In a recent wave of speculation surrounding offseason moves, Hapoel Tel Aviv’s general manager, Giorgos Hinas, has firmly dismissed rumors linking NBA star Russell Westbrook to the club. Amidst reports suggesting that the Israeli team was poised to offer a staggering contract of $50 million per year, Hinas labeled these claims as “100% fake news.”
Hinas addressed the rampant rumors during an interview with Basketball Sphere, where he noted, “I understand that Hapoel Tel Aviv draws attention because we’re spending money. But I counted 37 players who have been linked to us. It’s almost comical.” He continued with a light-hearted tone, “It’s good we’ll have three rosters because when you have 37 players mentioned, it makes things easier (laughs). But to be serious — it’s not true. There was no interest, and no one approached him.”
The speculation regarding Westbrook’s potential move to Hapoel Tel Aviv has stirred excitement among fans, but Hinas’s comments clarify that the club is not pursuing the former MVP. Westbrook, who has had an illustrious NBA career, is currently a free agent after declining his $3.4 million option with the Denver Nuggets. His future remains uncertain, with several teams potentially in the mix for his services.
As the NBA offseason progresses, the rumor mill continues to churn, with various players being linked to different teams. Hapoel Tel Aviv, known for its ambition to bolster its roster, has found itself at the center of these discussions. However, Hinas’s statements indicate that the focus may be elsewhere, particularly as the team looks to finalize negotiations with other players.
In addition to addressing the Westbrook rumors, Hinas confirmed that Hapoel Tel Aviv is actively interested in Vasilije Micic, a talented guard who has garnered attention from multiple clubs. “He’s one of the players we’re interested in, but so are other clubs,” Hinas noted, highlighting the competitive nature of the offseason.
The buzz surrounding young players in the NBA has also been a topic of conversation. Recently, Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder made headlines by becoming only the ninth player aged 24 or younger to score 40 points in an NBA Finals game. His performance has drawn comparisons to legendary players, including Westbrook, who achieved a similar feat in 2012.
As fans eagerly await the next moves in the NBA landscape, the focus remains on how teams will shape their rosters for the upcoming season. Hapoel Tel Aviv’s commitment to building a competitive team is evident, but the speculation around high-profile players like Westbrook serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the offseason.
In summary, while the excitement of potential signings continues to capture the imagination of fans, Hapoel Tel Aviv has made it clear that the rumors surrounding Russell Westbrook are unfounded. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how teams navigate free agency and what surprises lie ahead.