Hapoel Jerusalem Nears Deal for Ex-Maccabi Tel Aviv Guard Lorenzo Brown

Basketball club Hapoel Jerusalem is reportedly close to signing American point guard Lorenzo Brown, a former player for Maccabi Tel Aviv, to replace Jared Harper. Brown, 36, is currently under contract with Italian club Olimpia Milano but is not in their future plans. Negotiations between Hapoel Jerusalem and Brown's representatives were described as extensive over the weekend, with expectations that he could arrive in Israel soon to finalize a contract.

Milano has reportedly presented obstacles to Brown's departure, but Jerusalem believes they can resolve the contractual issues. Brown previously led Maccabi Tel Aviv to the EuroLeague playoffs in both 2023 and 2024. He has not been training with any team this summer and will need time to regain match fitness, but is expected to be ready to step in for Harper, who is unlikely to play again this calendar year.

Brown, standing at 1.96 meters, was the 52nd pick in the 2013 NBA draft. His career includes stints in the NBA, the G League, China, Crvena Zvezda, Fenerbahce, UNICS Kazan (whose season was cut short by the war in Russia), and two successful seasons with Maccabi Tel Aviv before leaving due to security concerns. He then played for Panathinaikos before joining Milano, where he won a league championship and a cup.