Markus Howard leaves Baskonia for Zenit in Russia
The 27-year-old Puerto Rican guard, who played four seasons with the Spanish club and won the 2026 Copa del Rey, signed with the Russian team until 2028.
PhotoThe short version
- El Nuevo Día reported that Markus Howard ended his time with Baskonia and signed with Zenit Saint Petersburg until 2028
- El Vocero reported Howard played 244 official games with Baskonia including 130 in the EuroLeague and served as captain
- Both outlets noted Howard led the EuroLeague in scoring during the 2023-24 season with around 19.4-19.5 points per game
- El Nuevo Día stated Howard made his debut with Puerto Rico's national team in the 2025 AmeriCup qualifiers
Career move
Puerto Rican guard Markus Howard has left Baskonia of Spain's Liga Endesa after four seasons to join Zenit Saint Petersburg in Russia. El Nuevo Día reported the 27-year-old signed a contract with the Russian club until 2028. The move was announced by Baskonia this week, according to both outlets.
El Vocero reported the signing on Wednesday and noted that Howard will be coached by Dusko Ivanovic, with whom he worked during the 2023-24 season at Baskonia. El Vocero reported that Howard's playing time had decreased early in the 2026-27 EuroLeague season.
Also on PuertoRico.com: Best things to do in Puerto Rico
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Markus Howard cierra su etapa en Vitoria-Gasteiz "El nombre de Markus Howard está escrito ya para siempre en los libros de historia de este club, que siempre le recordará con cariño y que le desea la mejor de las suertes en su futuro personal y profesional ." 📰… pic.twitter.com/gQuZPZjZcY
The source's own post, quoted as published. Not verified by PuertoRico.com. View post
El nombre de (Markus) Howard está escrito ya para siempre en los libros de historia de este club, que siempre le recordará con cariño y que le desea la mejor de las suertes en su futuro personal y profesional
Our translation: The name of (Markus) Howard is already written forever in the history books of this club, which will always remember him fondly and wishes him the best in his personal and professional future.
The source's own statement, as quoted by El Nuevo Día. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Achievements at Baskonia
During his time with Baskonia, Howard became the franchise's all-time leader in three-pointers made with 372, according to El Nuevo Día. He ranks second in total points with 1,869 and ninth in games played with 130. El Vocero reported he played a total of 244 official matches across all competitions.
Howard won the 2026 Copa del Rey with the team and served as one of its captains in recent seasons. Both outlets highlighted his standout 2023-24 EuroLeague campaign in which he averaged 19.4 or 19.5 points per game and earned the Alphonso Ford Trophy as the competition's top scorer.
Where the sources differ
Both El Nuevo Día and El Vocero agree that Markus Howard left Baskonia after four seasons and signed with Zenit Saint Petersburg until 2028. They concur on his EuroLeague scoring title in 2023-24, his Copa del Rey win in 2026 and his debut with Puerto Rico's national team in 2025. El Nuevo Día gave specific franchise records of 372 threes, 1,869 points and 130 games. El Vocero reported a total of 244 official games across competitions and noted reduced playing time this season averaging 4.7 points. El Vocero mentioned Howard's prior NBA experience with Denver while El Nuevo Día did not.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state the financial terms of the contract with Zenit or whether Howard will be available for Puerto Rico's national team in upcoming competitions. They also do not specify the exact date the transfer was completed or detail any reasons beyond reduced playing time for his departure from Baskonia.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Markus Howard deja atrás España y emprende una nueva aventura en Rusia
- Reporting Markus Howard sale del Baskonia y firma con el Zenit en Rusia
How we checked this
El Nuevo Día and El Vocero both covered the transfer announcement by Baskonia this week. The club statement quoted by El Nuevo Día is the only direct comment from the Spanish team. All other details rest on the two independent reports.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.