Maccabi Tel Aviv is finalizing an agreement to bring in Saben Lee, who is set to join the EuroLeague club soon. Maccabi will pay a buyout to Manisa Basket, but despite the two-year deal, Lee will retain flexibility for the 2024 offseason.

Credit: FIBA
Credit FIBA

One of the most sought-after in-season targets, Saben Lee of Manisa Basket, has made his decision. The four-year NBA veteran is finalizing a deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv, sources confirmed to BasketNews.

Per BasketNews sources, Lee is expected to sign a two-year contract with Maccabi. The contract includes a small buyout clause for the 2025 summer, allowing Lee to explore other opportunities after the season.

This move comes after several EuroLeague clubs and Maccabi expressed interest in Lee early in the season.

In choosing his EuroLeague destination, the 25-year-old scorer prioritized his role on the team and saw Maccabi as the best fit to showcase his skills and potential.

Manisa Basket will receive a buyout from Maccabi as part of the agreement.

Lee made headlines with a blistering start to the season, averaging 39.5 points on 65.7% shooting, along with 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists in his first two Basketball Champions League games.

Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Lee maintained top-level professionalism, scoring 43 points—tying the BCL single-game scoring record—to lead Manisa to an away win against FMP Belgrade this week.

Before his European debut, Lee spent four seasons in the NBA, averaging 5.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 134 games for the Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers.

URBONUS' reaction to Jordan Loyd's departure:

Donatas Urbonas
Donatas Urbonas
Senior Staff Writer
Donatas Urbonas is an award-winning Lithuanian basketball journalist, recognized as the best sports journalist in Lithuania in 2016 and the top basketball journalist in 2018. A Vilnius University journalism graduate, Urbonas has reported on major global sports events, including the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympics, FIBA World Cups, EuroBaskets, NBA Summer League, and NBA Draft.
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