, after the 2005-06 campaign.

"There are options that he might leave for the NBA," said Barcelona general secretary Joan Creus.

"Milwaukee still have to make up the team and they will have to take a decision.

"We have to wait to see how things turn out. I hope that he will remain and that we will be able to see him again next season."

Ilyasova's best years are ahead of him as he just turned 22 on May 15.

He averaged almost 15 minutes per game in his last in the NBA season.

Right now, Ilyasova is gearing up for the ACB play-off semi-finals against Unicaja Malaga which tip off on May 31.