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 the Serbian team, which is seeking a replacement for Joel Bolomboy, Hassiel Rivera, and Dontas Motiejunas, who all departed this summer. Motley, who 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, is expected to transfer with Hapoel covering about $750,000 of his upcoming salary, while Red Star will pay the remainder.

Motley joined Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2024, winning the EuroCup and competing in the EuroLeague. During his European campaign, 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. However, toward the end of the season, his playing time diminished, and in the playoff series against Real Madrid, he totaled only 14 minutes and 29 seconds on the court.

This move marks a significant change for both Motley and Hapoel Tel Aviv as the club finalizes his salary arrangements and the Serbian team strengthens its roster ahead of the new season.