Yam Madar Signs Major Contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Team

Yam Madar, a prominent figure in Israeli basketball and a product of Hapoel Tel Aviv's youth system, has officially signed a significant contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv. This move marks one of the biggest transfers in Israeli basketball history, as Madar crosses the city divide from Hapoel to their rivals Maccabi. Madar, who was drafted 47th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics but never signed with them, has had a varied career across Europe, including stints with Partizan Belgrade, Fenerbahce, and Bayern Munich.

After returning to Hapoel Tel Aviv in November 2024, Madar led the team to win the EuroCup, the club's first and only European title. However, the current season was challenging for him; he started injured, returned in December, and struggled for playing time under coach Dimitris Itoudis in the EuroLeague, averaging under 10 minutes per game across 16 appearances. Despite a strong playoff performance in the Israeli league, Hapoel lost the finals 3-1 to Maccabi.

Madar hopes to have a more prominent role with Maccabi Tel Aviv next season, following limited opportunities last year. His transfer is seen as a major shift in Israeli basketball dynamics, given his history and stature with Hapoel Tel Aviv.