Hapoel Tel Aviv Signs Jacob Toppin With Unique Contract Clause Blocking Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem

Hapoel Tel Aviv is close to finalizing its roster for the 2026/27 basketball season by signing 26-year-old forward Jacob Toppin. The 2.06-meter player appeared in five NBA games last season with the Atlanta Hawks before an injury ended his campaign. Toppin signed a three-year contract (two years plus an option for a third) with the club, which plans to develop him as a long-term Israeli player.

Jacob and his brother Obi Toppin, an NBA star, have Jewish heritage through their mother, a fact Obi shared in a Sports Channel interview. Unlike other foreign players at Hapoel Tel Aviv, who will be based in Sofia and housed in hotels, Toppin specifically requested a clause in his contract guaranteeing him an apartment in Tel Aviv. However, it remains uncertain if he will start the season classified as an Israeli citizen, as his naturalization process only began in June and the timeline is unclear.

Toppin’s salary is reported at $1.5 million, and the club’s professional staff is confident he will become the best Israeli player in the league. Hapoel’s professional manager, George Hinas, met with Toppin during the NBA Summer League. Hapoel Jerusalem also showed interest but offered a significantly lower salary. The club had wanted to sign Toppin last summer, but injuries delayed the process as he underwent medical evaluations in the U.S.

A notable clause in Toppin’s contract prohibits him from transferring to Maccabi Tel Aviv or Hapoel Jerusalem. Although Toppin initially requested to remove this restriction, the club insisted on keeping it and increased his salary to secure his commitment. This move underscores Hapoel Tel Aviv’s determination to retain him as a key player for the future.