In a stunning turn of events, former Boston Celtics forward Oshae Brissett has left the NBA to embark on a new chapter in his professional basketball career, signing a lucrative two-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv, a powerhouse in the Israeli EuroLeague. The 6-foot-7 forward, a member of Boston’s 2024 NBA championship team, shocked fans by declining a player option to return to the Celtics for the 2024-25 season, opting instead to chase a more prominent role elsewhere. However, the gamble didn’t yield the NBA opportunities he had hoped for, leading to this bold move overseas.
Brissett, now 27, found himself without compelling NBA offers during the first half of the 2024-25 season. In January, he joined the Brooklyn Nets’ G-League affiliate, showcasing his versatility before earning a 10-day contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in March. During his brief stint with the Sixers, Brissett made an impression, averaging an impressive 8.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game across six appearances. Despite this, no NBA team extended a long-term offer, paving the way for his unexpected departure to Maccabi Tel Aviv.
A Syracuse product who went undrafted in 2019, Brissett carved out a six-year NBA career across four teams: the Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers. His time with the Celtics saw him as a rotational player, averaging 3.7 points and 2.9 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game. However, his outside shooting struggled, connecting on just 27.3% of his three-point attempts, which limited his role in Boston’s stacked lineup.
Maccabi Tel Aviv, one of the most prestigious clubs in European basketball, sees Brissett as a perfect fit for their system. “It’s great to bring a former NBA champion to Tel Aviv,” said Maccabi’s general manager, Claudio Coldebella, in a team statement. “From the beginning, he was our first choice. His athleticism, energy, and competitive drive make him a versatile asset who can impact the game in multiple ways. We’re thrilled to welcome Oshae to the Maccabi family.”
Brissett’s move to Maccabi places him alongside other former NBA talents, including Jaylen Hoard and Levi Randolph, forming a formidable roster poised to compete at the highest levels of the EuroLeague. This “budget-breaking” deal signals Maccabi’s ambition to dominate, and for Brissett, it’s an opportunity to redefine his career on an international stage. As he transitions from the NBA to Asia’s elite basketball scene, fans will be watching closely to see how this former Celtic adapts and thrives in his new home.