Whitehead Retires; Former NBA Players Head Overseas
Isaiah Whitehead, a former second-round pick, announced his retirement after playing for the Nets and spending most of his career overseas. Josh Christopher signed a one-year deal with Israeli club Ironi Ness Ziona, while Donatas Motiejunas is close to a guaranteed one-season contract with PAOK Thessaloniki. Matt Thomas agreed to join Unicaja in Spain pending a physical, with the deal covering at least two months and possibly the full season.
Isaiah Whitehead, a Brooklyn-born guard, retired after two years at Seton Hall and being picked 42nd in 2016. He played two Nets seasons, averaging 7.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 89 games, then was traded to Denver and waived. A brief Detroit two-way stint followed, and he later played in Russia, Montenegro, Turkey, Germany, Poland and Israel.
Josh Christopher, the 24th pick in 2021, signed a one-year deal with Israel’s Ironi Ness Ziona. He was with Miami on a two-way contract in 2024/25 and averaged 22.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.0 steals in the G League. Donatas Motiejunas is close to a guaranteed PAOK contract, while Matt Thomas agreed with Unicaja pending a physical.
These transitions may affect basketball fans, overseas clubs, and players’ families as athletes extend careers beyond the NBA. Israeli, Greek, and Spanish teams could gain experienced contributors and added attention, while local leagues may benefit from familiar names. For the players, such deals can provide income, stability, and a route to future opportunities, though health, fit, and performance will shape the actual impact.