There are no active discussions between Russell Westbrook and Hapoel Tel Aviv, contrary to recent online speculation. The rumors claiming otherwise have been debunked as a complete social media fabrication.
This inaccurate rumor was started by a profile on X masquerading as hoops journalist “Marc Jacobs.” According to the deceptive account, the former league MVP was highly interested in an international stint, and talks between Westbrook and Hapoel were reportedly moving forward.
Russell Westbrook watches the action at the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge. NBAE via Getty Images
Although the post cited The Athletic as its source, the publication never released any such news. Reporter Philip Lewis later pointed out that the profile behind the rumor was actually a satirical account.
The story gained traction when The Jerusalem Post ran a piece elevating the rumor from shared interest to active, deep discussions. However, ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel was unable to verify any of these claims.
To date, no reliable proof exists to suggest that Westbrook is in talks with Hapoel Tel Aviv. Neither side has announced a deal, and the Israeli franchise has not verified any ongoing dialogue with the 37-year-old playmaker.
This incident highlights Westbrook as the most recent target of a rising wave of sports-related fake news on X. Deceptive parody handles frequently copy the identities, avatars, and writing formats of genuine journalists, making fake reports look authentic to hurried social media users.
Profiles like “NBA Centel” and “SharmsCharania” have accumulated substantial audiences by sharing fake basketball updates formatted to look like major scoops. Similarly, other counterfeit sources have manufactured fictional statements from coaches, fake trades, and internal executive shifts that were later picked up by sports sites and news aggregators.
The motivation behind these hoaxes goes far beyond merely going viral. As highlighted by Front Office Sports, X’s revenue-sharing program based on user engagement allows these accounts to profit from spreading fake news. Furthermore, Awful Announcing noted that several of these copycat journalists use their fake scoops to advertise betting and prediction markets.
Rumors of Russell Westbrook holding advanced talks with Hapoel Tel Aviv are false, originating from an online prank. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
Because Westbrook remains an unsigned free agent, the fabricated story easily gained traction.
The ex-Lakers playmaker has yet to sign a new deal following a season with Sacramento where he logged averages of 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. He previously faced a slow-moving market in 2025, eventually signing a single-season agreement with the Kings just ahead of the season opener.
While his next professional home is still up in the air, a transition to Tel Aviv is definitely not on the horizon.
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