While Yannis Sapropoulos ‘status is “not even close to being on the agenda,” according to a Maccabi Tel Aviv source, the Yellows’ roster is definitely expected to undergo a “makeover” for next season and following the failed campaign in the Euroleague. The candidates to join, the players who may vacate their seats and the big question mark – all here below.
First, the players Maccabi may part with: Elijah Bryant will try his luck in the NBA and is not expected to continue, as will Tyler Dorsey, who is attracting a lot of interest from a few Euroleague teams; The disappointing Dragon Bender should not continue either, and there are those in the club who are also calling for a release from Ante Žižić’s contract, with the aim of building an athletic and threatening front line, similar to the successful experience with Quincy Acey and Tariq Black.
Meanwhile, Maccabi Tel Aviv have marked Devin Boker from the Moscow elusive as one of the leading candidates to strengthen the domestic positions and even submitted an offer to him, but are expected to face a stubborn battle on the part of other Euroleague teams. The club also follows Gershon Yavosla from Willerban.
While some players are expected to leave, Maccabi Tel Aviv intend to exercise the option on Chris Jones, and are debating how to deal with each other on Othello Hunter, who is highly regarded. Omri Caspi holds a contract for next season and the team environment estimates that the club will try to break free from the contract, but the move will be implemented only mutually and with full agreement on both sides.
Another plan at the club is to sign TJ Leaf at position number 4. The player has decided to stay in the United States until the end of the season, and he is still being paid by Oklahoma City, but is expected to leave for Europe next season. Angelo Cloiaro holds a contract for another season and will remain, as will John Dibertolomeo and Scotty Wilbkin.
The biggest question mark is about Yuval Sussman. The guard will become a free agent, but the Yellows will be able to compare any offer he receives by August. Sussman is attracting a lot of interest from Oded Katash’s Panathinaikos, who appreciates him highly, and it is currently estimated that Sussman will leave the Yellows.
