Maccabi Tel Aviv Nears Two-Year Deal with Center Daniel Theis

Maccabi Tel Aviv is close to finalizing a two-year contract with center Daniel Theis, pending his release from French club Villeurbanne. The Israeli team reached financial terms with Theis, who is expected to earn around $4.5 million over two years. Villeurbanne is reportedly eager to offload several players, including Theis, following the recent release of Silvan Francisco to Panathinaikos. Other players such as Nick Weiler-Babb and Armoni Brooks are also expected to depart.

Theis, 34, who stands 2.03 meters tall, returned to Europe a year and a half ago after seven seasons in the NBA, where he established himself as one of the top European centers. He spent the last season and a half with Monaco, averaging 9.7 points and 5 rebounds per game last year. Over his NBA career, Theis played 411 games, averaging 7.1 points and 4.7 rebounds, with his best season in 2019-20 for Boston, posting 9.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is also expected to announce the signing of American center Armando Bacot to strengthen their inside game. Meanwhile, the club anticipates that TJ Leaf and Gur Levi will not be fit for the start of training in the coming weeks, as both continue rehabilitation from injuries sustained late last season. The hope remains that at least one will return to activity before the season begins.