Hapoel Jerusalem announced on Wednesday morning that Jared Harper has signed a three-year contract extension through the end of the 2028/29 season, despite strong interest from EuroLeague clubs, including Crvena zvezda Belgrade. The club said the deal keeps its star guard in Jerusalem and makes him the highest-paid player in team history and in the Israeli Basketball Premier League.
Harper, who has won the EuroCup MVP award twice in a row and was also named the Israeli league MVP, was reportedly the top target of Crvena zvezda throughout the season. The Serbian club was prepared to spend heavily to bring the American point guard to Belgrade, but owner Matan Adelson chose to increase the offer significantly to retain him.
The financial terms mark a major jump. Harper started in Jerusalem on a salary of $475,000, received a raise to $1 million net during last season, and will now earn $1.7 million net per season. With bonuses and taxes included, the total value of the deal is estimated at more than $3.5 million gross per year.
New coach Sasa Obradovic pushed hard for the agreement. He said, “Working with a player who has won the MVP award twice in a row is every coach’s dream,” adding that Harper’s “contribution and leadership in the locker room” will help make Hapoel Jerusalem a team that competes for every title.
Adelson also praised Harper, calling him “a cornerstone of the next chapter at the club.” Harper said Hapoel Jerusalem had become “a real home and a family” for him, and vowed to keep giving everything to help the team reach its highest goals. The extension is the first major step in building the squad for the 2026/27 season, with Harper set to join new signing Jaleen Smith in the backcourt.
