Hapoel Jerusalem in Advanced Talks to Sign Guard Amari Bailey

Hapoel Jerusalem is in advanced negotiations to sign American guard Amari Bailey, a 22-year-old player who did not play last season. If signed, Bailey would join coach Sasa Obradovic's team on a contract likely lasting several months until Jared Harper recovers from injury. The club is also exploring other candidates to bolster its backcourt.

Bailey, who has Jewish heritage, could be considered an Israeli player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League pending review of his documents. He was selected 41st overall in the 2023 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets after one year of college basketball at UCLA.

Bailey played only 10 NBA games in the 2023-2024 season, averaging 2.3 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.7 assists. He also played in the NBA G League for the Hornets and later the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 19.0 points for the former and 10.3 points for the latter.

Last season, Bailey was inactive and trained independently. He expressed a desire to return to NCAA basketball to improve his game and change perceptions of his abilities. The team is actively scouting other options while finalizing negotiations with Bailey.