Hapoel Jerusalem announced on Wednesday that Jared Harper has signed a three-year contract extension worth about $5 million for the full term. The deal will keep him in the red uniform for five seasons in total, one of the longest tenures ever for a foreign player at the club, and it is the largest player contract in Jerusalem’s history.
Harper said, “I commit to keep giving everything I have every day and in every game, to help the team achieve the high goals it sets for itself. I believe that together we can reach even greater achievements and experience more unforgettable moments.”
The extension followed months of difficult negotiations. At the start of the calendar year, Jerusalem opened talks with Harper’s agent while other EuroLeague teams showed interest, but no formal offer had been made. The gap between the sides was initially significant. After Jerusalem was eliminated from the EuroCup, the club accelerated efforts to keep him, even though Harper was due to earn $1.1 million next season. Tensions grew as rumors spread that he might leave.
The key turning point came during the EuroLeague Final Four about a month ago, when a Jerusalem delegation, including owner Matan Adelson, met with league and club officials in an effort to secure the club a long-term place in the competition. During a meeting with Fenerbahce, the Turkish club raised Harper’s name and asked Jerusalem to name a buyout price. Jerusalem then learned that Harper’s agent had already received interest from Fenerbahce and that a move to Istanbul was being considered, but the club refused to release him for any compensation.
Jerusalem later finalized the financial terms, although the deal was only formally closed after the season ended. The club was also battling rumors of interest from other EuroLeague teams, including what it called an absurd report about a move to Hapoel Tel Aviv. The red team’s season ended less than two weeks ago with a playoff semifinal loss to Hapoel Tel Aviv, after which Harper spoke with new coach Sasha Obradovic. That conversation was also described as very positive, and the contract was then signed.
