McDonald’s? No, Lundberg’s future at Maccabi Tel Aviv hinges on money and momentum

After helping Maccabi Tel Aviv beat Hapoel Tel Aviv 102-98 in Game 2 of the championship series on Thursday, Iffe Lundberg strengthened his case to stay with the club. The Danish guard delivered a season-high 25 points, plus 3 assists and 3 rebounds, compiled a 32 efficiency rating, and drew nine fouls, as Maccabi moved one win away from the Israeli title.

Even with the playoffs still ongoing, Maccabi is already planning for next season, and Lundberg is viewed as a key player the club wants to keep. In conversations with club officials and teammates, Lundberg has said he is very happy at Maccabi, feels appreciated, enjoys his role, and likes living in Israel. Two weeks ago, after the quarterfinal series against Hapoel Beersheba/Dimona, he said, “I am very much enjoying it here. I am very satisfied with my time at Maccabi Tel Aviv, and I see myself staying with the team.”

Lundberg has missed 19 games this season because of injuries. When he first arrived, Maccabi discovered a calf muscle tear, and less than two months ago he returned after more than two months out with a partial Achilles tendon tear, after several delays to his comeback. Each time he recovered, he quickly became one of the team’s leaders and a vital presence on the court.

Coach Oded Kattash praised him after Thursday’s game, saying Lundberg has been “a signing that helped us a lot in this crazy season” and calling him “a winner by nature.” Negotiations will continue after the season, and Maccabi is cautiously optimistic about keeping him. The main obstacle is money, with Lundberg asking for $1.6 million a season and Maccabi willing to offer $1.2 million, while the club also weighs the risk posed by his repeated injuries. His recent performances may push both sides closer to an agreement.