Hapoel Tel Aviv Negotiates Intensively to Retain Guard Yam Madar Amid Rival Interest

Hapoel Tel Aviv is determined to keep Israeli national team guard Yam Madar, who is their top target, but negotiations face significant challenges. The club has offered Madar a substantial salary increase to about $2.5 million net per season, up from his current $1.9 million, but he initially rejected the offer. Despite this, talks are ongoing.

Madar prioritizes his role and playing time over salary, particularly his participation in the EuroLeague. He has been in discussions with coach Dimitris Itoudis, who promised Madar the position of second point guard behind Vasilije Micić, replacing Chris Jones. If a new guard is signed, Madar would remain third in the hierarchy alongside Micić and the newcomer.

A critical deadline looms on Tuesday at 23:59, when Madar's mutual exit clause from his contract, valued at approximately $300,000, expires. After this, his contract will be fully binding, preventing him from leaving without club approval. Meanwhile, Hapoel suspects that rival Maccabi Tel Aviv is planning to pursue Madar covertly, although Maccabi denies making any offer.

Another option for Madar is moving to the U.S. college system, where he reportedly has a lucrative offer, but he has yet to receive the necessary clearance to play there. The situation remains fluid as all parties await the upcoming deadline and further developments.