Latest news with #HapoelTelAviv


Newsweek
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
EuroLeague Team Denies Interest in Russell Westbrook
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The NBA offseason is shaping up to be one that many will remember for years to come. The 2019 offseason was one for the books, as it involved a significant amount of player movement that has somewhat shaped the league as it is today. More NBA news: Russell Westbrook Could Receive Unprecedented Offer From EuroLeague Team: Report The 2025 offseason could have a similar impact, shaping the league's landscape for the next half-decade or so. Many superstars will be at the forefront of the summer, including former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. Westbrook declined his player option for the 2025-26 season with the Denver Nuggets and will be an unrestricted free agent in a few weeks. His market is unclear, but one thing that is clear: EuroLeague powerhouse Hapoel Tel Aviv is not interested in the nine-time All-Star. Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets stands on the court before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Ball Arena on April 2, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets stands on the court before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Ball Arena on April 2, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. Photo byInitial reports suggest that Hapoel Tel Aviv was set to offer Westbrook a historic contract, but the team announced that there was never any interest in signing Westbrook. "To be serious – it's not true. There was no interest, and no one approached him." Hapoel Tel Aviv says they have zero interest in Russell Westbrook 'To be serious – it's not true. There was no interest, and no one approached him.' (h/t @TalkBasket ) — NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 17, 2025 The Israeli club is coming off a EuroCup title, and initial reports suggested that they would be interested in acquiring Westbrook. Westbrook has a $3.4 million player option for next season, and after a strong showing this past year. The 36-year-old quietly put together a productive season with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals while shooting 44.9 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from beyond the arc across 75 games. While he's no longer the explosive MVP force he once was in Oklahoma City, Westbrook still finds ways to impact the team's winning efforts. His effort, energy, and ability to shift momentum in spurts were evident during his time in Denver, and it wouldn't be surprising if another team offers him a meaningful role. The former UCLA standout just wrapped up his 17th NBA season and has now appeared in 1,237 career games. The nine-time All-NBA guard could gain a ton of traction amongst NBA teams as free agency approaches. More NBA news: Grizzlies Star Ja Morant Addresses Trade Speculation Amid NBA Finals Dell Curry Drops Major Update on Steph Curry's NBA Future Kevin Durant Was Reportedly Interested in Joining Celtics at Deadline Lakers' LeBron James Provides Crucial Update on Knee Injury Caitlin Clark Talks Shooting Contest With LeBron James and Steph Curry For more Russell Westbrook and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Israeli Team GM Reacts to Russell Westbrook Signing Rumors
Israeli Team GM Reacts to Russell Westbrook Signing Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Nine-time All-Star NBA point guard Russell Westbrook is reportedly entering free agency this summer. Marc Stein of The Stein Line/Substack reported that the 6-foot-4 UCLA product will decline his $3.5 million player option after one season with the Denver Nuggets and explore the open market. Advertisement Long past his All-NBA prime, the 2017 league MVP remains surprisingly athletic, even at age 36, although his defense, late-game decision making, and proclivity to stop the ball could give interested teams pause. Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) moves the ball up court against the A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Still, clubs desperate for a veteran point guard presence (I'm talking to you, Sacramento Kings) might not be able to help themselves and opt to take a flier on the future first ballot Hall of Famer. A rumor emerged that Westbrook might look to take his game abroad, after 17 seasons in the NBA. Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv has been floated as an interested party, at a bloated price point. In a new interview with Vuk-Milos Petrovic of Basketball Sphere, Hapoel Tel Aviv general manager George Hinas has vehemently shut down the trade buzz, bemoaning it as "100 percent fake news." Advertisement 'There were numbers mentioned — $50 million per year — which is crazy,' Hinas told Petrovic. 'I get that Hapoel Tel Aviv draws attention because we're spending money. I counted 37 players who were linked with us. It's good we'll have three rosters, because when you have 37 players, it makes things easier (laughs). To be serious — it's not true. There was no interest, and no one approached him.' In 75 regular season bouts for Denver, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points on .449/.323/.661 shooting splits, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds a night. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.


Newsweek
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Russell Westbrook Could Receive Historic Offer From EuroLeague Team
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. This NBA offseason is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet — potentially packed with record-breaking action and plenty of movement. For the seventh straight season, the league will see a different champion crowned, marking the longest such streak in NBA history. More NBA news: Hall of Famer Don Nelson to Wear Luka Doncic Shoes in Protest of Mavericks Trade That kind of parity has given nearly every team a sense of hope heading into next season. With belief spreading across the league, expect a flurry of blockbuster moves and major roster shakeups as teams look to capitalize on what feels like a wide-open championship window. NBA commissioner Adam Silver is certainly getting what he wants, and while many are opposed to it, a great deal can change in the coming months. Nonetheless, a ton of players will be on the move, and one name that could fall under that category is former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. Not only will NBA teams have their eye on Westbrook, but so will EuroLeague powerhouse Hapoel Tel Aviv. According to European basketball reporter, Nemanja Zoric, Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to make Westbrook an offer "never before seen in European basketball." Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after dunking the ball against the LA Clippers during the fourth quarter in Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on... Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after dunking the ball against the LA Clippers during the fourth quarter in Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 03, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. More Photo byEuroCup Champions Hapoel Tel Aviv are expected to make Russell Westbrook an offer 'never before seen in European basketball' 👀 (via @zoric_nemanja) — Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 4, 2025 Fresh off capturing the EuroCup title, the Israeli club is aiming high as it gears up for its first appearance in Europe's top-tier competition — and they've reportedly set their sights on the 2017 NBA MVP. While the chances of Westbrook leaving the NBA remain slim, Hapoel Tel Aviv could try to change the conversation by making a serious push. Westbrook holds a $3.4 million player option for next season, and after putting together a solid campaign, there's a chance he bets on himself and tests the market. The nine-time All-Star is coming off a solid season, as he averaged 13.3 points per game, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 44.9 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from three in 75 games in his first season with the Denver Nuggets. Westbrook is clearly not the same player he was with the Oklahoma City Thunder; nevertheless, he does the little things at times that contribute to winning basketball. We saw that last season with the Nuggets at times, and we'll see if another team gives him a fair shot. The former UCLA product has just completed his 17th season in the league, having played in 1,237 games. Westbrook is undoubtedly on his way to Springfield when all is said and done. More NBA news: Nuggets' Russell Westbrook Underwent Surprise Offseason Surgery Celtics Send Epic Jayson Tatum Message on Sunday Knicks and Former MVP Have 'Mutual Interest' Amid Trade Rumors: Report For more Russell Westbrook and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.


Time of India
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Is Hapoel Tel Aviv going to be new home of Russell Westbrook? European basketball insider spilled beans on ongoing rumors
Is Hapoel Tel Aviv going to be new home of Russell Westbrook? European basketball insider spilled beans on ongoing rumors (Image Credit: Getty Images) European Basketball reporter Nemanja Zoric shared a fresh update on the rumored offer made to the Denver Nuggets' Russell Westbrook by Hapoel Tel Aviv. He shared that initial talks are on between the European football club and the Nuggets' guard. And the interest is not one-sided; Russell is also sending positive vibes by picking up the phone and actively participating in starting discussions. On X, Nemanja Zoric wrote: 'Hapoel Tel Aviv has made initial contact with former NBA All Star Russell Westbrook. Im told the Eurocup champions are planning to make him an offer with a salary never seen before in European basketball.' Is Hapoel Tel Aviv going to be new home of Russell Westbrook? European basketball insider spilled beans on ongoing rumors (Image Credit: Getty Images) The high point of this impending association is the salary. It is being speculated that the deal offered to the Denver Nuggets' star is too good to refuse and will be a ground-breaking figure. Russell Westbrook is at a stage where he should be exploring new opportunities. He is almost at the end of his NBA career with only one year of the contract with the Denver Nuggets remaining in hand. Hence, the rumors around the new offer coming his way are definitely good news for him and his fans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ready to Live in 3 & 4 BHK from ₹4.65 Cr* in Sec 22 Ambience Creacions, Gurugram Learn More Undo But, is the new offer really lucrative, or is it just that Russell wants to test new waters? The question is roaming around a lot because of the fact that European players are not paid as lucratively as NBA players are. For instance, the NBA veterans' highest salary is $10 million, while Stephen Curry reportedly takes home $56 million from his NBA contract. But in European Basketball, the only talk-worthy package is that of Nikola Mirotic, who made news with his three-year, $29-million contract with Barcelona. It was the highest package in European Basketball. How much money is Russell Westbrook making currently? Russell Westbrook has a player option in his contract with the NBA, and his 2025-26 season will fetch him $3,468,960. To be ready to make a move to a European franchise, the pay package offered is expected to be mammoth. However, the player at 37 may need to make some adjustments as regards to salary to arrive at a feasible proposition. Russell has investments in US ventures and also takes home millions from endorsement deals with top brands like Nike, Samsung, and Pepsi. He is a part investor in a pizza chain and is associated with the clothing line 'Honor the Gift.' All these associations and investments have helped him build an estimated net worth of $300 million as of May 2025, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Also Read: Denver Nuggets Point Guard Russell Westbrook's sweet gesture for a South Korean NBA fan wins heart Hence, Westbrook's going to Europe to be a part of a new team will make sense only when the offer is gigantic enough to match the income he generates as an NBA player. Back home in the NBA, he is yet to win a title, and with ongoing reformations in the team, a player may have a chance at it, should he choose to hang up his cleats as a Denver Nuggets player.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Thousands mass for funeral procession of Israeli hostage killed in Gaza
Thousands lined the streets around the Israeli commericial hub Tel Aviv on Friday for the funeral procession of Tsachi Idan, a hostage killed in captivity in Gaza. The development engineer was abducted from his kibbutz of Nahal Oz during Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. He was taken to Gaza with his hands covered in the blood of his 18-year-old daughter Maayan Idan, who had been shot dead in front of him as the family hid in a safe room. Hamas handed over his body and those of three other hostages on Thursday in exchange for more than 600 Palestinian prisoners. It marked the final swap under the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal that took effect on January 19 and ended more than 15 months of war in the Palestinian territory. Mourners gathered for a memorial service at Bloomfield Stadium, home ground of Hapoel Tel Aviv, the football club Idan supported. Hundreds of fans stood in the stands, many of them weeping and waving the clubs red colours alongside the national flag. "Tsachi Idan, red forever," banners around the stadium proclaimed. In their speeches, Idan's relatives asked for forgiveness for not having been able to bring him back alive from the Gaza Strip. "I am parting from my older brother and I ask his forgiveness, on behalf of all of us, for returning in a coffin and not on his feet as he left," said his sister Noam Idan Ben Ezra. Photographs of Idan with his family were projected on a giant screen, with the words "Tsachi Idan our hero". Uncle Yigal Idan also asked for forgiveness and criticised Israel's leaders who "did not know how to bring you back in time". "Sorry I didn't shout loud enough... and that the state forgot you," he said. Between the speeches, Idan's family and supporters sang the national anthem in hushed tones. Afterwards, the funeral procession made its way to the burial site in Kibbutz Einat, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) away. lsb-dms/acc/lba/kir