Serbian basketball star signs Israeli record €18 million contract with Hapoel Tel Aviv

Hapoel Tel Aviv, one of Israel’s leading basketball clubs has secured a record €18 million contract ($20.9 million) with the Serbian star Vasilije Micić. The deal, which is the largest in Israeli sports history, will make the EuroLeague MVP (Most Valuable Player) Micić one of the highest paid players in European basketball. While Israel is geographically located in the Middle East, Israeli teams participate in European sports events and leagues. 

The 29-year-old Serbian star who previously played in European clubs including the German Bayern Munch club, relocated in 2023 to the U.S. where he played for the NBA teams Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns. Micić contract with Hapoel Tel Aviv signals the Serbian player’s return to the European basketball scene. 

The owner of Hapoel Tel Aviv, Ofer Yanay, praised Micić both as a person and player. 

"I think he's an amazing personality, other than the fact that he's an amazing player," Yanay said in an interview last month with BasketNews. 

"I think that if Vasa would like to play for Hapoel Tel Aviv, he would do so. We are at the point where he has the final offers from many clubs. It's really up to him to decide where he wants to put his talent and his efforts," he continued. 

"I think he has a good relationship with me, and with coach Itoudis. He also likes the fact that we are trying to build something special here, and to bring some new business culture," the Israeli club owner added. 

Micić expressed excitement concerning his professional future in Hapoel Tel Aviv. 

“I was very impressed with the project that Hapoel is building, the ambitions and clear vision for the future,” he stated in the official press release. “I was happy to talk to coach Dimitris Itoudis, I am excited to work with him. I hope to help the team succeed and meet the high expectations."

In April, Hapoel Tel Aviv made history by securing a EuroCup victory after a 2-0 win over the Spanish team Gran Canaria.

The Hapoel Tel Aviv player Yam Madar who secured 16 points in the final game against the Spanish team, emphasized the team effort behind the victory. 

"We played great basketball and did it together as a team. This club has been waiting for this title for 52 years, and it’s unbelievable that we managed to bring it home. All the players played great today. We have an exceptional team," Madar said. 

The Tel Aviv club’s American star Antonio Blakeney echoed similar sentiments. 

"It was amazing. Of course, the win is the most important thing, but we did it in a special way. I have self-confidence, but after we beat Valencia in the semifinals, my confidence grew even more. We’re a team of players who love playing together," Blakeney stated.

The Tel Aviv club owner Yanay attributed the victory to the resilient Israeli spirit amid the ongoing war with Hamas. 

"I know that for you, we beat Valencia and Gran Canaria, but for me, we beat Hamas. They tried to break our spirit and failed. We made history tonight – history in Israeli sports, national history. We brought pride to the entire people of Israel. Many more achievements lie ahead of us," he argued at the time. 

The new contract with the Serbian star Micić will likely further strengthen Hapoel Tel Aviv’s its position as one of the leading clubs in European basketball.