NBA forward Oshae Brissett has decided to take his talents overseas by signing with Israeli powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The former Boston Celtics champion has inked a two-year contract with the EuroLeague giants, though financial terms were not disclosed in Tuesday’s announcement. Given Brissett’s NBA championship pedigree and the competitive European market, the deal likely exceeds what he could have earned on a minimum NBA contract.
Brissett, who declined a $2.5 million player option with Boston following their 2024 championship run, spent most of the 2024-25 season with the Long Island Nets in the G League before signing a brief 10-day contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in March. During his championship season with the Celtics, the versatile forward averaged 3.7 points and 2.9 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game, contributing energy and defensive versatility off the bench during both the regular season and playoffs.
Throughout his six-year NBA career, Brissett has established himself as a reliable role player known for his athleticism and defensive intensity. The 27-year-old Canadian has appeared in 233 regular-season games across four teams—Toronto, Indiana, Boston, and Philadelphia—averaging 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. His most productive stint came with the Indiana Pacers from 2020-23, where he averaged 8.1 points and 4.5 rebounds across 153 games.
“I’m joining the most decorated club on the planet, in order to win some more trophies,” Brissett said in Maccabi’s official announcement. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to meet the fans. Let’s Go Maccabi Tel Aviv!”
Maccabi Tel Aviv represents one of European basketball’s most storied franchises, with a rich history in both Israeli domestic competition and the EuroLeague. Most recently, they signed Wenyen Gabriel (former Lakers, Clippers, and Grizzlies forward) in July 2024 and T.J. Leaf (former Pacers and Trail Blazers player) on a three-year deal in June 2024.
“It’s great to bring a former NBA champion to Tel Aviv,” remarked Maccabi Tel Aviv general manager Claudio Coldebella. “From the beginning, he was our first choice. He’s a player who fits our system and his teammates, who can play in various positions, and who, thanks to his athleticism, energy, and desire to compete, is always very useful in many aspects of the game. We can’t wait to welcome Oshae to the Maccabi family.”
At 27, Brissett coould still choose an NBA comeback, and a strong showing in Europe could open doors back to the league, as numerous players have demonstrated over the years. For now, the versatile forward will demonstrate why NBA champions choose Israel as their top destination for international basketball success.
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