Is one of the biggest deals in European basketball history, and Israeli basketball in particular, drawing near?
About two weeks after reports of interest from Hapoel Tel Aviv were denied, reports in the US on Monday night indicated that contacts between the Reds and Russell Westbrook are continuing and even progressing.
Journalist Marc Jacobs posted on X (formerly Twitter) that discussions between the parties “continue to advance,” and if the deal is completed, it will be the former MVP’s first club outside the US. As recalled, according to The Athletic, the star is seriously considering a first career move outside the NBA.
The 37-year-old Westbrook is still a free agent after completing the previous NBA season. Over his career, he won the league’s MVP award, was selected to nine All-Star games, and is considered one of the greatest point guards of his generation. He also holds the all-time NBA record for triple-doubles and was included in the league’s 75th Anniversary Team.
Two weeks ago, Hapoel Tel Aviv was already linked to the star, alongside Panathinaikos and Dubai, though sources close to the club denied the interest at the time. Now, at least according to the American report, the picture has changed, and the possibility of seeing Westbrook in Europe appears more real than ever.
If he indeed signs in Israel, it would be one of the biggest signings ever seen in European basketball. However, at this stage, no agreement between the sides has been reported, but rather advanced negotiations and the fact that the player is seriously considering opening a new chapter in his career away from the NBA.
