NBA star Omri Casspi has rejected the opportunity to move back to Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Casspi, who has spent the past two years in the USA with the Sacramento Kings, had hoped to secure a move home following the NBA lockout.
But a snag over the amount of tax he would be required to pay has persuaded the 23-year-old to consider joining French side Villeurbane along with San Antonio Spurs star Tony Parker.
"Unfortunately, several significant problems like taxes have prevented me from joining the team I most wanted to play for," Casspi wrote on his Facebook page.
"I wish to thank David Federman and Shimon Mizrahi for their sincerity and understanding throughout the negotiations. I have immense respect for both of them.
"I want to thank all Maccabi fans for their love, and at this moment in time I'm as sad as they are."
Meanwhile, Casspi has been left out of the Israel squad to play in the Eurobasket next week after he broke down with a recurring knee problem.
"We decided to put an end to the 'yes, no, yes, no,' situation," said Israel coach Arik Shivek.
"Omri won't be joining us. The current squad players are those who will take part in the tournament, and that's final."
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