Hapoel Tel Aviv Signs Tamir Blatt, Plans Loan to European Club for First Season

Hapoel Tel Aviv has reached an agreement with point guard Tamir Blatt, who will sign a contract with the team but be loaned to a European club for the upcoming season. Blatt's agent, Mishko Razentovitz, is currently seeking a suitable team abroad where Blatt can play during the loan period. This arrangement follows negotiations initiated by Hapoel Tel Aviv owner Ofer Yanai after the departure of player Yam Madar. Yanai secured a three-year contract with Blatt worth $1.6 million per season. However, the coaching staff indicated that Blatt would need to accept a role as the team's fourth point guard, which conflicted with his status and salary expectations. Consequently, the club and player agreed on the loan deal.

Hapoel Tel Aviv is also considering adding another Israeli point guard. Max Heidegger, regarded as a potential new citizen, might join if the obstacle with Bnei Herzliya, which transferred him to Spain's Burgos, is resolved. The club is in contact with Heidegger and his representatives, with a signing reportedly close.

Tamir Blatt previously played for Hapoel Tel Aviv from 2014 to 2017, including a loan to Maccabi Ramat Hasharon. He later played for Hapoel Holon, Hapoel Jerusalem (two stints), Alba Berlin, and joined Maccabi Tel Aviv in summer 2023. As the Israeli national team point guard, Blatt averaged 9.6 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in the domestic league last season, alongside 7.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in the EuroLeague.