Yam Madar Signs Three-Year Deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv in Major Israeli Basketball Transfer

Yam Madar has officially signed a three-year contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv worth $6 million, marking a significant shift in Israeli basketball. The dramatic transfer from Hapoel Tel Aviv to their city rivals was revealed by ynet on Monday. Madar, who returned to Hapoel about two years ago and played a key role in their historic EuroCup victory and EuroLeague debut, will be officially announced by Maccabi on Sunday.

Madar arrived in Israel last Saturday after a national team game against Germany and met with Maccabi coach Oded Katash and team manager Ami Biton. The club made it clear they intended to finalize terms during this meeting, which led to Madar agreeing to join. Despite Hapoel offering an unprecedented five-year contract worth $12.5 million to retain him, Madar chose the professional challenge Maccabi presented.

Madar had activated a $300,000 exit clause from his Hapoel contract after rejecting improved offers from the club. Maccabi intensified negotiations through Madar's agent, Mishko Razentovich. Initially, Madar demanded more than $6 million for three years but ultimately prioritized playing under Katash and a significant role in the EuroLeague over a higher salary.

This season, Madar averaged under ten minutes per game in the EuroLeague under Hapoel coach Dimitris Itoudis due to a crowded backcourt and lacked assurances for more playing time next season. However, he showcased his talent late in the Israeli league season, including a 41-point game against Maccabi. In the playoffs, he averaged 19.6 points and 5.6 assists, with standout performances in two derby games despite Hapoel losing the finals series 3-1.

The 25-year-old guard began his career at Hapoel Tel Aviv (2018-2021), then played for Partizan Belgrade, where he was named EuroLeague Rising Star, followed by stints at Fenerbahce and Bayern Munich. He returned to Hapoel in early 2024/25 and won the EuroCup but left due to limited playing time.