# KK Zadar roster and academy developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kk-zadar-roster-and-academy-developments
> Updated: 2026-09-05T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

KK Zadar continues to manage its roster through senior acquisitions and youth academy growth. The club has been engaged in advanced, highly confidential negotiations to secure an experienced Croatian center to complete the squad. Director Roko Jurlin and Coach Stipe Modrić are maintaining strict secrecy regarding the identity of the potential signing to prevent complicating the process.

In the youth academy, the club has recruited wing players Jure Bijelić and Emanuel Butković. Bijelić, a former U-14 national team player and Jr. NBA tournament MVP, joins from KK Dubrovnik. Butković joins from KK Stoja and Cedevita Junior; he is expected to compete for both the cadet and junior teams. Academy head Ivan Beram emphasized that the club aims to provide ‘optimal conditions’ for these talents.

Regarding senior roster expansion, the club’s Supervisory Board officially rejected the signing of Rade Zagorac. While media speculation suggested other motives, the club clarified the decision was strictly due to financial considerations, noting the proposed contract would have exceeded the €70,000 threshold for approval and placed an undue burden on the existing budget.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: KK Zadar rejects Rade Zagorac signing over financial concerns

KK Zadar rejected Rade Zagorac's signing due to financial constraints, denying nationality-based motives. Other news includes Nemanja Bilbija's 200th goal for Zrinjski and Haris Kadrić's potential move to FK Pā

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sports-update-zagorac-transfer-controversy-and-bilbijas-200-goal-milestone

### 2026-08-19: KK Zadar recruits youth basketball talents Bijelić and Butković

KK Zadar has recruited young basketball talents Jure Bijelić and Emanuel Butković to its youth academy to support their professional development.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kk-zadar-recruits-youth-basketball-talents-bijeli-and-butkovi

### 2026-08-15: KK Zadar negotiates for new center under strict confidentiality

KK Zadar is in advanced, confidential negotiations to sign an experienced Croatian center to bolster its roster.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kk-zadar-negotiates-for-new-center-under-strict-confidentiality

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Cite as: KK Zadar roster and academy developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kk-zadar-roster-and-academy-developments