Hapoel Tel Aviv's Jonathan Motley Set to Join Red Star Belgrade in Major Transfer

Jonathan Motley is poised to leave Hapoel Tel Aviv to join Serbian club Red Star Belgrade. The American center is in advanced negotiations with Red Star, who are seeking a replacement for Joel Bolomboy, Hassiel Rivera, and Dontas Motiejunas, all of whom departed this summer. Motley signed a two-year contract with Hapoel Tel Aviv in March 2024, with an option for a third year, earning approximately $2.3 million per season. However, he is expected to leave with Hapoel covering about $750,000 of his upcoming salary, while Red Star will pay the remainder.

Motley joined Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2024, helping the team win the EuroCup and compete in the EuroLeague. In Europe's top competition, he averaged 8.3 points per game with shooting percentages of 65.4% on two-pointers, 48.8% on three-pointers, and 72.7% from the free-throw line, along with 2.3 rebounds. Despite this, he was gradually sidelined toward the end of the season, playing only 14 minutes and 29 seconds total in the playoff series against Real Madrid.

This move marks a significant roster change for both clubs as Red Star aims to strengthen its squad for the upcoming season, while Hapoel Tel Aviv adjusts its lineup following Motley's departure.