Hapoel Jerusalem plans its biggest budget ever, with Harper set to stay

Hapoel Jerusalem has finished the 2025/2026 season and is already preparing for next year with an ambition to take a step forward under Sasha Obradovic, who is expected to sign soon as head coach. For the 2026/2027 campaign, the club plans a major budget increase, with player salaries projected to rise by about 30%, which would make it the richest budget in the club's history.

Jared Harper is expected to remain, since he already has a guaranteed contract for next season, but the club is also trying to keep him longer by offering a new and improved deal. This season, Harper was the only player on a salary above $1 million, but next season the roster is expected to include several such players.

The club is looking for proven foreign players with experience in continental competitions and will also try to sign players cut from the NBA who could make an impact in Europe. Alongside Harper, Justin Smith is uncertain because he does not have a contract for next season, while the rest of the foreign players are expected to leave.

Among those leaving is Austin Wiley, who had one more year on his contract with a buyout clause. Jerusalem offered the center a new deal, but recent developments around the security situation in Israel have affected his future and changed the picture.