Maccabi Tel Aviv Misses Chance to Re-Sign Josh Nivo Amid Contract Dispute

Maccabi Tel Aviv came close to re-signing Josh Nivo, one of their most successful big men in recent years, but the deal ultimately fell through. In recent weeks, negotiations between Nivo and Maccabi advanced significantly, with both sides expressing willingness to reunite. However, financial disagreements prevented a final agreement. Nivo demanded a salary of approximately $2.9 million for the season, while Maccabi was prepared to pay around $2.2 million plus a $900,000 buyout fee to his current club, Milano. Nivo reduced his salary demand to about $2.7 million, but the remaining half-million-dollar gap was too large to bridge.

Meanwhile, Barcelona, aware that Moses Wright had withdrawn from their agreement, stepped in with an offer matching Nivo's financial expectations. This offer convinced Nivo to sign with the Spanish club for the upcoming season. Maccabi's management expressed regret over missing out on Nivo, especially given the advanced stage of negotiations and the club's ongoing struggle to secure two experienced centers before the season starts. The limited availability of proven EuroLeague centers this summer has further complicated their roster building.

Maccabi Tel Aviv continues to actively search for two centers, but the narrowing time window and reduced options mean the coaching staff must reconsider their strategy going forward.