Roman Sorkin Feels 'Invisible' After Contract Talks With Maccabi Tel Aviv

Israeli basketball player Roman Sorkin expressed disappointment and a feeling of being overlooked by his team, Maccabi Tel Aviv, following recent contract negotiations. Sorkin, a prominent player for the club, believed he was in line for a significant salary upgrade after a strong season, but felt his expectations were unmet when the team signed new players and renewed other contracts.

Following Israel's loss to Latvia, which eliminated their chances for the FIBA World Cup, Sorkin gave an interview detailing his dissatisfaction. "There are no contacts right now. Unfortunately, there was an irrelevant offer," he stated, adding, "I have three more years on my contract so the fans can rest assured, I will be at Maccabi." He also mentioned learning lessons from the experience and feeling disappointed by "many things."

Sorkin signed a five-year deal in the summer of 2024 worth $900,000 per season, with annual increases. Last season, he earned approximately $1.1 million. Despite his disappointment, his contract binds him to Maccabi Tel Aviv for three more years, with no immediate exit clause other than a potential NBA move.

Sources close to Sorkin indicated that he felt "invisible" and that discussions about his contract only began after the team had finalized signings of other players. He was reportedly hurt and disappointed by the perceived lack of priority given to his situation, especially after a strong personal season where he played significant minutes, even in the playoffs while injured.

During this period, Maccabi Tel Aviv signed two new centers and upgraded other players' contracts. Sorkin recently received a new contract offer of around $1.2 million per season, which did not meet his expectations. A subsequent offer, slightly higher at just over $1.3 million net, was also made, but Sorkin has not yet responded, deeming the offers "irrelevant."

Sorkin joined Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2021 from Maccabi Haifa and has steadily improved, becoming one of the league's top centers. His performance last season was considered his best, notably scoring the final five points to secure the championship title.