Hapoel Tel Aviv Negotiates to Retain Guard Yam Madar Amid Contract Dispute

Hapoel Tel Aviv is determined to keep guard Yam Madar, 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 net, but he rejected the initial 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 Micic, replacing Chris Jones. If a new guard is signed, Madar would remain third in the hierarchy.

A critical deadline is approaching on Tuesday at 23:59, when Madar's mutual exit clause from his contract, valued at approximately $300,000, expires. After this, his contract with Hapoel Tel Aviv will be fully binding, preventing him from leaving without club approval.

Meanwhile, Hapoel suspects Maccabi Tel Aviv is interested in Madar and may be planning a move behind their backs, though Maccabi denies making any offer. Another option for Madar is to join a U.S. college team, where he reportedly has a lucrative offer, but he has yet to receive the necessary clearance to play there.

The situation remains fluid as both sides work toward a resolution before the exit clause deadline.