Maccabi Tel Aviv announced Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with NBA veteran guard Keaton Wallace, inking the 27‑year‑old to a two‑year contract reportedly worth around $1 million per season. The deal underscores the club’s intent to blend seasoned NBA talent with its own storied tradition, aiming to reinforce both defensive stability and offensive versatility.
Wallace, who spent two seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, brings a blend of NBA experience and defensive intensity to the Israeli club. In his rookie campaign he logged 5.4 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in just 16 minutes per game, and he later posted a career‑high 27 points against the Chicago Bulls while also notching his first triple‑double.
The signing marks a full‑circle moment for Wallace, who entered the league undrafted after graduating from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He had previously explored opportunities in the EuroLeague before deciding to return to the NBA with the Hawks, a move that culminated in a championship ring last season.
A Strategic Piece for the Yellow‑and‑Blue
Club chairman Shimon Mizrahi described Wallace as the missing piece that completes the roster puzzle, emphasizing the player’s toughness and versatility on both ends of the floor. Mizrahi noted that Wallace’s defensive skill set aligns perfectly with the team’s tactical goals for the upcoming campaign.
Wallace himself reflected on the journey, saying that perseverance and hard work have always been his guiding principles, and he is eager to contribute to the team’s ambitions in the upcoming season. His brother, Cason Wallace, a former NBA champion and top defensive player, also expressed confidence that the signing will strengthen the squad.