Maccabi Tel Aviv Misses Out as Kavarius Hayes Signs Two-Year Deal with Partizan Belgrade

Maccabi Tel Aviv continues its search for a top-tier big man for the 2026/27 season, but several candidates on their radar have fallen through. Most recently, Kavarius Hayes, a 29-year-old center standing 2.06 meters tall, has been under close observation by the Israeli club but will not join them this year. Hayes signed a two-year contract with Partizan Belgrade.

Last season, Hayes played for Monaco, helping the team secure all four major French titles: the league championship, the French Cup, the League Cup, and the Super Cup. He appeared in 40 EuroLeague games, averaging 6.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, primarily as a substitute. In the French league, he averaged 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. Hayes has extensive EuroLeague experience with 169 appearances.

Before Monaco, Hayes spent a season with Paris, contributing to their French double victory. He also played two seasons with Žalgiris Kaunas and made his EuroLeague debut with Villeurbanne in the 2020/21 season. Despite Maccabi Tel Aviv's interest, Hayes will continue his career in Belgrade, marking another setback in their recruitment efforts for a high-profile big man.