For most players, the offseason is about finding the right team fit. For two-time NBA champion Quinn Cook, it’s become about navigating global conflicts that have already cost him two jobs. The former Golden State Warriors guard recently revealed how geopolitical tensions have disrupted two overseas opportunities before he could even step on the court.
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In a phone call interview with Marc J. Spears, Cook revealed the difficulties of finding a permanent home outside the NBA. He was supposed to play for Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball Club during the 2026 Basketball Africa League. But due to conflicts between the USA and Rwanda, the team opted out. It left Cook without a job, and not for the first time.
The former teammate of Stephen Curry also tried to play in Iran, even agreeing on terms. However, once military conflicts emerged between the USA and Iran, Cook chose not to travel out of fear for his safety.
“I had a deal in Iran, but obviously, stuff happened with the government after a back and forth that Iran and America had been having. So I didn’t feel safe to go. I didn’t end up going, and then I got the deal with the BAL. … I didn’t really understand the politics, but now I’m paying attention because it’s really affecting my livelihood,” Quinn Cook told ESPN.
Two-time #NBA champion Quinn Cook has lost two overseas jobs this year due to global political issues related to his native United States, @espn @andscape reports. https://t.co/2uobg8i23X
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) March 11, 2026
The two-time NBA champion, who won one of his titles with Stephen Curry and the Warriors, wants to continue playing to prepare for life after basketball, but global tensions are creating invisible boundaries. Quinn Cook has a family to look after, and playing basketball is a stable path.
“My whole life, until now, I’ve never had basketball stop for political things that happened in the world… People who depend on basketball for happiness and a job, you have to understand that there are bigger things in life,” Cook added.
But the 32-year-old hasn’t given up yet.
Quinn Cook is still open to going to Africa
APR BBC pulling out of the African Basketball League stopped Quinn Cook from returning to overseas basketball. He felt especially sad since he was longing to go to Africa for the first time. Everything was planned out until it all fell apart. However, Stephen Curry’s former teammate is still pitching himself to other teams in the league.
“I was excited about checking it out. I also planned on going with my mom and sister. Rwanda was a spot we were supposed to hit, but now I will have to wait and see. Everything happens for a reason, but I hope BAL teams see I’m available and I’m open to play for another team,” he said.
The former NBA vet understands just how hard the landscape is right now. He can’t just pick up his bags and leave for wherever. Quinn Cook is keeping himself updated with the geopolitical situation before making a well-informed decision.
“It’s not as easy as the NBA,” Cook said. He can’t just ask for a trade to a different city. The former Warriors guard is dealing with changing countries, literally having to uproot his life before sowing the seeds at his next destination. He can’t exactly look for a permanent home without being sure of his own security.
It’s a sensitive situation for aspiring overseas basketball players, not just Quinn Cook. Hopefully, the two-time NBA champion can find his next basketball home soon.