Maccabi Tel Aviv Offers Record $2 Million Per Season to Guard Yam Madar

Maccabi Tel Aviv has made a groundbreaking official offer to Yam Madar, the prominent point guard of Hapoel Tel Aviv, aiming to secure his transfer this summer. The club proposed a two-year contract worth $2 million per season, marking an unprecedented salary for an Israeli player at Maccabi. Madar holds a release clause in his current contract valid until midnight tonight, allowing him to leave for a $300,000 buyout fee.

Hapoel Tel Aviv has countered with a long-term contract offer of $2.5 million per season to retain Madar. The guard has been a standout player, notably excelling in the finals against Maccabi Tel Aviv by scoring 34 points with 10 assists in the second game and 26 points with nine assists in the fourth game, along with a 41-point performance in the last regular-season derby.

This season, Madar averaged 13.2 points per game with a 41.8% three-point shooting accuracy and 4 assists in the Israeli Premier League, while in the EuroLeague he averaged 3.1 points in 9 minutes and 42 seconds per game. Currently, Maccabi Tel Aviv's highest-paid Israeli player is TJ Leaf, earning $1.1 million per season, followed by Roman Sorkin at $900,000, who is expected to receive a salary increase with a new contract.

Maccabi's basketball budget is anticipated to rise to 130 million shekels. Additionally, the club recently offered Tamir Blatt a $900,000 annual contract with an option for an additional season. The transfer drama surrounding Madar continues to be a major storyline in Israeli basketball this summer.