The Serbian club are in advanced negotiations with Hapoel Tel Aviv<\/a> center Johnathan Motley<\/a>, first reported Israel Hayom journalist Tomer Givati<\/a>.<\/p>\n Mozzart Sport\u2019s Nikola Stojkovic<\/a> added that Zvezda are prepared to cover a significant part of the American big man’s contract to complete the move.<\/p>\n The Belgrade side would reportedly commit more than $1.5 million toward Motley’s salary, while Hapoel would pay the remaining amount owed under the contract he renewed in March.<\/p>\n Motley was initially reported to have agreed to a two-year, $5 million extension, although the actual value of the deal is believed to be slightly lower.<\/p>\n Motley provides an elite interior presence <\/p>\n The 31-year-old occupied a reduced role in Hapoel’s crowded frontcourt last season, averaging 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in approximately 15 minutes per game in the EuroLeague.<\/p>\n He remained highly efficient, converting 65.4% of his two-point attempts and 48.8% from beyond the arc.<\/p>\n Motley previously demonstrated his ability to carry a much larger offensive workload during Hapoel’s EuroCup-winning 2024-25 campaign.<\/p>\n He produced 16.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while earning All-EuroCup First Team honors and being named the EuroCup Finals MVP.<\/p>\n Should the agreement be finalized, Motley would reunite with Chris Jones, who also moved from Hapoel to Crvena Zvezda this summer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Like what we are doing? Support us by becoming BN+ member.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/bn-plus.png\")
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