Theis seeks an exit from Maccabi after disappointing performance

The bet of Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv on Daniel Theis has not met the expectations placed on the signing. The Israeli club, which presented the German center as one of its major reinforcements for this season, is already contemplating the possibility of parting ways with him if it finds a buyer willing to take on the economic conditions of his contract. The information, confirmed by the sports media Walla Sport, reveals a complicated situation for both parties just ninety days after the official presentation.

A contract that hampers negotiations

Theis signed a two-year agreement in August for a total amount of approximately 4.5 million dollars. The figures reported by some specialized media put his salary at around 2.2 million dollars net per season, making him the highest-paid player in the entire Maccabi roster. This economic aspect represents the main hurdle for any mid-season exit operation.

The European EuroLeague market does not abound with teams capable of taking on a contract of this nature mid-campaign. Most clubs have already finalized their budgets and salary distributions, significantly limiting the options available for the Tel Aviv team. Finding a buyer willing to bear that salary burden presents a considerable challenge for the Israeli sports management.

Performance well below expectations

The performance of the German center in the continental competition has been significantly lower than expected when his signing was completed. In seven games played in the EuroLeague, Theis averages 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2 assists in just over 18 minutes of play. These figures are notably inferior to those he recorded the previous season at Monaco, where he played as a reliable center in the rotation of a contending team.

During his time in Monaco, the German contributed 9.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, with a field goal percentage of 60 percent. The difference between both performances is evident and partly explains the frustration of the Israeli club with the investment made. What seemed like a quality reinforcement has turned into a sporting disappointment that adds additional pressure to a team facing difficulties.

Career that justified the initial bet

The decision of Maccabi to sign Theis was based on his professional history. The center has accumulated seven seasons in the NBA, where he mainly played for the Boston Celtics. Additionally, he has played a key role in the German national teams, being a fundamental part of the world champion Germany in 2023 and the European champion in 2025. These credentials fully justified the trust that the Israeli club placed in his abilities.

After leaving Monaco in June, it seemed that Theis was heading to ASVEL under Tony Parker. However, the negotiation did not progress, and he ultimately accepted the proposal from Maccabi, which offered him a very lucrative contract in economic terms. The competitive reality has shown that the move to Israeli basketball has not represented the expected leap for the German player.

Context of difficulties at Maccabi

The situation of Theis must be understood within the broader context of Maccabi Tel Aviv. The team has only accumulated two victories in nine games played, a record that reflects broader issues beyond an individual player’s performance. These difficulties have led to significant organizational changes, such as the upcoming relocation of their home game venue to Limassol.

This Friday, Maccabi faces an away game against Partizan, continuing its struggle to improve a record that does not meet the initial season expectations. The combination of negative results and the failed investment in Theis generates considerable pressure on the Israeli sports management to make decisions that reverse the trend.

The search for an exit for the German center represents an implicit acknowledgment that the signing has not worked as planned. Although finding a buyer is complicated due to the aforementioned economic reasons, Maccabi does not rule out the possibility of negotiating his transfer if the right opportunity arises. In the meantime, Theis remains part of the roster, although his future in Tel Aviv seems increasingly uncertain after just three months since his arrival.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Theis busca salida del Maccabi tras rendimiento decepcionante