Reports: Hapoel Tel Aviv targets may be headed elsewhere

Serbian media reported that TJ Shorts, long linked with both Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv, is likely to join Valencia. The report said Valencia has outbid Hapoel Tel Aviv, owned by Ofer Yannay, and Red Star Belgrade for the 28-year-old guard.

The same report added that Shorts could still remain in Athens if Panathinaikos changes coaches. It said he is seen as an ideal replacement for Jean Montero, but noted that if Ergin Ataman leaves and a coach arrives who trusts him more, Shorts may choose to stay.

Shorts became one of Europe’s top players with Paris, but struggled to make an impact in Panathinaikos’ star-studded team this season. In the EuroLeague, he averaged 8.1 points, 1.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

Another player linked to Hapoel Tel Aviv, Isaac Bonga, is also being courted elsewhere. Greek media reported that Olympiacos would be willing to pay his release clause from Partizan Belgrade, set at 700,000 euros, but Bonga is asking for 2 million euros per season, a figure that is giving the EuroLeague champions pause.